Don’t be beaten by the recession, gain market share. This is currently the goal of just about every business across the country, not to mention in every other struggling global economy!

In these tough times, Public Relations and Marketing are often viewed as unnecessary ‘luxuries’. However, according to Brian Mahoney Director, Financial and Corporate Relations (FCR) from the PRIA (Public Relations Institute of Australia) and those who survived the last recession in the 1990’s, the best way to not only survive a recession but also come out of it stronger is to continue your PR and marketing activities.

Before you dismiss this as biased opinion, read about the rationale behind the statement…

All of your competitors will no doubt be slashing communications budgets in an attempt to pinch the precious ‘pennies’, that is if they haven’t already. Therefore, by maintaining active communications through this period of recession you are more likely to gain market share, emerging from the recession better placed in the market!

To find out how Connecting Images can help you through the recession blues with innovative and integrated communications strategies, give Mark, Merilyn or Cal a call on (03) 9819 2566 to arrange to come in for a coffee.

The general consensus that the internet is now fast overtaking other media as an important resource has been confirmed for the second year running by the latest survey conducted by Nielsen Online, according to Digital Media.

This survey, with a sample of more than 2000 internet users, indicates an increase in weekly internet consumption. In 2007 16% of overall weekly media consumption was occupied by the internet. In 2008 this increased to 18%, and so did the total hours of weekly media consumption from 84.4 to 89.2.

This increase, according to the annual Internet and Technology report, can be accredited to a trend in multi tasking, broadband access, wireless devices and increased technology ownership.

Television consumption decreased from 16% in 2007 to 14% in 2008. Radio, newspaper and magazine consumption also experienced decreases. There were, however, increases in the consumption of online radio and PC video (such as YouTube). So what does all this mean for your business?

As discussed previously on this blog, it is extremely important to convey an image for your company on the internet that is consistent with its values and business practices as more and more users turn to the internet as a reliable source of information. Producing effective video for the internet is also important.

Want to find out more about how your business can utilise the internet in its marketing and public relations efforts? Contact Cal or Merilyn on (03) 9819 2566.