Explore UT 2012: The “Arts & Crafts” of PR Messaging

Explore UT 2012
photo courtesy of ExploreUT.com

Students from all over came to Explore UT on Saturday, March 3, to experience a day in life of a Longhorn on the 40 Acres.

While so many children found themselves wanting to grow up and be in college, I think the Tower PR members who put on The “Arts & Crafts” of PR Messaging felt more like kids again that afternoon than we had in a long time. Maybe it was the Disney Pandora station we had blaring, the Lorax movie clip we shared in our brief presentation, the coloring activity we did with the kids, or simply the kids themselves, but whatever the cause, there was a joy about the room and on campus that encouraged everyone to take advantage of the opportunities this event made available.

In each session, our creative director, Emma Cuellar, lead a presentation explaining public relations to the students. Our major can be hard to define, but with the help of a clip from the Lorax, the task was relatively simple. The Lorax tells the audience in the movie, “I speak for the trees.” We explained to the students that as PR practitioners, we speak on behalf of organizations, sharing what they do and do not stand for with the public.

One Tower PR member, Claudia Reséndez, an account associate for our Texas Exes account, highlighted what work our team does to promote the alumni organization. Specially, she shared the involvement we had with “Texas Fans Make Us Proud,” which promoted respectful, friendly and passionate sportsmanship and representation of our university.

We spoke to students that traveled far and wide to be with us. They all seemed to enjoy creating their own mock PR campaigns and film brief presentations on their campaigns.

Everyone has a message they want to share with the world, a care or a cause. This weekend we promoted our cause, Texas public relations, during “the biggest open house in Texas.”

In one afternoon, we were able to capture so many great mock press conference clips of those who attended our sessions. In these mock press conferences, our guests promoted their campaigns, which ranged from supporting soap operas to be on TV 24-7 and manufacturing super hero serum to give everyone super powers!

Meg Weiss
Candlelight Ranch
Account Associate

Below we have posted the winning press conference videos.

For more information on Explore UT please click here.

March Member Spotlight: Shoshanah Garber

Shoshanah Garber, Texas Exes Account Executive

Now that Tower is back from Spring Break, we would like to recognize Shoshanah  Garber as March’s Member Spotlight. Garber has done some fantastic with the Candlelight Ranch account and she currently serves as an account executive for Texas Exes.

Here’s what she had to say regarding her college experience and working with Tower:

How long have you been with Tower? I joined tower in spring 2011, and worked as an account associate for our Candlelight Ranch account. Last fall I became one of the account executives for Texas Exes.

Are you currently interning? If so, where? What type of work? I’m not interning anywhere currently, but most recently I interned for the City of David in Israel. I did online marketing for the archeological dig on English travel websites.

What do you enjoy most about working with Tower? I love the people I work with and the fact that we all help each other learn so much. It’s great to have the opportunity to work with my peers and know that we are all learning from each other while we do real effective work for our clients. It never seems like one associate is “the new guy” or has any less to offer everyone else, regardless of whether he or she is a freshman or a senior.

What motivates you to work with non-profits? I work now with Texas Exes. Being a proud Longhorn, I definitely have a strong personal motivation to work with this nonprofit association because it does so much for this University that I love.

If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life what would it be? I would have to say Cole World by J Cole. I just can’t see it ever getting old to me.

Garber and her family in Israel

What book do you thing everyone should read? I think everyone should read (or should have already read) the BFG by Roald Dahl. I’ve never been a big reader, but I think I read every Roald Dahl book when I was young.

What is the best memory you have from Tower? I had a great time when we went to a trampoline park for one of our Tower Hours. One of my coworkers taught me how to do a back flip!

What are your post-graduation plans? I don’t expect to graduate until Spring 2013, so I don’t have any specific plans yet for when I do. I will spend my senior year trying to figure out exactly what aspect of PR I want to go into and will try to get an internship in that field. I’ll most likely do my internship for credit during the summer of 2013 and see where that takes me.

Any thing interesting you think people should know about you? I love traveling and new experiences, and I hate routine. I think I learn a lot and grow from every new place I visit. I hope someday to visit all seven continents.

Be sure to stay connected with us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest on Garber and Texas Exes!

Keep up the great work,

Kaitlyn Williams

Social Media Officer

Taking advantage of SEO as a PR practitioner

Julia Alaniz, Tower Alumna and SEO Specialist

The last time I contributed to this blog, I was wrapping up my last semester of my senior year in May 2010 and interning at a digital public relations agency. Since then, I’ve veered away from public relations, but lately, I have found myself piecing together a lot of what I learned back in college and PR internships into what I do now as an SEO specialist for Houston SEO & PPC firm, TopSpot Internet Marketing.

Just how the public relations landscape changes quickly, the SEO landscape does as well and eventually, I think SEO and PR are going to cross paths (some would argue that they have already). For a future PR professional or just someone interested in PR, I think that it’s beneficial to know a few things about SEO and how it relates to your PR efforts.

So…what is SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In my own definition, I’d describe what I do as increasing the visibility of my clients in search engines (mainly Google). Now there are many things that me and many other SEO specialists do to achieve this, including keyword research, website analytics, content strategy, website usability and the list goes on… Ultimately, I’m trying to help my clients be found by their target audiences on the Internet and provide target audiences with the right information, level of trust and confidence to take their business to my clients.

Now that you have an idea of what SEO is, here’s what I think you should also know:

1) Know your target audience. Know how they are searching. 

Ever heard of Google Analytics? When installed on your website, it can give you a ton of insight into your target audience in terms of their searching patterns. The keywords or keyword phrases they are using to find your website can be incorporated into press releases, website content, blog posts, tweets, Google+ updates, etc.

It’s free and can add a whole new level of research for your PR campaigns.

2) Media Relations. Use it to your advantage.

Google is constantly making algorithm changes. It’s how they remain the top search engine that 9 times out of 10 spits out what you’re looking on the first page. One of their latest algorithm changes has to do with how “fresh” content is on your website. How do you keep content fresh as a PR professional?

Easy.

Does your client have a press or news section on their website? Has it been updated recently?

What about a blog? How often is it being updated?

Google likes relevant and timely content and a lot of times, timely content will take precedence over other search results. Use media relations to your advantage. If you have news to share, don’t just pitch it to reporters; put it on your website, too.

And don’t forget to use those keywords you found from above.

3) Link love.

Every site on the Internet has a Value / Authority and a level of Trust. This is how Google robots distinguish what’s relevant and what’s not to give you the best search results.

One of the main ways a website can up its Authority and Trust is by other sites linking to it.

When I was working in PR, I spent a lot of time getting product reviews, running contests with products and working with bloggers to feature the product I was promoting. Little did I know at the time that I was creating backlink profiles for my clients that most SEOs dream about. Every time I got a product review, the blogger linked back to my client. Every contest that was run, bloggers linked back to my client. And then the bloggers friends who were bloggers linked back to my client. And bloggers tweeted about it. And they threw it on Facebook. And now they are probably adding them to Google+. Links, links, links all because the content was worth sharing.

You’re creating news stories, social media posts, infographics, blog posts, videos, pictures as part of your campaigns. Make your content and campaigns worth sharing.

4) Do what you know how to do already. Social media.

I don’t need to harp on this too much because social media strategy comes pretty naturally nowadays for PR professionals. But I do encourage more YouTube use and the adoption of Google+.

YouTube videos often make it to Google search results and they stand out.

Google+ posts can make it to Google search results as well, as posts in search results OR as Featured People or Pages. Twitter and Facebook don’t…for now. Encourage your clients to get on Google+ and update it regularly, even more than other social networks. Also, don’t forget to verify your site and make use of Circles. The more Circles you have and the more users who have you in their Circles, the more Google will like you.

If you’d like to learn more about SEO, I suggest checking out SEOMoz. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in the subject. Also, I’m happy to answer any questions. Feel free to reach me through Twitter @juliaalaniz or Circle me on Google+.

Julia Alaniz, May 2010 Tower Alumna

A Few Tips from Morris Denton of Edelman PR

Morris Denton, Executive Vice President at Edelman

This week, Tower was pleased to have Morris Denton from Edelman at our meeting. Denton is currently the executive vice-president and general manager of Edelman Austin. He received his bachelor’s in advertising and public relations from Texas Christian University and a master’s in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  He has worked for various employers including, IBM, Leopard Communications and Cunningham Communications.

Edelman  is the world’s largest independent public relations firm that generates nearly $500 million in fee-based revenue worldwide and employs more than 4,000 people in 60 geographic locations. Denton says the firm has been successful because of employee’s creativity and diversity. He says that ideas and stories are very important to driving coverage and consumerism to their clients. He says, “When we win, we win because of ideas.”

Below are a list of tips Denton shared with our associates:

 Find an industry or market that you are passionate about. Denton says a lot of time and effort is required in order to be successful in the public relations industry. He says it is a lot easier to put in the long hours when  you’re genuinely passionate about the product or brand you are working for.

If possible, seek companies or agencies that has a diverse client portfolio. Denton says that working for a diverse organization has its perks. He says it exposes you to different industries and the ways in which that industry’s public relations differs from others. Denton suggests working with various clients (or accounts) to see which industry interests you. This is a great way to gain experience and expand your area of expertise.

 Determine how the company or agency will help you achieve your career goals.  Denton says that you should always think ahead with regards to your career.  In other words, how is your current job (or the job you are interviewing for) fit into your career goals? Often, one’s first few jobs determines the area and the trajectory in which their career heads. “It’s important that you think like a chess player,” says Denton, “You need to be thinking two moves ahead.”

Before the intervier, do your homework.  Always come prepared for the interview. Coming prepared for the interview means thoroughly researching the company and the position for which you are applying. Denton says it’s important to know the company’s clients, objectives and competitors. He also states that one should always come prepared with questions for the employer, this shows knowledge of the company and the industry.

Once again, Tower would like to thank Morris Denton for attending our meeting. We appreciate him sharing his industry insight with us.

Kaitlyn Williams
Social Media Officer

February Member Spotlight: Allison Price

Allison Price, Candlelight Ranch Account Executive

We are well into the month of February and Tower would like to recognize Allison Price, an account executive for Candlelight Ranch. Price is a senior public relations major who is also pursuing a Business Foundations Certificate. Since joining Tower,  a little over a year, she has made major contributions to the Candlelight account.

Here’s what Price had to say regarding her experience with Tower:

Are you currently interning? If so, where? What type of work?  I am interning with WCG. It is a digital agency that has an office in downtown Austin. I work with consumer and healthcare clients, measuring their Share of Voice online, contributing to engagement content and will also be doing some analytics work in the coming months.

 What do you enjoy most about working with Tower?  I love all of the people I have met! Everyone brings something different to the table, so I am always learning something new.

What motivates you to work with nonprofits?  I love knowing that I can put my talent to a good use. This is my third semester to work on the Candlelight Ranch account and it is rewarding to know that I can help children with the skills I love. 

Price and her sisters, who first introduced her to Celine Dion

If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life what would it be? All the Way…A Decade of Song by Celine Dion. I have been a Celine Dion fan since I was in elementary school when I went to two of her concerts with my older sisters. One of my earliest memories is having one of her cassette tapes and listening to Power of Love over and over. Oh, cassette tapes.

What book do you thing everyone should read? Oh, The Places You’ll Go!  by Dr. Seuss. I was given this book the year I was born and I try to read it as much as I can, especially after a good round of applying to internships/jobs. It refreshes me and reminds me to live in the moment and remind me to continue working hard for what I want.

What is the best memory you have from Tower.  My best memory is from visiting Candlelight Ranch last spring with Kelsey and Neja. The visit gave me a visual for how my hard work was being used. It is such a beautiful escape and I can’t wait to take the Candlelight Ranch account team there this semester!

Price and friends in Paris, France

What are your post-graduation plans?  My current internship has alreadyshown me that I want to work on the digital side of PR. I have a soft spot for Austin, but I would not mind working anywhere. My ultimate goal is to put my seven years of French classes to use and work in Paris.

 Be sure to stay connected with us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest on Price and Candlelight Ranch!

Keep up the great work,

Kaitlyn Williams

Social Media Officer

Tower Alumna Yolanda Borrego Has a Job to Truly Relish

Hotdogger, Tower Alumna Yolanda Borrego

As a recent Texas Ex and alumna of Texas Tower PR, I am more than happy to report that I am living the dream driving a 27-foot long hot dog on wheels. Yep you read that right, after the all-nighters and semester long campaign projects, I hit the road driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and am now going by the name of Yoli Bologna during my one year coast to coast wiener roast.

So what exactly is it that I do you ask. Well, hopefully this guest alumni post will help you learn how driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is actually related to Public Relations.

Behind the Wheel...

In a normal week I not only drive the iconic vehicle into a new town but I am also a brand ambassador, Oscar Mayer spokesperson, media generator, event planner, entertainer and blog reporter.

As one of 12 lucky dogs that cut the mustard this year from over 1,500 applicants I have learned a bunderful amount of PR skills that will definitely help me continue into my professional life in the communications field. From media training, working with a globally recognized PR agency, crisis training, event planning, social media and media relations there isn’t a single portion of PR that I haven’t touched in this job AND the best part is I have had the time of my life traveling our beautiful country.

Oscar Mayer Hotdoggers

So if you think you too have an appetite for adventure I encourage you to look for jobs outside the bun just like this one. And, if you are a soon to graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin interested in this franktastic opportunity we will have a Info Session on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in BUR 116. Hope to meat you there!

Yolanda Borrego
Hotdogger, UT & Tower Alumna

New Semester, New Associates…

New Tower Members 2012

It’s time to dive into client work and Tower set out to find more associates to join our firm.  Our recruiting goal for this semester was to bring creative and diverse individuals, who are seeking hands-on public relations experience.  After reviewing more than 40 resumes and applications, Tower proudly accepted 7 new associates.

Most of our new associates are pursing degrees in public relations, however, some of them are fluent in multiple languages and have interests in traveling, community service and entertainment.  We are confident  their creativity and skills, including: writing, branding and social media, will complement and enhance those of existing Tower members.  We look forward to working with everyone and hope that together we can develop unique and effective branding for our clients, while expanding and promoting our firm.

On behalf of Texas Tower PR, welcome.

UT Career Services
Casey Anderson
Kathleen Hersey

Candlelight Ranch
Landon Horan

Theatre Action Project 
Austin Malcolm
Alyssa Ely

Texas Exes
Colby Foss
Claudia Resendez

Once again, congratulations!
Kaitlyn Williams
Social Media Officer