A good PR strategy could make or break your business during this pandemic. Darla and Natalie are fans of doubling down and forging ahead—and so is PR guru Andrew Joseph. The industry is pivoting quickly and what was evergreen before isn’t relevant anymore. The whole world has shifted. Every magazine and publication is changing quickly to follow suit. 
So what is a designer to do? Andrew Joseph shares his PR advice in this episode of Wingnut Social—everything from content to pitch to ways to propel your business through this pandemic. If you’re ready to find a way to get YOUR design business to the forefront of the industry, don’t miss this one!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:46] Natalie saved Darla’s life
[2:15] Andrew Joseph joins Natalie and Darla again!
[5:37] The first indicator that the industry was pivoting
[9:30] How Andrew’s firm is pivoting during the crisis
[13:27] Pitches that might be well-received in April
[16:10] The value of working with a PR firm
[20:33] What a new client can expect
[25:18] Who comes out on top?
[28:42] Find a way to give back
[30:32] What up Wingnut: Golden Girl Edition
[32:18] Be your own PR company
[35:43] Blooper Reel!

Connect with Andrew Joseph
Andrew’s 1st Episode on Wingnut Social
Andrew’s Personal Instagram
Andrew Joseph PR Instagram
Andrew Joseph PR on LinkedIn
Andrew on Twitter
Andrew’s PR Website

Resources & People Mentioned
The Chaise Lounge Podcast
Christina Juarez’s Caftan Challenge
Aspire Design And Home
Amy Flurry’s Book Recipe for Press
Wingnut Social Episode with Amy Flurry
Cheminne Taylor-Smith
Sustainable Furnishings Council

What a PR Firm can accomplish for your design business
Andrew has been busier than ever, despite losing two clients. Someone’s contract was ending and she wanted out of her last month's payment. But he dug in his heels and gave her some advice: “Make that last payment and take advantage of everything I can deliver for you”. People don’t always realize the value of what a good PR firm can offer—no matter what stage of your business that you're in. 
You are paying your PR firm for their expertise in the industry, their reputation, and the connections they’ve developed over their careers. They know the decision-makers and will pitch the right ideas to the right people. They know the audience, the landscape, and the players. 
Andrew wants to build long-term relationships with his clients. To do that, he employs “middle-of-the-road” pricing. He knows his competition charges more, but he would rather be “an affordable luxury” to have long-term clients. 
Buckle-down with your PR strategy
NOW is the best time to captivate an audience. The 50% uptick in social media usage gives you a HUGE advantage. You will beat out the competition if you take this time and double-down with your strategy. Andrew Joseph agrees—don’t bury your head in the sand and hope to come out intact on the other side. 
If you can’t afford a PR firm or social media strategist, buy Amy Flurry’s book and DIY it. Be your own marketing and PR firm. Get active across social media platforms and get yourself in front of your audience. Social media and PR are long games—you need to start early and build momentum. 
In the rest of the episode, Andrew shares some pitch ideas that may give you an edge over the competition. We also talk about what he’s doing to give back during the pandemic and how to be authentic and sensitive during the coronavirus crisis. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor 

www.curreyandcompany.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @Curreyco
On Instagram: @Curreyco

 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes by
PODCAST FAST TR