Online Communications

How to Identify and Tell a Great Story

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on August 17th, 2011

Whether it’s a speech, a news release, a white paper, an article for your website or to send to media, a video news release, a video series or any other communications vehicle – it is all about the story. It is one of the opportunities and one of the challenges of public relations. An organization needs to really dig deep and build a credible story to interest stakeholders.

To help determine your story’s news value, ask yourself the questions below.

Is the story timely and relevant? It’s surprising how many things are put forward as great ideas and when we…

Wikipedia and You

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on August 15th, 2011

Is your organization listed in Wikipedia? If it is, is it accurate?

When a potential client comes to AHA to talk about what we can provide to them in terms of public relations or communications, we always check out Wikipedia (among other places) to learn more about the organization. The information isn’t always complete or accurate. More and more, when we ask about Wikipedia, the response that we get is that not everyone understands what to do or how they can update or revise their Wikipedia listing.

I came across a great post on Ragan.com…

AHA Announces Launch of Brand Journalism Services

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on August 04th, 2011

There is a great deal of energy at AHA today – right across the country – from our offices in Gibsons and Vancouver to our long-term contractors in Calgary, Toronto and Halifax. Today, we officially launch our Brand Journalism services. You can check out some information on these new services here.

The fact is – Brand Journalism has been around for several years; McDonald’s CMO Larry Light coined the phrase in the early 2000s. There are many definitions out there. Some we agree with; some have a different approach than we do. Our definition can be found Read more

Google+ vs. Facebook

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on July 21st, 2011

We didn’t have a blog post yesterday as we were preparing for a webinar about Google+, delivered by Chris Brogan (an AHA favourite). From all accounts, Chris spent a huge amount of time (reportedly upwards of 250 hours) going through Google+ and he shared his insights, tips and hints. We’re excited to bring these to life on our end and continue learning from thought leaders to help our clients with their Google+ objectives.

There are quite a few articles out right now about the battle between Google+ and Facebook. I have listed a few below for you…

Communications Audit

Posted by Paul Holman of AHA Creative Strategies on July 15th, 2011

AHA Fast Take Friday for July 15, 2011 from AHA Creative on Vimeo.

In today’s AHA Fast Take Friday, Ruth talks about finding budget where you least expect it.

The Key to Great Media Relations: Act Like a Journalist

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on July 13th, 2011

I grew up at Maclean’s, Canada’s national news magazine. It was my first real job out of university and I was a part of the Maclean’s “family” for decades. Until I started AHA in 2003 (with co-founder Paul Holman), I was listed on the masthead as a Contributing Editor. At Maclean’s I was surrounded by some of the best journalists in the country (and I would argue, in the world). They were smart, knowledgeable and dedicated. Quite a few of them took the time to help me, mentor me, show me the ways of journalism and taught me how to…

What Does Google+ Mean For You?

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on July 06th, 2011

There is always something new in the world of social media. Google+ is a new opportunity (or challenge, depending on your perspective) in this arena. At AHA, we are in the middle of checking out Google+ and what it will mean for our clients and for us, as a PR agency.

I was thrilled to come across this piece by Shel Holtz on the implications of Google+ for public relations and marketing. It’s definitely worth a read.

Are You All Talk, No Listen?

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on June 29th, 2011

We recently did a communications audit for a client. The results were surprising to them. When we undertake a communications audit, depending on the objective, we usually review everything being done that focuses on communication – e-newsletters, staff memos, meetings, town halls, intranet, external website, news releases, media pitches and, of course, social media interaction.

This particular client wanted to know what they were doing well and what they could do better. Social media was something that had just kind of happened at their company – with great intentions. Staff had taken it upon themselves and started a Facebook page…

AHA Take on the Vancouver Riots

Posted by Paul Holman of AHA Creative Strategies on June 24th, 2011

AHA Fast Take Friday from AHA Creative on Vimeo.

In today’s AHA Fast Take Friday, Ruth talks about the Vancouver riots and the reputation crisis it created.

A Canucks Blog Post

Posted by Ruth Atherley of AHA Creative Strategies on June 15th, 2011

As many readers of this blog may be Vancouver Canucks fans (or at least hockey fans), today – the AHA blog is going to provide some Canucks entertainment – Johnny Canuck entertainment, that is.

The video was by a fellow from Kamloops, BC for a very small budget. (There’s a communications lesson in that – a great video that resonates doesn’t need to take a huge budget!)

We hope you enjoy the video: MY NAME IS JOHNNY CANUCK!

The AHA office will close a little early today to get ready to cheer our Vancouver Canucks on to Stanley…