It’s been a while, but we’re thrilled to be back at real life PR events again. Senior Account Executive, Lucy Edgington reflects on a fantastic return to reality following client event, ‘The Secrets to Self-Build Success’ in Swindon.
At almost two years to the day since we closed the office and transitioned to working from home due to COVID-19, it was a pleasure to be back on the road (railway!) again, traveling to one of our first in-person PR events since the pandemic began.
The event was initially planned for May 2020 but due to the obvious coronavirus-related reasons, this was the third rearranged date. Fortunately, it turned out to be third time lucky.
It was a great feeling to get away from video calls and set off from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station to begin our 380-mile journey down to Swindon to client Frame Technologies’ inaugural event – ‘The Secrets to Self-Build Success’.
Frame Technologies has over 20 years’ experience providing structural timber systems for self-builders who are looking to create outstanding, energy-efficient homes and we’re proud to have been working with them since 2019. As well as PR events management, we also provide Frame Technologies with construction PR support, technical copywriting, digital marketing support and social media management.
‘The Secrets to Self-Build Success’ was held at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice and support. It’s a fantastic space and since they opened in 2007, they’ve helped almost a quarter of a million visitors build their dream home.
Hosted by Frame Technologies’ wonderful MD, Simon Orrells, the event brought together some of the biggest names in the self-build industry, guiding delegates through the self-build journey. It covered everything from architectural advice to mortgages, structural warranties and energy efficiency, as well as providing a ‘live demo’ of the timber frame and real life case studies, as former Frame Technologies clients answered questions about their own experiences.
We were there to support on the day, but much of our work was done behind the scenes on the lead up to the event. This included a digital promotional campaign; creating social media toolkits for all speakers; issuing digital newsletters and solus emails through various channels; and creating SEO optimised blog copy. We also used traditional PR to spread the word, securing coverage in print and online to drive traffic to the Frame Technologies website and to encourage ticket sales.
In the month before the event, we achieved a 163% increase in users and a 128% increase in sessions to the client’s website compared with the previous month. We also saw a 55% increase on Facebook post reach, with a 114% increase on post engagement, and a 45% increase in profile visits to the client’s Twitter profile. We secured the target ticket sales ahead of the event and had positive post-event feedback from delegates, speakers and most importantly – the client!
It was brilliant to be back at in-person events again supporting Frame Technologies. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you with event management, construction PR agency support, technical copywriting; digital marketing support or social media management, please get in touch on info@pagodapr.com or give our office a call (we’re back working there now!) on 0131 556 0770.
