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Tag: Raleigh PR

What Does Your Neighborhood Say About You?

What Does Your Neighborhood Say About You?

August 5, 2015January 31, 2023 Tracy LathanBlog, In Our Community, Real Estate PRapartment PR, apartments raleigh, best neighborhoods, downtown Raleigh, Raleigh PR, real estate PR

One of the many benefits of living in the Triangle is the multitude of options when it comes to neighborhoods and places to live. Whether you are seeking the right community for your growing family, single and looking for your first place or find yourself with an empty nest looking to downsize, there is a place for everyone. We also know there are a lot of factors that come into play when making a home-buying decision, including location, price, amenities, etc. But how important is the “personality” of the neighborhood and the type of buyer it attracts?

A recent article in the Triangle Business Journal called my attention to a blog post on Movoto titled Where to Live in Raleigh For Every Personality Type. After first reading this, I agreed it could be considered stereotypical, but I believe that there are some important takeaways.

As a long-time Five Points resident, I agree that my beloved neighborhood definitely has a “people-person personality.” Although you get much less house for your money than you would farther out, the eclectic feel, urban convenience and sense of community have kept me here for nearly 15 years.

The article also references the “trendy souls” and the “party animals” that are looking for options in downtown Raleigh. There is no doubt downtown Raleigh residential real estate is booming. One of our clients, The Lincoln Apartments, is preparing for its grand opening in just a few short weeks and, not surprisingly, the target demographic is hip, young professionals in their 20s and 30s who want to be able to walk to work, shops and restaurants.

It makes sense that people want to live in a community with others who are at a similar place in life and who share like interests. They want to be able to connect with and relate to their neighbors. And while we certainly don’t want to stereotype these communities, it can be helpful for those who are new to the area as they figure out the best fit.

Check out the Movoto article referenced above. Do you agree with these descriptions? Did they get the neighborhood’s personality type right?

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Mystery Meals Sweep Raleigh

Mystery Meals Sweep Raleigh

May 26, 2015January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR, TrendsFood Trends, NC food trends, North Carolina restaurants, pop-up dinners, raleigh dining, raleigh food, raleigh food trends, Raleigh PR, raleigh restaurants, Restaurant PR

Contrary to a Charlotte reporter’s infamous claim, Raleigh’s food scene is anything but blase, especially with this tasty twist. The pop-up dinner, the Triangle’s newest culinary foray, appeals to the developing Raleigh palette while satisfying our yen for community and conversation.

And, not to mention, our secret desire for red carpet treatment.

The Mystery Dinner

In its original form, the pop-up dinner featured an exclusive cast of chefs who pulled out all the stops to craft a one-time specialty menu. The guest list touted the “who’s who” of the culinary underground along an elite few “in the know.” Although guests knew the time and date of the soiree, everything else remained under wraps until 48 hours (or sometimes just 60 minutes!) prior to the dinner when…voila! Guests received a clever riddle unveiling the mysterious dinner location. How very Sherlock of us!

Acorn Kitchen, a Raleigh concept known for its distinctive catering, was one of the first to pilot the pop-up trend in the Triangle. Hosted in the courtyard of the Raleigh Architectural Institute, the mystery dinner piqued the interest of culinary critics and acclaimed foodies alike, delivering such social buzz and culinary zest that it has since become a hallmark event.

Pop-Ups with Wide Appeal

The latest iteration of the pop-up dinner has a broader appeal. You don’t necessarily have to know somebody who knows somebody with the secret handshake to enjoy a sparkling evening with fine wine. Ashley Christensen, 2014 James Beard Award recipient, recently launched a pop-up dinner series as a precursor to her upcoming concept, Death & Taxes. With the right ticket price, guests receive a VIP tour by Ashley herself (there’s the red carpet element!) followed by a four-course meal prepared by acclaimed chefs. The difference? The details are known, but the allure of the “backstage pass” remains.

Marketing with Meals

Pop-up dinners can serve a worthy function, too. Restaurants and chefs engage in friendly competition with other eateries to stoke interest in their collective brands. Catering companies, such as Snap Pea, forge a loyal following and engage new customers who may not otherwise have tasted its fare. ChickenWireNC provides local chefs opportunities to showcase their latest dishes to a select few fans and friends. All exclusive, all intriguingly delicious.

Rivaling the classic dinner-and-a-movie, the pop-up dinner pairs entertainment with a five-star meal. Raleigh certainly jumped on the right end of this rising trend—and we can’t wait to taste what’s next!

Any pop-up dinners that we should put on our watch list?

P.S. A special thanks to foodie friends Durham Foodie, Raleigh What’s Up, CookEatLife and FeliciaPhoto for their tasty tidbits about Raleigh’s food trends!

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How to Win with Marketing Contests

How to Win with Marketing Contests

April 30, 2015January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Real Estate PR, Trendscommunity contests, home buying PR, Raleigh PR, raleigh real estate, Raleigh social media contests, real estate contests, real estate PR, social media contests

If I were a realtor, I would hand out fudge. Or hotdogs. Or homemade chocolate chip cookies. Any treat to mitigate the laborious grind of the house hunt. However, with the economy’s upward climb, a proliferation of new housing options have peppered the market, and along with them, a stream of fresh ways to engage potential home buyers.

Home buying might actually be fun again.

Real estate agents, developers and builders alike have re-introduced the age-old concept of the contest but have revamped it in fresh and interesting ways. Potential home buyers now enter a proverbial play ground of incentives, prizes and freebies to ease and expedite their choices. Naturally, the main tenant in real estate appeal still remains the same: location, location, location. But how much can juicy incentives sway a customer’s decision between the his or her top picks?

Successful real estate contests blend creativity, fun and ease with a noteworthy prize—something commensurate with the amount of effort required. And truly effective, engaging campaigns incorporate these three aspects:

Make It Easy: The Harvard Business Review took a close look at marketing variables that affect the “stickiness” of customers—how likely they are to complete a transaction. The bottom-line discovery revealed that the number one factor that influences consumer follow through is the “decision simplicity index,” or simply put, simplicity. In essence, when the task requires too much effort, the customer throws up his hands and walks. The sample principle translates into contests. Applicants shouldn’t be frightened away by convoluted instructions or complex tasks but rather engaged through one or two-step contests that make you think, “Oh, of course, I could do that.”

Make It About Me: Effective contests swing the spotlight onto the potential home buyer, inviting the customer to invest in a personal way rather than tossing their names into an overflowing fishbowl. Ben Marion Real Estate, a California-based agency, asked fans to snap selfies in front of its office sign. Once posted on social media, the photo that garnered the most likes won tickets to see the acclaimed Rascal Flatts in concert. Customers flocked to see their own selfies online and begged friends to visit Ben Marion’s page to vote. Effective.

Make It Worth It: In preparation for its May 16 grand opening, Wendell Falls— a new-home community in Wendell, North Carolina (and Clairemont client)—invited potential home buyers to enter for a chance to win something big: $50,000 towards a new home in Wendell Falls. How much is $50k? This eye-popping prize–approximately the same amount as the average American’s annual household income–attracted several hundred contestants to throw their hats into the ring with heart-warming stories and some whacky selfies. Who wouldn’t?

We have to give a high-five to Wendell Falls and ad agency partner Roni Hicks for incorporating all three of the “it” factors into its contest as well. With only a few words to write and fun selfies to snap, fans enjoy spotlighting their own personalities in an easy, accessible process. Well done, team!

(P.S. This is your official invitation to attend the May 16 Grand Opening Event at Wendell Falls where the winner will be unveiled. Join us to see a successful campaign unfold!)

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Blogger Spotlight: Molly Stillman

Blogger Spotlight: Molly Stillman

April 13, 2015January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Oh Momma Monday, Social Media + Influencer Engagementblog advice, bloggers, Raleigh moms, Raleigh PR, social media advice, trifabb network

Author of the prominent blog, Still Being Molly, and founder of the renowned TriFABB blog network, Molly Stillman strikes a refreshing blend of glam and earth. She deftly juggles the demanding roles of professional blogger and professional mom (because face it: what mom isn’t?), planning high-profile soirees with one hand while dishing out toddler Cheerios with the other.

Clairemont has been honored to partner with Molly on several projects, and we’re excited to spotlight this trend-setting mom in our “Oh Momma Monday” blog series.

Why do you blog?
Molly:
I blog because I love to be creative, but I also love to share with and inspire others. Whether it’s an outfit idea, a DIY project, a recipe, a financial tip, or even just a personal story or anecdote, I love sharing it all with my readers.

How do you juggle parenthood and blogging?
Molly: It is tough and is a constant learning process. I work A LOT during nap time…pretty much as soon as my daughter goes down for nap, I am working until the time she wakes up. I also work at night after she is in bed. You just have to fit it in where you can. I really try to make sure that work doesn’t distract me from time with my daughter.

Tell us the scoop: what makes a good blog post?
Molly:
For me, a blog post is a success when the reader walks away having learned something, having been inspired to do something or change something, or having laughed. I just want people to feel like they are hanging out with an old friend when they are reading my blog.

The million-dollar question: what started all this fun?
Molly: I had a LiveJournal in college (if anyone remembers what that was), and I used to just write stories, jokes and other random things. After I graduated college in 2007, I shifted my blog and just started writing for fun. I was an English major in school, so creative writing was how I flexed those “creative muscles,” if you will. It then just turned into a bit of a chronicle of my life and grew with me. I never, ever imagined my blog would turn into what it is today!

We’re ready for the backstage tour. What do you do when you’re not blogging?
Molly: I am probably chasing my toddler or hanging out with my awesome husband, John. I am also heavily involved in my church and have a great group of friends.

If your daughter could blog, she would say…
Molly: A car! A bird! A plane! A duck! A doggie! Chips! Crackers! Mommy! Daddy!

What are Molly’s top three “faves” right now? (Take note! She’s a trend-setter!)
Molly: Chipotle. All day. Every day.
The Blacklist (best. show. ever.)
La Croix sparkling water. I drink that stuff all day long!

Thanks to Molly for giving us the inside scoop on the life of a successful blogger (and a mom, at that!). Check out her tips and trends–from fashion finds to kid-friendly recipes. What questions do you have for Molly?

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Trends Tuesday: Doorstep Delivery

Trends Tuesday: Doorstep Delivery

March 17, 2015January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Marketing, Trends2015 communication trends, communication trends, customized PR, PR trends, Raleigh PR, subscription boxes1 Comment on Trends Tuesday: Doorstep Delivery

The trend kicked off circa 1910 with the Wells Fargo Wagon, a legendary red coach that hand-delivered goodies to America’s townsfolk. Nearly a century later, the doorstep delivery concept has emerged as one of the nation’s leading economic trends. America has shifted from the traditional brick-and-mortar shopping experience in favor of online subscription delivery services, a new business model that curates and tailors a box of items to fit your preferences. Best of all, your personalized package appears weekly on your porch, as if by magic. Voila.

Subscription Boxes: All the Rage
With manageable shipping charges and forgiving return policies, subscription boxes have permeated nearly every sector of retail. The stalwart Birch Box, for example, boasts nearly 800,000 active global subscribers who enjoy its grooming and lifestyle products. Pet owners pamper their pooches with customized collars and flavored toys from Bark Box, while Lego fans stock their arsenal with Brick Loot‘s specialty items. (Bonus tip: Check out this review from a special Clairemont friend, Pugnacious10.)

What’s the Draw?
What happened to the traditional haul to the mall? Our harried schedules combined with our waning attention spans drive consumers to seek instant gratification. But this burgeoning trend reveals even more about the American psyche. Forbes.com suggests that consumers may thrive off of the adrenaline of a weekly surprise or crave the ego boost of hand-picked packages.

Customize Your Com
Communication trends, too, must respond to the public’s yen for customized experiences. Apple’s app, News360, allows users to hand-craft a newsfeed, and Facebook personalizes its infamous ads based on the user’s recent internet searches. (No doubt my newsfeed will be jammed with Loot Crate‘s promos after this blog.) Our audiences won’t settle for the traditional “spray and pray” public relations methods. From media pitches to tweets, effective communication stands on the three-legged stool of specificity, individuality and tailored timing.

For a Little Retail Therapy…
Then again, some of us just plain like to shop. And if that’s the case, check out these top 20 box picks. Our favorite, however, is our own client’s freshness in a box . Papa Spud’s is a North Carolina CSA (Community Supported Agricultural) service that delivers local, seasonal groceries straight to your door—from fresh produce, dairy and meat to granola, chocolate and jams.

Timely AND tasty!

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clairemontcommunications

Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media pl Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc (client) today, and rumor has it that @blah2voila has already been hamming it up with Dell! We know you want a selfie with Dell to post on Pigstagram, too!
We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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