If there’s one thing we enjoy more than PR - it’s writing about cars. So, what better blog to write than one about some of our favourite, inspirational automotive PR and advertising campaigns in recent years? The great benefit of public relations for automotive manufacturers is that each one already has a collection of global fans, who are already anticipating the brand’s next move.

This means that when a new campaign’s released (as long as it’s impressive), it’s almost guaranteed to receive positive feedback and stick at the forefront of an audience's mind.

1. Lexus: driven by intuition
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Shot by Oscar-winning Director Kevin Macdonald, the Lexus Driven by Intuition uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to select the common elements required to make a script. From there, additional and unique data from the Lexus brand was added to keep things original and create an advert written entirely by AI.

The advert amassed nearly 100,000 views on YouTube and depicts the perfect collaboration between man and machine. The story seamlessly demonstrates how the new Lexus ES, self-charging hybrid model is designed to predict the driver’s intentions, as well as road and traffic conditions.

Watch it here:

2. Mustang: Speed Dating
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Perfectly timed for valentine’s day, Mustang released their Speed Dating video on YouTube to help address the outdated cliché that woman isn’t very good at driving.

Ford selected its pick of young actors who thought they were auditioning for a new dating show by meeting up with the show’s lead star. Unbeknown to them, she was a professional stunt driver who quickly invited them to play passenger in her Mustang. She starts by pretending she’s struggling to drive, then kicks into full stunt mode and shows them her high-speed skills.
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With millions of YouTube views, the video quickly went viral. Be warned, you can’t watch this video without a smile creeping across your face (watch it and see for yourself). 

3. Ford: Try More
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Advertised via social media and TV, Ford’s Canadian ‘Try More’ campaign was devised with an interactive, experience-led element in mind. The ultimate goal was to encourage potential customers to try new things, subtly alluding to the brand’s redesign of its core models.
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Ford hosted a series of live events with activities such as axe throwing, bull riding and MMA open for people to test out, all while showcasing its new models onsite to encourage attendees to test drive the models and experience the redesigned vehicles in action.

4. BMW: Road to Coachella
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As Coachella’s first-ever automotive sponsorship partner, BMW’s target audience for this campaign was millennials and Generation Z, perfect for those attending Festival. The BMW #RoadtoCoachella campaign hired singer Khalid to create several designs for a fleet of BMW i plug-in hybrid vehicles that were positioned at several ‘pit-stops’ on the road to Coachella, which featured competitions, concerts and food trucks.

Using ten influential celebrities to bolster and boost the campaign, these influencers documented their journey to Coachella, posting and sharing social media content to raise the campaign’s profile and encourage Coachella attendees to document their own #RoadtoCoachella using the hashtag.
The campaign also featured well-known Coachella performers, including Marshmello and Hans Zimmer’s all-star orchestra.

​For automotive PR services based in Huddersfield, get in touch with us via the contact button today for a free consultation.

 The number of social media users worldwide in 2018 was 3.196 billion, up 13 percent year-on-year.

This is why it’s so important to have a business presence on social media. The trick is to think carefully about the content you want to present, and who your audiences are for each channel. Once you’ve done some research and written your posts, scheduling them using one of many online tools is an excellent idea for saving time and resource.

There are several social media scheduling tools available for start-ups, small businesses and independent businesses to use, but in the spirit of keeping this simple, we’ll focus on Buffer and Hootsuite. These two tools are both key players that have been around the block and adapted with the market.

Buffer

The basics
Using Buffer, you can link your Instagram Business, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google+ and schedule social media posts in advance, directly to your chosen channels. You can also access insights and analytics for each of your channels within the app or desktop site.

Costs and packages
If you’re using Buffer to schedule posts for three social media channels or less, the free starter plan is ideal, allowing you to forward-schedule ten posts per channel. Add up to eight social media accounts with up to 100 posts per channel for $15.99/£12.43 per month on Buffer’s pro plan. Buffer also caters to bigger businesses, with larger business plans available, priced at $65 and $99 per month respectively. Each of these plans allows you to add extra team members and schedule up to 2,000 posts per channel.

How simple is Buffer to use?
Not as simple as we hoped. Users should allow a little extra time to get set up with Buffer. Most importantly, you’ll need to locate your on-screen keyboard to access emojis (worth noting that we’re using Windows here). Don’t read the how-to guides online, they’re overly confusing. Just search ‘on-screen keyboard’ on your Windows menu and it will pop up. Make sure you pin it to your taskbar for easy future access.

Another obstacle with Buffer is the extra steps involved in setting up Instagram posting. Now Instagram has altered its API to allow direct scheduling, this should be very simple. With Buffer the set up is overly complicated. You have to go through a verification process, make sure you have the app installed and then turn mobile notifications on. Unfortunately, the last step can’t be skipped, and the app didn’t allow us to set up notifications (even after reinstalling), so we’re still using the Buffer reminders to log in and post manually to Instagram. This isn’t the end of the world and does copy the message text and image across for you but can be risky business if you don’t have time to check your phone.

On a serious plus side, their overview page is very clear and simply shows how many posts are currently scheduled for each channel linked to Buffer.

Hootsuite

The basics
Hootsuite is a social media service which allows you to plan and schedule your social posts in advance. Using Hootsuite, you can link your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest accounts.

Costs and packages
Similar to Buffer, Hootsuite offers a free plan that allows you to link up to three social media channels and schedule up to 30 posts per month. For £25 per month, you can add 10 social media profiles and benefit from unlimited scheduling. The next package up is for marketing teams and costs £99 per month. This gives you the option to add up to 20 social media profiles, 3 users and unlimited scheduling.

How simple is Hootsuite to use?
There’s a lot to love about Hootsuite. It’s been LIT Communication’s go-to social media scheduling tool since we launched, and for good reason.

You can link your social media channels in a few simple steps. To check or edit posts once they’re scheduled, the publisher page conveniently displays each post along with the planned time and date in, also allowing you to filter by channel to quickly see the content you’ve scheduled for the week.

Once you’ve worked out what all the symbols mean, it’s simple to get started. There’s an emoji tool built into the scheduling section, so no need for any additional keyboards. You can also build reports, but we recommend getting to grips with the basics before you start analysing results.

Summary
Hootsuite is the clear winner in our opinion. It’s easier to set up (anything for less short-term frustration) and the free plan includes 30 posts to schedule, not limited to ten per channel like Buffer. For some reason, Instagram is 10x simpler to setup on Hootsuite, and because the photo-sharing channel is more popular than ever in influencing buying decisions, it’s important to make sure the right posts go out at the right times.

Whichever scheduling tool you use, both have multiple how-to videos and guides to follow to help you get started, so no matter which you pick, this will inevitably simplify your social media posting and ensure you spend less time worrying about individually posting on each account.
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If you have any questions on social media management, LIT Communication is more than happy to help. Simply read our other blog posts for more handy social media tips or send us an email to hello@litcommunication.com

At LIT Communication, we always recommend that our clients share regular content on their business blogs. You’ll be surprised how many people actually read the blog on your website, and the positive results that news stories and industry updates can generate.

SEO boosting
Updating the blog or news section on your business website is a simple way to help with online visibility and business growth. Particularly when it comes to search engine optimisation (SEO). By strategically selecting the keywords you choose to use (based on what your customers search for to find your website/service), you can help boost your position on Google and appear higher in the search results.
For example, if your potential customers are searching for the term ‘PR in Huddersfield’ and you include these specific keywords within your blog post, you’re immediately helping strengthen your appearance in the search results for that search term. Each time you post a blog post, you add an extra page to your website for search engines to index, which in turn, means more opportunity to drive new traffic to your website.

Lead generation
Posting regular company or industry news updates/blog posts goes a long way to help with lead generation. It may take valuable time to pen an engaging blog post, but the pay-off is long-lasting. Once your blog posts are ranking in search engines, they’ll continue to gain traffic, which will eventually convert to leads as the content becomes increasingly visible online.

If your potential audience is already considering using your services or buying your products, reading a great blog post might be the very thing that encourages them to go for it.

Building brand awareness
Blogging is an excellent way to increase the awareness of your brand via digital search and social media (especially important if your website is new). The more expertise you share, the more chance your brand has to be seen by a new audience, and the more they’ll recognise your brand’s name when it pops up, taking them further on your customer journey. During this time, you’re also building up important ‘owned’ content which you can use on your other marketing channels, including social media and newsletters.  

Showcasing expertise
Creating content that’s helpful to your audience, also helps attract new interest in your product/service and impress existing customers. This will cement your industry expertise and help grow the authority of your business.

On the LIT Communication blog for example, we share lots of industry insights and tips to help customers get on top of their business marketing. The topics we write about are inspired by real-life problems our potential customers experience. We also see people missing out on opportunities to market their business effectively, from small things such as using hashtags incorrectly to bigger fish like missing out on maximising their company news and achievements.
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You can view all the latest LIT Communication blog posts here. If you need specific advice on what to blog about or would like support with writing content for your website or blog, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help you create some engaging content – hello@litcommunication.com

MyNetwork Huddersfield
Held once a month, MyNetwork Huddersfield is an informal, free networking event run by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and held at Huddersfield’s local business hub – the Media Centre. There’s no need to book, and the purpose of this event is to network with other great businesses and make some new valuable contacts.

Where? Café Ollo, The Media Centre
When? Every third Wednesday of the month. Check Media Centre’s what’s on page for exact dates.

Huddersfield SOUP
Another event held at the Media Centre; Huddersfield SOUP is a business event with a difference. The event focuses on socially crowdfunding new business ideas in Huddersfield, and for a £5 entry fee you get the chance to hear four local people pitch their ideas ranging from art, social enterprise, education, technology and more. You also get a bowl of soup to help you warm up on these cold winter nights’ while you’re listening to some great ideas.

Where? Café Ollo, The Media Centre
When? Once a month – find out when the next event is being held over on Huddersfield Soup’s website.

Huddersfield Business Show
Bringing together over 40 local business exhibitors and over 300 delegates, the Huddersfield Business Show is held at John Smith’s Stadium annually. As well as being able to meet and connect with other local businesses, the show features an extensive programme of seminars, workshops and networking opportunities.

Where? John Smith’s Stadium
When? The Huddersfield Business Show is an annual event held around October time.

Network B2B
Organised my Network B2B, this weekly networking event is one for the early risers and allows attendees to share business advice and network. One positive aspect of this event is that only one attendee from each business category can sign up each week. Keep in mind that you need to pre-book and pay a £15 fee to attend.

Where? Manor House, Lindley
When? Every Thursday morning from 7.15-9am

Head to the Network B2B website to book your spot.
 
Speed Networking
This one’s reserved for Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (MYCCI) members and is held on the first Thursday of each month at a local location. This event is set-up like speed dating, so it’s an excellent way to meet lots of different business owners/representatives 1 to 1 and create new business leads (and hand out a few business cards along the way).
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Where? The location can differ, with previous events held at the Textile Centre of Excellence and Manor House.
When? The first Thursday of every month. Check when the next event is being held on the MYCCI website.

CSince the promotion of Huddersfield town last season and a rumoured boost in investment towards the future of Huddersfield (HD One), we’re beginning to notice a positive change in the perception of our beloved West Yorkshire town.

While neighbouring Halifax has had a flurry of government investment and been the beneficiary of floods of subsequent tourism, Huddersfield has been slower to catch up. Business rent in the area is significantly higher than bordering towns/villages and many retail stores have tried and failed to make a permanent home in Huddersfield. The result? Empty buildings and a lack of investment in the town centre.

While Huddersfield continues to claim back popularity, we’ve explored some of the independent businesses going against the grain – helping to boost Huddersfield’s presence and strengthen the town’s business and tourism prospects.

Om is Where the Heart Is
A great spot to find your zen and sample some delicious homemade grub, Om is Where the Heart is has been occupying space in Slaithwaite since 2016. With a purpose-built yoga studio and an attaching restaurant/bar, Om has rocketed in popularity in the past couple of years. The energetic husband and wife team have gradually grown the business,  increasing both their yoga and their dining offering. As well as a large selection of staple menu items, there’s a daily specials board - the gift that keeps on giving.

Tip: Visiting for food? Sample the all-mighty tacos, you really won’t regret it.

Magic Rock Bar & Brewery
If you haven’t been to experience an evening in Magic Rock – you’re seriously missing out. Founded in 2011, Magic Rock brewery has pumped out some of the UK’s most popular beers, including the Salty Kiss and Highwire. Their on-site brewery is something to be marvelled at (you can even book an in-depth tour to learn more about how it all works), and their on-site bar is equally impressive. Choose your poison of choice from a big chalkboard behind the bar, then head to the outdoor seating space to pick up some street food from one of the many vans they have stationed there each weekend.

Tip: Check their social media accounts to find out which of the many local street food truck’s they’re hosting throughout the month. From bao buns to vegan mac ‘n’ cheese – there is something for everyone. There's also free parking on the street nearby.

Colourcube Automotive
We recently had the pleasure of visiting Colourcube Automotive to meet the amazing team that consists of Liz and Mike (husband and wife, naturally). Be warned, this is not just any bodywork repair company. Colourcube only use the best equipment and their humble front office leads out into a monster workshop – ft. onsite spray oven, water-based mixing system and proper extraction to minimise the environmental effects (you won’t see many independent Bodyshop’s with this type of equipment!).

These guys take health & safety seriously and have fast become known in the area for their remarkable vehicle repair expertise and friendly service. Ask your colleague or neighbour to recommend an automotive Bodyshop, and it’s more than likely that they’ll point you in the direction of Colourcube.

Tip: Call in when you next need a bodywork repair and take a peek at the impressive facilities for yourself.

Top Bodies Gym
We’re yet to find a gym which rivals the community/family atmosphere of this one. Situated in the town centre and run by two brothers, Top Bodies has been in Huddersfield for over 30 years. The owners and the gym members really know their stuff, and there’s always someone on hand to help you with your squat technique. The gym also has a penchant and reputation for bodybuilding – becoming the stomping ground for several male and female bodybuilders each year as they get competition ready. Top Bodies is also equipped to provide valuable expertise on bulking up, cutting down, posing and prepping for your upcoming competition.

Tip: Try it out and see for yourself – one-off training sessions are only £3.50.

The Golf Travel People
Situated in Holmfirth, The Golf Travel People is five-star rated on Trustpilot for a reason. Run by golfers and aimed at golfers, the travel operator provides a personal touch for its band of loyal customers. They recently rebranded and added an exciting line-up of new destinations to their offering.

What we love the most is that you can’t book online. The Golf Travel People encourage you to ring up and chat to them so they can tailor your golfing trip completely to your needs. They also meet regularly with their suppliers, making sure they only offer the best breaks and hotels to customers.

Tip: Check their social media each accounts each week for exclusive deals on golfing breaks in Europe and beyond. They also have an exciting competition running until the end of October for two people to win a five-star golfing break to Tenerife.

As well as these fantastic businesses that are helping to put Huddersfield on the map, Huddersfield boasts a range of exciting events throughout the year (both for business and residents). Look out for our upcoming blog post on business events in Huddersfield.

Comment below if you’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these exciting businesses.