Make the most of christmas pr opportunities

Say Yes to Yuletide opportunities through effective public relations,  says HJi's PR expert Louise Wood. It’s not called the Christmas rush for nothing and while you’re packing in the appointments for customers don’t forget to maximise your PR, marketing and retail opportunities - for everyone. Making PR stories around what you do is easy and all you need to do is tap into your creativity and stay aware.  Sometimes creating PR is in your own hands and Christmas is the time you can make news for yourselves. Your busy salon can be transformed into a destination specialist boutique for all things hair, so make it happen by looking to the big boy retailers like Debenhams and M&S for inspiration. Fill your window on the world with a stunning display and make sure you place beautiful product gift boxes and desirable electricals front and centre. Wow factors like giant glittery baubles and flying 2D reindeer are easily found on-line. Don’t forget to beef up your seasonal opportunities with your social media and showcase your gift list with tempting pictures and descriptions. Once you are looking all festive and both news worthy and noteworthy, then make the most of the buzz around Christmas with your local media by getting in touch with your business neighbours to run a ‘Best Christmas Window’ competition, supported by customers and create a lovely winning package that connects your business community. Together with your business peers, you can nominate late-night shopping days in the weeks before the big day and offer mince pies and bubbly. Team up with local choirs for carol singing for a local charitable cause and make sure that every last local journalist drops by with a photographer! Why not write up a party hair guide to send to the press, perhaps hand deliver it with a Christmas hamper of party products for the press to enjoy – remember it’s all about making a lasting impact.  Once you have created the piece for your press you can also post on social media and even get it designed up, printed and used as a hand out to customers?  We're always thinking of how much mileage you can get out of one good idea. Contact the local papers and glossy lifestyle magazines in your area, giving them a step-by-step guide to creating easy party looks at home and if you don’t have imagery of your own then speak to your manufacturer. And extend an intimation for a member of the press team to come in and have a complimentary trial for a party style. Lastly, and this is another story that your press would love, you could guest a local boutique to bring a selection of fashion jewellery, handbags, scarves and accessories for a little profit sharing and call it the ‘Christmas Edit’. Pre-publicise your boutique guests in showcards, social media and text to encourage those customers and walk-ins to shop in-store and while they’re there you can give them a little incentive to book in January! Now that will make a Merry Christmas, but before you hang up your stocking, remember to book your New Year editorial competitions and new year make-over editorials…..that is always a favourite with the press!