Public Relations – SAMSONPR

Corporate Visibility, Public Relations, Social Media

SamsonPR Launches Dedicated Social Media Practice to Drive Executive Thought Leadership and Corporate Visibility

Reading Time: 3 minutes

San Francisco, CA – October 31, 2024 – SamsonPR, a tech-focused growth PR agency known for its results-driven tier 1 media approach, today announced the launch of its dedicated social media practice, aimed at helping clients amplify their corporate brand and executive voice in today’s highly competitive market. This new practice supports companies in navigating the complexities of social media strategy on LinkedIn and other key platforms, while also providing a comprehensive program to build thought leadership for top executives.

SamsonPR’s social media practice offers a dual focus: it manages corporate social media presence with a strong emphasis on LinkedIn, allowing companies to present a cohesive, professional and impactful voice in the digital space. Additionally, SamsonPR provides a strategic executive program designed to elevate the profiles of key leaders. Through tailored content and targeted engagement, SamsonPR builds visibility and authority for executives, positioning them as influential voices in their industries.

The launch of this new practice reflects SamsonPR’s commitment to driving thought leadership and value-driven communication in the evolving landscape of PR. By offering both social media and content development solutions, SamsonPR aims to empower clients to stand out in their industries, enabling them to connect meaningfully with their audiences and shape industry conversations.

“The value of a strategic social media presence has never been more vital for both companies and their leadership teams,” said Scott Samson, founder and CEO of SamsonPR. “People buy into people, not companies and products. This means that executives’ brands, profiles and visibility are critical links to drive sales, especially during high-growth stages of a company. But it’s often overlooked in the PR mix. SamsonPR is changing that. Our new practice not only helps our clients build a strong social presence but also develops the individual voices of their executives, enhancing their visibility and influence in a way that reinforces corporate values and elevates industry standing, ultimately driving growth.”

As part of its broader commitment to content development and thought leadership, SamsonPR’s new social media practice includes services such as strategy development, content creation and performance analysis to ensure impactful, consistent and resonant messaging. This approach allows both corporate and executive accounts to maximize engagement and reach on LinkedIn and beyond.

For more information on SamsonPR’s social media practice and services, visit www.samsonpr.com or email info@samsonpr.com.

About SamsonPR
SamsonPR is a growth PR agency for tech companies with teams in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. The agency’s approach is focused on top-tier visibility. SamsonPR leverages its long-standing media relationships to tell the right story at the right time in front of the right audience. The agency implements category-specific, data-driven PR strategies to help tech companies lead in their industry categories – the perfect trifecta to empower product, sales and marketing: Tier 1 media relationships + deep domain expertise + a disruptive story. SamsonPR works with leading, disruptive, high-growth tech companies to accelerate growth through public relations, thought leadership and social media. For more information on SamsonPR, please visit www.samsonpr.com.

October 31, 2024/by Scott Samson

About Our Team, Public Relations, Q&A Series

Q&A Series: Our Founder

Reading Time: 5 minutes

What is one thing you’d tell a CEO about PR?

Invest in yourself. Have a separate budget for your own thought leadership program and check in with your PR team ongoing. Building your own brand as a CEO is critical and often overlooked by most CEOs. When PR sits with marketing, the marketing team has specific KPIs to reach to get new customers – it becomes more about corporate and product PR, and sales enablement (which is important). CEO visibility doesn’t always come into that mix. It’s separate. And the benefits are unparalleled when done right.

Think about many of tech’s most known founders and CEOs through the years. Steve Jobs. Tim Cook. Marissa Mayer. Mark Zuckerberg. Jeff Bezos. Ginni Rometty. They all invested in building their own brand as a CEO, and when you think of their company (or former company), you think of that leader. That’s PR at its finest.

As Bill Gates once said, “If I was down to my last dollar, I would spend it on public relations.”

I like to think what he meant is if I was in a make it or break it position, I would invest in myself to make sure I’m visible and relevant – that’s when opportunities present themselves.

It makes sense. Research shows that over 80% of B2B buyers have already picked a winning vendor before they are in contact with a sales rep, and 70% of the purchase process happens anonymously before buyers engage with sales, according to a recent 6sense survey.

Taking a step back, how did you get into PR?

I got into PR when I was about 18. My mother worked in marketing for a big tech company, and I used to help her with tasks like direct mailers and producing marketing collateral. While still in high school, I got exposure to the world of marketing and communications. When I went to college, I naturally gravitated toward communication studies with a focus on public relations. I’ve been working full-time in PR since I was 19 years old. For me, there was a trifecta that made PR right: I love people, I love storytelling and I love media. At the end of the day, I’m just a storyteller. That’s how I introduce myself to people when they ask what I do.

What excites you most about PR?

PR is exciting because it’s fast-paced, and every day brings something new. It combines two things I’m passionate about—working with people and telling stories. I love interacting with different people and helping them share their innovations with the world. Especially in tech PR, we’re helping founders and CEOs grow their businesses by making their innovations known, which is incredibly rewarding.

Can you tell us about a memorable media win?

One of my favorite media wins was early in my career, right after college. I was working on one of the largest environmental campaigns, called America’s Wetland: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana. This was before Hurricane Katrina, and very few people knew about the devastating coastal land loss in Louisiana. I pitched the story to CNN’s Headline News, and it resulted in multiple three- to four-minute segments running throughout the day. The sheer impact it had made me realize how powerful PR can be in raising awareness and influencing change.

Why did you decide to start SamsonPR?

After working with companies like Criteo and Quixey, I realized that my strength lies in helping tech companies accelerate their growth. I saw a gap in the market—larger PR agencies weren’t suited to the needs of earlier-stage tech companies with smaller budgets. The structure of traditional agencies didn’t work. I wanted to build an agency that delivered expert-level PR without all the agency nonsense, so I assembled a “Dream Team” of high-level experts who could provide results without clients having to rely on junior staff to carry the weight. And it’s worked well for us.

What sets SamsonPR apart from other agencies?

Our clients view us as true partners rather than just another agency. We fully integrate with their teams, from marketing to product and sales, to understand their business deeply and help it grow. Instead of a cookie-cutter approach with junior staff, our clients work with experts who bring specialized knowledge and relationships to the table. We focus on results and long-term growth, and our clients appreciate that we are in it for the long haul, building their brand awareness and making a lasting impact.

To what do you attribute SamsonPR’s success and growth?

Our growth stems from two key areas: our team and our relationships. I believe we’ve built the best team in tech PR, filled with smart, caring individuals who genuinely want to help our clients succeed. That care shows in our work, and clients recognize it. Our clients often reward us by sending referrals our way, which is a testament to the great relationships we’ve built and the results we deliver.

It’s been a challenging time for tech companies. How can PR help in tough times?

It’s been a tough few years, and many companies tend to cut PR budgets during downturns, which is a big mistake. When times get tough, companies should actually double down on their PR efforts. No one wants to be the best-kept secret. If you stop your PR efforts, it will only get harder to generate sales in an already difficult environment. PR helps keep your company visible, and in tough times, visibility is key to survival and growth.

What should tech companies look for when hiring a PR agency?

First, know your goals and budget. If your budget is under $50,000 a month, avoid mid- or large-sized PR agencies—they likely won’t give you the attention you need. And most are set up with the exact structure of a small agency – a small team within the agency with their own P&L. They just come with a much higher price tag. There is a major trend in PR where major tech companies and brands are now opting for smaller agencies, and it’s making a big difference.

I recommend opting for smaller, specialized agencies that work with experts familiar with your space. Look for deep media connections and a track record of success in your industry. And be prepared for a long-term partnership. PR is about building sustained momentum, not just quick wins. It takes time, but pays off!

To get in touch with Scott Samson directly, please email him at scott@samsonpr.com

October 24, 2024/by Mikael Disandro

About Our Team, Public Relations, Q&A Series

Meet Angela, SVP at SamsonPR

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Q&A with Angela Petersen, SVP at SamsonPR: Navigating the World of PR and Tech

How did you get into PR?

Well, here’s the true story—I actually wanted to go into politics. My plan was to become a press secretary, but my college didn’t offer public administration, so I ended up studying public relations instead. When I graduated in 2008, which was a tough time to find a job, I had a choice: move to DC for an unpaid internship or take a position in fashion PR. I chose the latter and realized that fashion PR had openings because it was a tough, high-turnover industry. I worked in fashion PR for a few years until tech started merging with consumer PR, with brands like Birchbox and Stitch Fix coming up. A tech PR agency noticed my consumer experience and brought me in, which is where I learned the ropes of B2B tech and fell in love with it.

Would you say things just fell into place for you?

Absolutely. Things just aligned, and each step shaped my career in ways I didn’t expect.

What excites you most about PR?

One of my favorite PR stories is about how casual Fridays were actually a PR campaign started by Levi’s. I love seeing the cultural impact a great campaign can have. It’s my dream to create something with that level of influence. I’m driven by how creativity in PR can not only transform companies but also resonate with broader culture.

How important is creativity in PR?

It’s essential. Creativity allows you to see opportunities where others don’t and turn them into compelling stories. Without it, PR would be dull, and there’d be no room to stand out.

What would you say to companies that are considering ramping up their PR efforts?

PR is more important now than ever. With so many platforms available, it’s not enough just to have a presence—you need a strong strategy to cut through the noise. That’s where an outside perspective becomes crucial. PR helps amplify your voice in a crowded market.

What’s your role here at Samson PR, and how do you help companies?

I oversee all the accounts and work closely with marketers and founders on their messaging. My role is a mix of quality control and strategic guidance. I’m like a second pair of eyes, making sure everything that goes out is high quality and connects with the right audience. Essentially, I want our team to be seen as an extension of our clients’ teams—helping them tell their story in the best way possible.

How would you describe the team at SamsonPR?

It’s a very eclectic group with strong personalities, which I love. We don’t follow a traditional formula. Instead, we try new things, which leads to some great, unique ideas. Working with people who don’t always think like I do has pushed me to grow and be more creative.

Can you share a PR win that stands out for you?

One of my favorite moments was securing coverage for a client in the Wall Street Journal, which led to them landing new business. But another memorable experience was with a client whose big partnership news fell through at the last minute. We had to pivot quickly, putting together a data blog to get some coverage. It wasn’t easy—I spent the day on the phone with media outlets, making calls and pushing for attention. But in the end, we got the coverage, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the hard work pay off.

What advice would you give to tech companies looking to invest in PR?

Invest the time and effort into PR. It’s essential to add your personal touch to make campaigns effective. Be ready to share your thoughts and take bold steps—your authenticity will make a huge difference. Don’t wait. The longer you delay, the more difficult it becomes to stand out, especially in a crowded market.

Given the recent market challenges, do you think now is the right time for companies to ramp up their PR efforts?

Absolutely. The market is moving fast, and companies that don’t keep up risk being left behind. It’s more important than ever to be visible and stay ahead of the competition. The earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be in the long run.

October 22, 2024/by Scott Samson

Public Relations

Authenticity Matters: What Founders and CEOs Can Learn from the Blake Lively Controversy

Reading Time: 4 minutes

What can we learn from Blake Lively? Founders and CEOs beware. This generation of demanding authenticity has started with entertainment and celebrities, but it’s coming for businesses soon!

Taking a step back, it’s been a PR nightmare for Blake Lively as she set out to promote her new film, It Ends With Us.

If you’re living in a dark hole and not on TikTok where it’s exploded, a quick summary:

Blake Lively is promoting her new film. The subject matter is heavily around domestic violence – something important and not to be taken lightly. Reports emerged of her feud with the director and co-star Justin Baldoni – with two different cuts of the film. And this article is not about taking sides of who is to blame and who did what. It’s about reputations being damaged and an emerging PR crisis in particular.

On TikTok, videos have emerged of Lively being rude to reporters and fans. And long story short, she seems to be getting canceled, and fast. Baldoni dealing with his own potential blowback hired a top notch crisis PR veteran.

TikTok content creators are claiming they are getting DMs telling them how to address/speak about the situation. And it seems to be getting out of control.

Fans are now craving authenticity. Many of the celebs have operated with a PR approach that worked decades ago – but that PR approach has never changed. Set up press junkets and interviews, and tell the reporters what they may or may not ask. In other words, manipulating and spinning media coverage and exposure to be in their favor and on their terms by exerting power over reporters, and now trying to do that with content creators.

No thanks says this new generation! They are asking their own questions and giving their own opinions on how the interview went.

And for those celebs that fall short, are rude, get caught on video doing one thing while claiming to be something else… Social media platforms like TikTok are providing a platform for creators to reach the masses and tell their story, while drawing a line in the sand. And ruining images and careers in the process. Rightfully so, or not. It’s happening.

Lively made some pretty big mishaps that have come to light. She approached the promotion much like the Barbie movie telling fans to get to theaters with friends and wear floral. While at the same time she is promoting two of her other brands – a hair line sold at Target and sparkling beverage product Betty Buzz. Fans are saying she is tone deaf – promoting alcohol mixers while promoting a movie about domestic violence. The two don’t mix well.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 55% of domestic abuse perpetrators were drinking alcohol prior to assault. Women who are abused are 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol.

So, is Lively tone deaf? The fans have spoken and they think so. The damage is done and her reputation may never bounce back.

Back to business – corporate America has a lot to learn from this. Social media platforms are giving people the ability to spread information very quickly.

Over the next decade, we will see more and more platforms emerge that hold businesses accountable for their actions. And it will heavily influence 1) people working within your company and 2) potential partners/vendors/investors doing business with your company. While social media platforms will allow people to disseminate information to lots and lots of people that have a huge impact on a company and their Founder/CEOs reputation, we’ll see additional B2B platforms emerge that help evaluate leaders, how they are perceived and if you should be doing business with them. It will have a profound impact on leaders that are frankly, not nice and/or not authentic.

What we saw happen with Blake Lively, and several other celebrities recently, is coming to corporate America. If your CEO isn’t authentic, people are going to know. For a long time, companies have been evaluated on product and revenue. But newer generations are demanding more. They want to ensure a company they are buying from, working for, partnering with or acquiring, aligns with their values. Leaders that are bullies, or unpleasant and even unethical, will lead no more in a new age of social media.

We’re already seeing this trend emerge. Not too long ago a furniture company CEO was recorded in an all-hands telling employees to “leave pity city” in response to a question about how they are supposed to stay motivated if they don’t get a bonus. According to reports, the same CEO took home $5 million in compensation. Her message did not go over well and blew up on social media, causing a major PR crisis.

The major takeaway? This is only the beginning for founders/CEOs now operating in a world where all stakeholders want authenticity, transparency and at the end of the day, to know they are working with someone that shares their same values. You can be an amazing leader and boss while still being kind and empathetic. You can be a visionary while still treating people the way you want to be treated.

About the author:

Scott Samson

Founder & CEO of SamsonPR, a technology-focused PR agency

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsamson

September 30, 2024/by Scott Samson

Public Relations

Stop Leaving Out the Wow in Your Press Releases

Reading Time: 2 minutes

by Mikael Disandro

In the PR gospel, chapter seven verse four, the lord of PR said “To be considered complete, a press release shall covereth the 6 W’s of the news: the what/who/when/where/why and for Pete’s sake, please don’t forget the wow.” Subsequent translations would interpret the wow to mean the “why should we care” part. Simply put, the wow factor in a press release is the part that makes a reporter actually want to cover your news for their audience.

Now, notice how wow is not in all caps above. That’s right. The wow factor of your press release doesn’t have to wear a bunch of bells and whistles. It can just be the part where you relate a market problem you’re solving, reveal something important a reader may not have known, or share an aha moment related to your news. It’s the reason someone who doesn’t know you or your business will care to read an article about this news. The funny thing is that the wow factor of a press release can be just as effectively delivered quietly or with dramatic flourish, as appropriate. The key is to deeply examine your news and honestly assess the kind of excitement it may drive within a given market or space, and then tone your release appropriately throughout.

A few tips to to craft your wow press release messaging

Don’t get lazy!

Many press releases are mainly geared at creating a digital footprint for your news – but they are still an investment of time, resources and money, so make them count. It’s worth it to find and call out the wow factor every time you put a story out there.

Stick to solid language and concepts

Avoid gimmicky or self-serving language, and stick to talking about quantifiable, tangible qualities of the news like uniqueness, or specialty, being first-to-market or patented. NOT groundbreaking or ambiguously amazing. Reporters tend to look past hyperbole or attempt to disprove it – neither response is what we seek with a press release.

Be open!

If you suspect your story doesn’t have a little bit of the wow factor, make the time to reconsider other strategies or tactics that better align with the nature and magnitude of your news. You may come up with a different approach like offering an exclusive or folding in with another announcement.

Hope you find this makes press releases even easier to get out that door!

Happy hunting all!

July 12, 2024/by Mikael Disandro

Public Relations

The Secret’s in the Sauce: How to Land Tier 1 Media Coverage

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Scott Samson

One core differentiator at SamsonPR is our focus on Tier 1 media, and our unique approach that allows our clients to generate this level of media coverage.

Step 1: Identify what is considered tier 1 media (which will vary for every company).

To be considered tier 1, media outlets should have strategic reach and/or be widely read to give your company both substantial validation and credibility while also reaching a big audience for you; including business and tech publications such as TechCrunch, Insider, Bloomberg, CNBC, WSJ, as appropriate.

It’s important to remember that trade publications are critical to the equation. In your industry, there may be 10-15 trade publications. While many of these we may classify as tier 2 or 3, there are typically 2-3 major trade publications in your industry that are highly read with a very specific audience that you’re selling to. It’s critical to be in these publications while also going “bigger.”

Step 2: Determine what each media publication covers and the appropriate writer(s) for each.

Out of the gate, it’s important to understand which writer at each publication covers your space. There may be a number of different writers that could be great to connect with, remembering that each writer has a very specific “beat” that they write on. For one writer, it may be covering one major tech company. For another, it may be a specific vertical or subject within a vertical.

One question we hear quite a bit is “how come a certain publication won’t cover this particular news?” Each publication and writer have things they cover, and things they don’t. This is not something you can change. However, you can tailor your approach based on what they actually cover and may be interested in.

Step 3: Build a relationship.

Seems easy enough as a concept, but one of the most overlooked steps.

With sales, cold calling can be challenging. The same goes for the media. If you don’t have a relationship, every time you want to approach a writer – it’s like starting from scratch. Building relationships with key writers is critical to the long term success of any PR program.

And over the course of a year or two, it’s a complete game changer for both your company and your personal brand.

Take the time to connect with a target list of 20 or so writers. Have a great conversation. Get them up to speed on your latest and greatest. Understand the writer’s needs and what they may be looking for. Keep in touch periodically. Be personable and accessible.

Step 4: Be a resource.

The best way to get tier 1 media coverage is to stop pitching random stories and company news to important writers – essentially asking and expecting them to do something for you. What have you done for them?

A relationship goes both ways. Instead of pushing your news out, check in and find out how you can be a resource for a writer and let them know what you can offer – i.e. exclusive data insights, intel on the broader industry and trends, etc.

You may be surprised that if you stop asking for something, and start offering to help, they will take you up on the offer!

This is how so many of our clients at SamsonPR see big media results.

These are four steps that can help land bigger and better coverage for your business, and the approach we take at SamsonPR. Building this foundation for a PR program, combined with building a disruptive story will be a formula for landing tier 1 media coverage!

(PS, stay tuned for an upcoming blog on how to best build a disruptive story…)

Here are some of our recent TV interviews and coverage for our clients, to inspire and show what is achievable if you take the right approach!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2023-05-08/how-to-discern-a-reliable-ai-company-video

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/top-things-look-investing-ai-212411572.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-01-29/amazon-aims-to-turn-tvs-into-shopping-carts-video

May 15, 2024/by Scott Samson

Public Relations

The Traditional PR Agency Model Doesn’t Work Anymore – Here’s How and Why We Changed It

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By Scott Samson

Time and time again, we hear from new clients: “We want senior people on the team. We were burned by a previous PR agency that sold us up front, and then pulled a bait-and-switch. Ultimately, we found ourselves working with a big team of inexperienced PR folks fresh out of college.”

Yikes!

The SamsonPR take: If you’re a founder/CEO, it’s your business. We believe you should take that very seriously, and push to have the very best helping to grow your business. You want an A-team (and only an A-team) that delivers big results.

Traditional PR agencies won’t provide that for you, unfortunately. Many clients have come to us after having a bad experience with a big team of junior folks who just weren’t getting results.

If this is something you’re struggling with, here are some reasons why this could be happening:

You aren’t getting a team that’s senior enough.
Your budget is just too small.
The agency’s PR team does not have the right media connections and/or approach.

Budget challenges:

Your first stop on the path to course correction should be to break down budgets and determine whether you may be challenged due to penny-pinching. Even though many agencies have moved away from billing hourly to favor a flat fee retainer, they still must substantiate their teams’ salaries vs how much time they spend working for you. This means you can estimate the actual resources the agency is allocating for your PR efforts.

Our solution for tighter budgets is to put fewer people on the team, and to make sure they are senior to effectively drive the workload. Fewer people, more senior, with more time on the account will help get things on track. And a budget increase may be needed if you want to make sure the PR is impactful and helps accelerate your business in a crowded market – it takes a lot of work!

The right media connections:

Getting a senior team on board is also critical because experience and deep expertise helps ensure they have deep media connections.

No matter what a PR person may say, connections matter. Who they know matters. The ability to email or call a reporter they’ve worked with many times matters. Having connections that translate to coverage is the whole point of engaging a PR team in the first place.

Make sure your PR agency and team have these media connections and understand what those reporters want to see.

What we do is leverage these deep media connections to help our clients build long term relationships with the right reporters, and we do this by making sure our clients position themselves as a key resource – helping reporters with things they may need such as inside knowledge of a topic, expertise, unique point-of-views and data insights.

You need to have an interesting story, but when it comes to tier 1 media, the story often isn’t about you. It’s about the larger industry and trends, and being a great resource for media can help you be part of these conversations. For that, connections and relationships matter.

Our approach works.

According to one of our clients, “SamsonPR has been a trusted advisor and partner, helping accelerate our awareness and thought leadership with a focus on growth. Their value lies within their tier 1 media approach and relationships, and then bringing together product, sales and marketing to connect the dots for high-growth tech companies.”

The takeaways: 1) make sure your budget is where it needs to be to get the team you deserve and to do enough in the market to stand out; 2) make sure you get a senior team dedicated to driving PR for your company; and 3) make sure your agency has the right media connections and deep expertise in your industry.

And, to learn more about how the SamsonPR method is driving the right kind of results for clients all across the tech landscape, connect with us today!

May 10, 2024/by Scott Samson

Tag Archive for: Public Relations

Q&A Series: Our Founder

Meet Angela, SVP at SamsonPR

Authenticity Matters: What Founders and CEOs Can Learn from the Blake Lively Controversy

Stop Leaving Out the Wow in Your Press Releases

A few tips to to craft your wow press release messaging

The Secret’s in the Sauce: How to Land Tier 1 Media Coverage

The Traditional PR Agency Model Doesn’t Work Anymore – Here’s How and Why We Changed It

Budget challenges:

The right media connections:

Our approach works.

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