With only one month left in 2016 many of us have thoughts and aspirations for what 2017 will bring. As we reflect on past resolutions, both solved and unsolved, we consider what could be improved upon, or accomplished in the New Year ahead, personally and professionally. Business owners, in particular, should take the opportunity to map out resolutions for their company/brand. Here’s a resolution that may be on your list: hiring a marketing agency.

There are numerous advantages to outsourcing marketing to an agency including creative expertise and the financial benefits. Here, we’ve outlined five benefits of hiring a marketing agency and why it deserves a place at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list.

Expertly speaking

With years of experience working with a variety of clients, some agencies (like Suite 203), have a rich understanding of marketing solutions and branding strategies, all of which will be available at your disposal. From tried and true programs to innovative, disruptive ideas that will get you noticed, a reputable agency will help you to develop and reach your goals with thoughtful, advice based on solid experience.

It makes $ense

The bottom line in most business decisions lies within the cost-benefit analysis. Expanding your in-house marketing communications team means the addition of salaries, systems and space (when is desk-space not at a premium!). Hiring an agency allows you to pay one source and save on salaries, overhead, and benefits. Plus, you get to take advantage of costly marketing tools that are shared amongst a firm’s clients.

Time is on your side

While a truly great campaign always looks effortless, the reality is it takes time. The experience an agency holds allows for them to accomplish a variety of projects quickly, with little management and direction. By leaving this area to the experts you will save a lot of time and energy, all of which can be put to better use in your day-to-day tasks and in focusing on overall business growth.

An outside perspective

In any role, it is important to keep an open mind and think outside the box, however, sometimes this is easier said than done. The ideas and methods a company uses in pursuing their marketing strategies often become second nature to employees, leading to a fogged vision of how their company may appear to the outside world. With an agency, you can balance your brand identity with an outsider’s perspective, with the added bonus of competitor knowledge to develop a plan that is targeted and in line with the brand vision.

So you may not get to the gym as often as you’d like, and that desire to learn a foreign language might only last a few months, but if you can accomplish one resolution in 2017, it should be hiring a marketing agency. Get in touch to learn more about how Suite 203 can add value to your marketing and communication efforts and make that resolution a reality.

The post New Year’s Resolution List: Five Advantages of Hiring a Marketing Agency appeared first on Suite 203.

1.   Humanize/Familiarize your Brand

Videos are a great way to give your customers a behind-the-scenes look at your business. Hearing a person’s voice and seeing them live brings a whole new level of familiarity to an audience. Whether, using Instagram Stories, Snapchat or Facebook Live, showing the steps of a regular day at the office, the way a product is designed and built, or live video snippets at an event, the customer gets a true sense of the people behind your brand and the passion and dedication that goes into your work. By providing an unfiltered real time look at your company, videos also help to humanize your brand and highlight its authenticity.

2. Gain Followers

Using tools such as Instagram Stories, gives you exclusive content for the relevant channel. You can let followers on your other social networks know that you will be sharing a contest, an early product reveal, or special announcement exclusively on your Instagram account. Since your story will only be visible for 24 hours, your customers will be more inclined to follow and check out your account to ensure they don’t miss any special updates.

3. Real-time Conversations with your Customers and Clientele

Ever wish you could respond to your customers’ inquiries in real time? Or get consumer feedback before a product hits the shelves, with video tools your wish has been granted! With Facebook Live, your video remains on your page indefinitely, however, the filming process allows you to broadcast live to your customers and receive their comments and inquiries instantaneously, thus creating an excellent platform for Q&A’s, demonstrations and in the overall building of relationships with your customers.

Instagram Stories only stay live for 24 hours, but also allow for viewers to send direct messages from within the video. This too helps in developing that real-time, direct response, personal rapport with your customers.

Snapchat has also changed the course of customer service by introducing a new way to interact face-to-face with your customers and provide them the help they need. By using Snapchat your customers can directly show you what problems they’re having and within a matter of minutes, they will receive your video response detailing what solutions need to be applied.

4. Embrace Short-Lived Content

At a special event, tradeshow, or even a particularly eventful day at the office it can be tempting to share every moment with your audience/customers. Unfortunately, if we always gave in to these temptations, we’d be left with over saturated accounts and frustrated followers with a flood of content hitting their news feeds. This is where short-term video tools become an ideal alternative for sharing timely news and images. You can share snaps and updates throughout the day and followers can watch, rewind, and pause within the allotted 24 hours. Your posts will also gain maximum exposure on tools like Instagram Stories, where videos remain at the top of followers’ news feeds, requiring minimal scrolling.  And, in an added bonus, your page will also benefit and retain a visually pleasing aesthetic, by not displaying an overload of photos from one specific day or event.

Have more questions? Don’t know where to start with your business’ social media strategy? Suite 203 can help. Contact us to start boosting your presence in this increasingly social world.

The post Lights, Camera, Action… Bringing Video into your Social Media Strategy appeared first on Suite 203.

Photo by @harleyplays

1. Gibeau Orange Julep

Every true Montrealer has been to this place to grab a late-night snack (poutine) and that infamous green cup of secret recipe orange juice. Open 24 hours all year round, the giant orange ball and colourful flags blowing in the wind have become a must-shoot photo for adding a touch of orange to your feed.

Photo by @Montreall

Photo by @foodguymtl

2. Mount-Royal Observatory (The Lookout)

Whether passing by on a mountain run or swarming to this hotspot with tourists alike, the renowned lookout point never gets old. The best place to get a view of downtown Montreal and beyond; with this beautiful skyline shot, no selfies are required.

Photo by @camille_dg

Photo by @missferreira

3. La Diperie

Not an official landmark, this turquoise brick wall has been all over Instagram for quite some time now. You can’t call yourself an ice cream lover without stopping by La Diperie and devouring a dipped icy treat. Whether you choose nuts, pretzels or candy as the final layer, you know it will be one photo-worthy cone.

Photo by @sarahcout

Photo by @tashadeane

Photo by @eatdrinkbcarrie

4. Le Palais des Congrès

The gorgeous multi-coloured windows of this well-known building are synonymous with Montreal. No matter the weather, you’re sure to find a rainbow in the heart of the city to sprinkle some colour into your day and on to your feed.

Photo by @benmulroney

Photo by @hey.maca

5. Bota Bota

Paradise on earth: a floating spa on the edge of the city. The contrast between modern design and sheer relaxation is one of the many reasons why people love taking pictures here. Between the pools, the waterfalls and the hammocks, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect shot (or two or three).

Photo by @chloedumont

Photo by @jennabel91

Photo by @aniklacasse

6. Farine Five Roses

An iconic Montreal landmark, this flour factory has a sign that can be seen from the Lachine Canal. While it may look industrial from a distance, when paired with the perfect sunset, this shot epitomizes our city.

Photo by @saradiamondmusic

Photo by @montreal_gallery

7. Mandy’s

Mandy’s proves that salads need not be boring. Quickly becoming one of Montreal’s top healthy lunch destinations, Mandy’s draws in locals as well as tourists with their colourful mixes of fresh ingredients and iconic salad bowls. Whether you decide to enjoy one of their bestselling salads (or soups or smoothies) or create your own custom mix, you’re sure to have a delicious meal and a stunning Instagram photo.

Photo by @mademoisellejules

Photo by @samanthacutler

Photo by @tanyakupelian

The post Montreal Social Media – 7 instagrammable places appeared first on Suite 203.

Overview
Reporting to the company presidents, the Copywriter / Social Media Manager is a dynamic professional responsible for creating engaging content for Suite 203 Communications and its clients. Writing projects include copy for social media, blogs, websites, e-newsletters, PR materials and more. Social media management includes planning, posting, engaging and tracking performance on all social platforms for a portfolio of clients. We are looking for a natural storyteller with solid experience in making a brand’s voice cut through the clutter across various business channels and media.

Responsibilities 

• Create and/or translate communication materials including press releases, website copy, e-newsletters and other marketing materials
• Write optimized web content for blogs and websites with the goal of enhancing search results
• Write compelling and engaging copy that resonates with consumers and fosters engagement
• Maintain a consistent and compelling voice for each unique client
• Develop and maintain monthly social media editorial calendars for clients and post content on a daily basis
• Monitor and engage with social communities on a daily basis
• Coordinate various projects simultaneously
• Collaborate with design and photography teams to create successful marketing campaigns on all platforms
• Work closely with the co-owners to brainstorm concepts for client projects and new business development
• Other duties, as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelors in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other related field
• 1-3 years of experience in developing marketing content for various channels
• 1-2 years of experience as a community manager
• Experience in the fashion, beauty, health, food or design industries
• A strong understanding of marketing and SEO principles
• Bilingual – Excellent command of the English language with perfect English writing capabilities, plus functional French
• French writing skills – a plus
• Smooth and exciting style of writing, with the ability to write in various tones and voices
• Creative, social personality
• Team player willing to roll up your sleeves to get the job done
• Excellent time management skills, organized, detail-oriented, and strong multi-tasker
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Autonomous, self-starter who is able to work independently
• Ability to work at the NDG-based office (50% of time) and home office (50% of time)
• Ability to travel to local client meetings
• Have a laptop with up-to-date software
• Knowledge of social media platforms, Word, Mailchimp, WordPress, Photoshop and other social media design programs
• Registered business with tax numbers (this is a full-time freelance position)

To apply for this position
Please send your resume and cover letter plus 3-5 examples of your copywriting and 3-5 links showcasing your social media experience to [email protected] by September 9, 2016.

The post Job Posting: Copywriter & Social Media Manager appeared first on Suite 203.

Here are some of the key points we covered, based on the questions we received from the audience:

What is earned content?

Earned content or media is publicity generated via a 3^rd party. It is based on sharing information and includes reviews, social media mentions and interactions, and published mentions in other formats like print or broadcast. It is an integral part of today’s marketing mix, along with paid content (like advertising) and owned content (self-generated content like a blog or social media posts). Take note, the lines between earned and paid have become blurry as some media and influencers require payment to report on a brand or company.

Why would a company or brand want to execute a media/influencer campaign?

The wide range of influencers and media options provide a huge opportunity for a brand to get its story told. Brands need to leverage all types of media to get key messages across to targeted, engaged audiences in an authentic way. Benefits include:

• Increasing your website’s search ranking and credibility on search engines via backlinks (SEO)
• Expanding your reach to new audiences and then migrating the followers to your brand
• Gaining social media shares, likes and followers
• Building your reputation via trusted opinion leaders
• Driving traffic online or to a store front
• And… influencing sales

How do you choose which influencers to target?

There are hundreds of influencers in every industry. They include the traditional media (broadcasters and journalists) plus bloggers, experts, celebrities and people who have a large social media following. But, they do not all offer the same value to a brand. Here’s what we at Suite 203 evaluate when matching an influencer with a client:

We executed an influencer campaign, now what?

Once you have earned some content, you need to use it to your best advantage. Recycle it, and share it back with your audiences in the form of a blog entry, social media post, video, testimonial or newsletter. And don’t forget to always tag and thank the influencer who created it!

Looking to generate some buzz for your brand via a media or influencer outreach campaign? We can match you with the most impactful influencers to get your message across. Get in touch to learn more.

The “How to Market Content Like a Pro” presenters
(Karin Eldor, Dayna Lapkovsky, Sean Surkis, Na’eem Adam)

The post Gain Earned Content with an Influencer Campaign appeared first on Suite 203.

At Suite 203, the holiday season is a time to look back and celebrate our Client’s successes. In this increasingly social world, we need not look further than our Instagram account to tell the story of the year gone by. As we present a few of our favourite 2015 memories, we hope that your projects are part of our future feed. We look forward to working with you in 2016!

Memory #1:

Main & Local made headlines on Montreall with their whimsical, locally-themed accessories, home furnishings and clothing. #poutine #depanneur #montreal #PR

Launching Main & Local’s first public relations campaign, Suite 203 garnered buzz online, in print and on live TV for the Montreal-centric brand.

Memory #2:

The “Just for Kids” Foundation wowed audiences while raising funds to purchase urgently needed equipment for the NICU at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Congratulations! #forthekids #fundraising #JFKDWTS

Suite 203 is proud to support JFK’s high-profile events, keeping the cause in both social and media spotlights throughout the years.

Memory #3:

PR done right! Mixit.ca was featured on La Presse as the new must-have cereal of your dreams. #granola #breakfast #ondejeune #clientlove

A Suite 203 success story, this Montreal-based public relations and social media campaign garnered  over 3 million impressions upon launch.

Memory #4:

The rekucci.com website is live! This new fashion label caters to a modern woman’s on-the-go lifestyle. Make rekucci.com a part of your everyday style story. #fashion #onlineshopping #ecomm

From product assortment to website copy to photoshoot management, Suite 203 was involved in every step of the creative process to launch the Rekucci Collection website.

Memory #5:

Fashion for a cause. @obeygiant’s limited edition t-shirt with all proceeds benefiting the making of the film The Human Trial for diabetes awareness. #thehumantrial #obeyawareness #type1 #diabetes

Suite 203 created an Instagram presence for this soon-to-be released documentary while recruiting celebrity ambassadors for the t-shirt
campaign.

Memory #6:

What an honour to be nominated for a JCC People’s Promie @federationcja. We loved rubbing shoulders with Montreal’s rising stars. #jccpromies #award #entrepreneurs.

Memory #7:

Kids getting in the kitchen lies at the heart of @jamieoliver’s message for #foodrevolutionday. This past May, we partnered with @sofitelmontreal to get a few future chefs cooking up a storm.

As the Montreal ambassadors for Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day, Suite 203 continues to promote food education to our local community each year.

Memory #8:

New office, same reliable, professional service with the friendliest staff in town. TGO Ortho definitely has something to smile about this holiday season. #orthodontics #westmount

For the past two years, Suite 203 has been sharing smiles with TGO patients by brightening their days with engaging Facebook content.

Memory #9:

#Branding done right. A high-end concierge service merits sleek #marketing material. A piece we are certainly proud of, exclusively created for @conciergemontreal.

From concept to creation, Suite 203 developed a customizable brochure, catering to each prospective client’s needs.

We love crafting memorable campaigns for our clients. Get in touch to make your 2016 marketing plan one to remember!

The post Suite 203’s Instagram Memories 2015 appeared first on Suite 203.

Business owners and novice social-butterflies are quickly realizing there is more to managing successful social business accounts than posting a few photos and announcing a sale to followers. It’s all about creating a succinct social media strategy that complements your marketing plan and key messages while engaging your target market.

Here are five common social media sins and a few tips and tricks to get brands back on track.

Sin #1:

Choosing the wrong network for your business

Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+… It seems like every few months a new “it” network emerges. Don’t worry; your brand doesn’t have to be on all of them. Find the channel(s) that best conveys your message to your target audience and start there. It’s better to have one solid group of engaged followers than to try to manage too many pages that may not be well suited to achieving your goals.

Tip: Make sure your company Facebook page is a Brand Page and not a personal profile. They are designed for unlimited Likes, are public and provide tools to promote your page and posts to your followers and target market.

Sin #2:

Posting without a plan

Sure, your cat wearing a hat may get a lot of likes on your personal social page, but when posting to your customers you shouldn’t be throwing up photos on a whim. The biggest difference between a personal and business social media page is strategy. Your business content is an extension of your branding, an opportunity to share your story and brand essence. A structured outline of what to post and when to post it is needed.

Tip: While your social platforms may allow for a more casual approach to your messaging, proper spelling and grammar are a must. Proofread your posts!

Sin #3:

Not being present

Being consistent with your social media strategy and engagement tactics are crucial. It is an ongoing process and marketing commitment that needs to be cultivated for growth. Sporadic posting and not responding to followers’ questions and comments are considered to be bad form and bad customer service. It’s called SOCIAL media for a reason!

Tip: Designate a team member to be responsible for keeping your pages up to date by liking and responding to comments in a (pre-determined) timely manner.

Sin #4:

Ignoring or deleting negative comments

Social media pages have become a public forum for customer service issues. While you may not like having a negative post appear on your page, it is an opportunity to showcase your amazing customer service skills. It is always appropriate to validate the comment and ask the user to discuss the issue by phone or email to better understand how you can resolve their problem.

Tip: Post a customer testimonial to bring light to things you are doing right!

Sin #5:

Posting without visuals

On personal social profiles, it isn’t necessary to accompany every thought or statement with a photograph but on business platforms, visuals are almost always required. It helps to engage followers and make your posts stand out from the sea of content on each platform. Take advantage of the opportunity to show, as well as tell, the meaning behind your message.

Tip: There are many cost-effective digital image resources available online with exceptional photographs for purchase. Download a few favourites and keep them on-hand for content inspiration.  

Have more questions? Don’t know where to start with your business’ social media strategy? Suite 203 can help. Contact us to start boosting your presence in this increasingly social world.

The post 5 sins of a social media strategy (and how to fix them) appeared first on Suite 203.

Photo by Querelles

At Suite 203 Communications, we are all for starting our day on the right foot: iPhones charged, coffee carafe filled, and body fueled with a healthy breakfast. That’s why we were so excited to launch the new online customized cereal brand, Mixit.ca.

The Montreal-based owners imported the idea from the Czech Republic after being loyal customers to the brand while overseas. Stephanie and Oldrich knew that Canadians would respond well to the fun, convenient concept and as a nation of foodies would love the healthy, delicious options available.

Suite 203 was brought on board to generate buzz with both the media and the public across Quebec. We crafted a two-tiered marketing plan involving a public relations media outreach strategy and a social media program to engage the target market, as well as recommending a timeline to best take advantage of the end of spring timeframe.

Photo by Montreal Maven

We launched the brand with clear, concise and clever communications that peaked the interest of over 70 digital and print media sources across the province (and a few in Ontario as well). We guided the writers, bloggers and journalists through the Mixit online ordering process so that they could experience the concept and then taste the dried fruits, grains and nuts of their labour, with their very own customized cereal creations.

The program generated an outstanding response and the brand enjoyed over 5.5 million impressions over the next months, including articles in Châtelaine, Les Zurbaines, Vitamin Daily, Le Cahier, Divine.ca, La Presse and Moi & Cie.

At the same time, the complementary social media strategy initiated a discussion with one of Quebec’s most prestigious retailers, Oglivy, which led to a weekend-long pop up shop, garnering additional exposure for the Mixit brand.

Photo by Lapiz of Luxury

Want to get your company into the limelight? We can boost your brand with a customized strategy to meet your company’s objectives. Get in touch and let’s see how we can exceed your expectations!

Lauren’s Wake Up Wonder Breakfast Mix:
Dr. Bircher’s Oat Classic with Freeze Dried Strawberries, Chia Seeds and Maple Syrup Sunflower Seeds

Dayna’s Morning Magic Breakfast Mix:
Eh Hon! cereal with Organic Pineapple, Coconut Flakes and a dash of Cinnamon

The post We choose our own breakfast adventure with Mixit.ca appeared first on Suite 203.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain monthly social media editorial calendars for clients and post content on a daily basis
• Daily monitoring and engagement with all social media channels
• Create and/or translate communication materials including press releases, website copy, e-newsletters and other marketing materials
• Coordinate public relations media lists and execute media outreach campaigns
• Assist in brainstorming and developing marketing plans
• Organize public relations events including launches, workshops and more
• Provide support in coordinating all projects
• Develop new business opportunities for the agency

Requirements:

• Fully bilingual – French & English, with perfect French writing capabilities
• Bachelors degree in marketing, communications or journalism
• 3-5 years experience working in the fields of marketing and/or public relations
• Experience in the fashion, beauty, health, food or design industries
• Established lifestyle media contacts, specifically within the French market
• A wide network of business contacts
• Autonomous, self-starter who is able to work independently
• Ability to work from home office (50% of time) and in-house (50% of time)
• Ability to travel to local client meetings
• Have a laptop with up-to-date software
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Creative, social personality
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of social media, MS Word, Mailchimp, WordPress and design programs

To apply for this position please send your resume and cover letter plus examples of previous work to [email protected]

Deadline: Friday, May 22

The post We’re Hiring! Social Media, PR & Marketing Coordinator appeared first on Suite 203.

What was your first marketing/PR-related experience?
When I was ten, I produced and marketed a community carnival benefitting the Montreal Children’s Hospital. I organized games and booths, drew posters and invitations by hand and rallied my neighbors to volunteer at the event. I am proud to say that now, decades later, Suite 203 helps to raise funds through marketing and public relations for the same worthy cause via the “Just for Kids” Foundation.

Is PR all glitz and glamour?
A lot of people think that PR is about going to great parties and hob-knobbing with the city’s VIPs. But what they don’t realize is the planning, hard work and long hours that go along with orchestrating a flawless media launch or consumer event. But don’t get me wrong, there are many glam rewards at the end of the day. While working for Birks, I often got to bedazzle myself in their gorgeous jewels and hit the town (with security in tow).

What was your biggest celebrity PR moment?
While managing the marketing and PR department for luxury brand Aquatalia by Marvin K., newly engaged Kate Middleton wore boots from the collection to a few major events. Although there are a lot of royal rules surrounding promoting products and the Princess, acting quickly and cautiously allowed the brand to maximize the publicity.

Image: Aquatalia

What character traits make you great at what you do?
I am a big idea person and I thrive in environments that need me to think on my toes. More so, I am able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, which is crucial given the crazy, ever-evolving realities of our clients. They depend on me to come up with creative, engaging solutions and sometimes re-develop them instantly when factors change.

How do you do “down-time”?
For me, unwinding equates to floating across the lake on my family’s boat, in the Laurentians. Wind in my hair, kids giggling in the background, what could be better? That’s my happy place.

What are your words to live by?
“If you change nothing, nothing will change.” I believe this to be true in both personal life and in business. I try to challenge our clients (and myself) to go outside of their comfort zone and try something new or different with every project. Don’t get stuck doing the same old thing because it is comfortable and you know what to expect. Mixing things up always leads to great learning and success.

Image: behappy.me

Learn more about Suite 203’s other co-founder: Lauren Cracower

The post About Dayna Lapkovsky – Montreal Public Relations appeared first on Suite 203.