Consumer PR: OBJECTIVES As the Coronavius pandemic turned the world upside down and the UK went into lockdown, for many of us the quality of our sleep took a hit amid disruption to our routines and worries about our health, families and job security. As the market leader and an authority on sleep, our client … Continued
*warning – contains spoilers* This year’s Great British Bake Off is already off to a promising start with Paul Hollywood’s questionable mullet in the opening sequence, a cake that ended up on the floor (spoiler alert) and the first contestants crowned star baker. Being the data geeks we are at Smoking Gun HQ, instead of … Continued
As digital PR experts, we understand that commanding space in a digital world is integral to any brand’s success, and the list of benefits of a successful, creative campaign is endless. Strong digital campaigns can capture the eyes of the media, helping you build links from credible sources, increase traffic to your website, influence sales, … Continued
In an age where social networks are repeatedly and unashamedly copying features from their rivals, it came as no surprise when Twitter’s new release seemed all too familiar. As experts in social media marketing, we’re not afraid to be up front about the limitations of Twitter as part of a social media campaign, but this … Continued
On Monday 29th June a welcome good news story for the media industry made headlines. The Times — one of world’s oldest newspapers and vanguard of the Murdoch UK empire — realised months of planning and achieved the almost-unthinkable; launching a new radio station in the middle of a lockdown. Brands and PR agencies rejoice, then. … Continued
About – MD of Smoking Gun, Rick Guttridge and Smoking Gun’s data analyst Phil Lynch share key consumer insights and recommendations relevant to businesses in the health and wellbeing sector to help with; strategic brand planning, adapting to a new normal and gaining a competitive advantage by truly understanding the consumer’s current mindset. Rick Guttridge … Continued
PR Agency Smoking ‘Run’ helps run charity marathon It was a proud moment for Manchester PR agency Smoking Gun this month as trainers, sweat bands and even assault bikes leapt into action for a marathon charity event that would see us raising over £16,000 (and counting!) for our great city’s community foundation, Forever Manchester. While … Continued
Consumer PR Product Placement: Objectives Our interiors and soft furnishings client Julian Charles asked us to focus our consumer pr press office outreach on creating sales uplift on key seasonal items – all available to buy from their own website and stand alone stores, pr product placement was a natural route for this challenge. We’d … Continued
How to communicate effectively during the coronavirus crisis and why businesses need to be planning for the long-term now Smoking Gun and Planning Express recently got their heads together to think about ways in which they can help brands during the current crisis and have decided to host a free 40 minute … Continued
Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the TV, someone goes and calls a General Election. Akin to prizing the gates of Hades open, all hell has broken loose since, reminding brands that retaining quality media relations with respected titles is crucial. Events of the last fortnight should be enough to prove … Continued
If you’ve been paying attention over the last decade you’ll know one thing. Smoking Gun is a data-driven expert in PR strategy and measurement. Neither of which are fixed. The way we evaluate campaigns is always changing in line with consumer behaviour. One of the biggest shifts we’ve observed over those ten years until is … Continued
Why stop at global stardom and incredible sales? When our clients work with us, they get the silverware to boot. We’re not into tooting our own horns, but the awards we’ve won with our clients are too good to miss…
amec Awards Winner
Excellence Awards Winner
PR moment.com awards winner
PR Week Top 150
Pride Awards Gold Winner
UK Social Media Communications Awards
Prolific North
Creative Moment
NDA 2023