originally posted to www.carnsight.com
We’re back at it with our ‘Two Minutes With’ series, this time starring Niamh Brodrick!
Niamh is a student at Cardiff Met, studying BA Media and Communications. She’s joining us for a work experience placement, giving her some insights into our industry. It’s been great to have a fresh pair of eyes, and a new set of ideas!
Here’s all you need to know about Niamh:
Name: Niamh Brodrick
Job Title: Work Placement
Joined Carnsight: 7th April 2025
Why are you interested in PR and Social Media? I find this sector exciting because it is constantly evolving and offers endless opportunities to grow. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people and share stories that can spark real conversations.
Preferred social media channel: TikTok but I do love an Instagram scroll!
How do you have coffee in the morning: Caramel Iced Latte, very basic!
Dream job as a child: A F1 driver
Sum yourself up in three words: Creative, Calm, Loving
Star sign: Taurus
Grow up and born: Born and raised in Bristol, now based in Somerset
Favourite Movie: Notting Hill
Favourite dog breed: Golden Retriever
Any pets: Yes, 2 dogs and 6 sheep
Favourite word: Lush
Least favourite word: Moist
Playlist: It totally depends on my mood! From Country to Sam Fender to Beyonce
Destination: Australia and New Zealand
Never guess: I’m a black belt in Judo
Name three things make happy: Family, Friends and F1
Enjoying our ‘Two Minutes With’ series? Curious to know who started it all? Read Jess’ story here.
Originally posted to www.carnsight.com
We talk about PR a lot – what it is, why it matters, how it works – but we don’t always break down the different types of PR. So, today, I thought I’d do just that.
If you’ve read any of our other blogs, you’ll know that PR sits under the wider marketing umbrella, alongside things like branding, partnerships, events, advertising, and website development. But within PR itself, there are a few key areas, each with its own purpose and approach.
Media Relations
This is the classic PR that most people think of – getting coverage in newspapers, magazines, TV, and online. It’s all about building relationships with journalists and securing positive media attention for your brand. Think press releases, interviews, and expert commentary.
Crisis Communications
When things go wrong (and sometimes they do), crisis comms is what helps brands handle tricky situations and come out the other side with their reputation intact. It’s about being prepared, staying transparent, and communicating clearly when it matters most.
Internal Communications
PR isn’t just outward-facing! Keeping your team in the loop and making sure they feel connected to the business is just as important. Internal comms helps with employee engagement, morale, and making sure everyone’s on the same page.
Social Media Communications
Social media plays a huge role in brand reputation these days, so having a solid PR strategy for platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky, is a must. Whether it’s posting content, engaging with customers, or handling any online hiccups, this type of PR keeps your brand looking good in the digital world.
Community Relations
PR isn’t just about media and marketing – it’s also about people. Community relations is all about building strong relationships with the local community, supporting good causes, and getting involved in initiatives that show your brand cares.
So, there you have it! PR is so much more than just ‘getting in the press’ – it’s about building trust, managing reputations, and making meaningful connections across different spaces.
If you want to chat about which PR approach is right for you, get in touch! Or, if you’re not sure if you’re ready to start PR at all, you can check out our what to get right before you start PR blog.
originally posted to www.carnsight.com
When we talk about PR, we often hear the terms proactive and reactive, but what do they really mean? Let’s break it down and explore why proactivity should always be your secret weapon in the world of public relations.
Reactive PR
As the name suggests, reactive PR is all about responding to external events and factors. Think newsjacking, crisis communications, or reacting to something in the news cycle. It’s about being quick on your feet, spotting opportunities as they arise, and jumping in when you need to. Whether it’s hopping on a trending topic or answering a journalist’s call for comment, reactive PR plays a really important role in keeping your content timely and relevant.
Here’s a little example from Carnsight in action:
WPP’s Return-to-Office Policy — When WPP introduced a new office mandate, it sparked global debate. Journalists jumped on the story, and we were able to quickly provide relevant comments to weigh in on the discussion. This is reactive PR – maximizing opportunities in the moment.
Proactive PR
In my opinion, this is where the real magic happens. Proactive PR involves creating stories from the ground up. It’s about digging deep into the business, its people, and the unique angles you can highlight. Proactivity means you’re always looking ahead, thinking strategically, and shaping your brand’s narrative before external events even occur.
Why does proactive PR matter? Because reactive opportunities are out of your control. They depend on things happening outside your brand, which doesn’t always align with your business tone and values. With proactive PR, you’re in charge (as much as anyone is in the media anyway! But that’s an explanation for another day) creating the momentum and crafting the stories that will resonate with your audience.
Proactivity in Action
Even when we’re diving into reactive PR, remember this: As a PR you still have to be in control. As a PR professional, your job is to proactively drive the strategy forward, whether you’re chasing down a reactive opportunity or taking the reins with proactive storytelling. Proactivity is everything in PR. From coming up with fresh ideas, to executing those ideas seamlessly, to pitching and following up – it’s all about taking the initiative.
Take this example. We didn’t just wait for a story to fall into our lap. We actively created and pitched a press release about our new appointments, resulting in coverage like this: Bath Business Net. This is proactive PR- spotting opportunities, creating them, and pushing the narrative forward.
At the end of the day, both reactive and proactive PR are vital parts of the overall strategy, but proactivity is the key. Whether you’re responding to a crisis or jumping on a trend, your role as a PR professional is to make sure you’re always as ahead of the game as possible. It’s about anticipating what comes next and driving the narrative forward — not just reacting to what’s already happened.
To learn more about the ins and outs of PR consider reading our blog on the different strategies and elements of PR covering everything from press releases to thought leadership and comment features.
originally posted to www.carnsight.com
When you think of online comments, chances are you picture a keyboard warrior. They’re often found with a lot to say (they’re usually aggressive) and a lot to hide (they’re also usually anonymous). And as social media has developed, there’s been a pull back on commenting, oftentimes being linked to negativity and arguments over trivial topics. People may like and share the content, but commenting makes them one step ‘too involved’.
And that’s where TikTok has changed the game. It’s re-defined the way people view the comment section – not as a battlefield or place for arguments, but as a place for coming together. It’s shaped trends, language and humour for (mostly) Gen Z and even younger generations like Alpha.
Brands: treat your comment section like your own community. These are the people that show TikTok your content is engaging, leading the algorithm to do the rest in promoting your brand to new audiences.
Why do you want comments?
With TikTok, you can’t not join in. The audience is much more engaged, with Social insider reporting an average TikTok post received around 66 comments compared to Instagram’s average of 24 comments.
Having high comment volumes indicates to the algorithm that people are more interested in the content, which will put it on the For You Page. More comments mean more visibility for your brand, which we all know is key in raising your profile.
Why do people comment?
A lot of the engaged comments can be explained through TikTok’s branding. It’s promoted and viewed as a more unfiltered, authentic type of personality. And the comments are an extension of the content. Silly videos attract silly people, all commenting silly language.
“I’m going to miss you when I scroll” is a classic TikTok comment, allowing random strangers to connect over funny, enjoyable content.
“Do you do weddings? Like, as the groom?” is the current pick-up line you’ll seen under videos of those extra-beautiful people.
“You didn’t hold my hand” will be found under a life advice video, showing when content is perhaps on the harsher, more tough-love side.
Either way, this becomes recognised as ‘TikTok language’, an inside joke you only recognise from hours spent in the comment section. By reading the comments alongside watching the content, people are more encouraged to participate in these unfiltered discussions, leading to whole communities developing under a single video.
How to nurture your comment section
TikTok’s comment section has evolved how we look at content. It’s an added space for entertainment, so give your audience something to talk about! Most brands reply to their consumers’ comments on TikTok more than other platform, and having that back and forth is essential for building trust and personal relationships. Keep it authentic – ask your audience for feedback, or give them the floor to share their own experiences. And reciprocity goes a long way – if you engage with other brand’s videos, they will most likely engage with yours.
Of course, not every comment is a positive. Users will tell you when they love the content, but they’ll also tell you when they hate it. And like with any other platform, there is hate speech and misinformation. As a brand, it’s your responsibility to keep your comment section a safe space – actively monitor your account, hide harmful comments, and make sure your community guidelines are visible.
Need more advice? Have a look at our social media strategy tips.
We’re back at it for our ‘Two Minutes With’ series, this time starring Hannah Newton!
Hannah is a Freelance Journalist joining us for a few weeks, and we couldn’t be happier to have her. She’s been published in The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph – to name a few! But aside from her career expertise, it’s been great to have another person on board, and she’s been incredible in sharing ideas and offering support.
So let’s get to know her:
Name: Hannah Newton
Job Title: Freelance Journalist
Joined Carnsight: Freelancing support Feb 2025
Why PR?: Well…I am not officially PR, I am from the dark side, on the other side of the tracks. My curiosity into how PR works from the inside got the better of me, my love of journalism comes from a probing desire to meet people and winkle out their story. It is fascinating seeing how hardworking the Carnsight PR’s work with an agenda that is remarkably similar to mine.
Preferred social media channel: Instagram every time, I love a visual story, but Bluesky is slowly winning my heart, I just hope more Europeans and Brits join the anti-Musk party.
How do you have coffee in the morning: Black and hot, from my trusty Bialetti stove top.
Dream job as a child: Does being a bird and soaring across the sky count?
Sum yourself up in three words: cheeky, curious and compassionate
Star sign: Gemini – which is apt, as I am also a twin mum!
Grow up and born: I was born in Kent and grew-up on a farm on the Kent and Sussex border, my roots are still firmly planted in that soil.
Favourite book to date: anything by Margaret Attwood, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Anthony Doerr, Educated, Tara Westover, Home Going, Yaa Gyasi, Wise Children, Angela Carter, Still Life, Sarah Winman, I could go on…
Best Movie: Bugsy Malone
Favourite dog breed: anything that doesn’t bite or make me sneeze
Any pets: Boba Fett, our fluffy tabby cat who needs a lot of cuddles. Muffin the chicken is in her 6th year and still producing eggs, go: Muffin, plus the regular wild birds, Muffin’s local crew, robins, blue tits, black birds, coal tits, jackdaws, magpies a visiting pheasant and a limping pigeon, oh some gold fish that keep having babies…
Favourite word: democracy
Least favourite word: fascism
Playlist: BBC Radio 6, anything by Giles Peterson, Ezra Collective, Nils Frahm, Kraftwerk, The Beatles, Belle & Sebastian, Jill Scott…
Destination: Cycling round the world
Never guess: I once lived abroad and used a pseudonym
Name three things make happy: friendship, cycling in a remote landscape, sharing a feast with my family
Thanks for joining us Hannah!
And to know more about our team, check out our ‘Two Minutes With’ the Founder herself, Jessica Morgan.
Originally posted to www.carnsight.com – this article was contributed by KH Web Design founder and Wix specialist, Kayleigh.
Why Wix?
With pre-designed templates, customisable elements, and a drag-and-drop interface, it’s no surprise the Wix Editor is so popular. It’s perfect for beginners, allowing you to explore multiple layouts and build your own virtual world. And no – you don’t need to write code!
Here are some of my favourite Wix Editor features:
- Drag-and-drop functionality:
Any elements like text boxes, images and buttons can be clicked and dragged directly onto your website page.
The design is straightforward and easy to navigate, with clear visual cues for editing and customisation.
- Readily available templates:
There are so many pre-designed templates to choose from – no matter what website you’re trying to create, Wix will have something for you.
Wix automatically adjusts your website design to different screen sizes.
Even without any coding, you can still personalise colours, fonts, and layouts to fit your brand – there are so many options to customise.
If you ever get stuck, Wix has a great help section, with lots of tutorials and articles available.
As you go to start your design, Wix will run you through various options, asking you questions around your website goals, website name, and any app features you wish to add:
There are a range of built in apps to choose from, depending on your business needs. And this could be anything – bookings, events, blogs and more. It offers a pre-made template page which will be automatically added to your website along with the apps.
But your website doesn’t have to be based on a template – you can choose a preference on building from scratch, using AI, or a pre-set example. If you’re a total beginner it can be daunting to build from scratch, but it’s important to have something custom to you and your brand. So if you do use a template, make sure to switch it up a bit!
When you start building your website, Wix will have a header, section and footer – you can add elements to all of these. On the left hand side you will see a menu, with ‘Add Elements’ being placed at the top – this is because it will be your main tool used throughout building the website.
So, let’s build!
Step 1: Apply your brand to the site design
This lets you include the colours and fonts relevant to your brand
Step 2: Design your header
This would include your logo, socials & navigation menu if you have more than one page.
Wix already has everything you need to drag & drop in!
Step 3: Design your welcome banner
Who are you? What is your brand? Where are you based?
Choose a heading tag, such as Heading 1, for this banner – this helps your site’s search engine optimisation. Also include a strong call to action: What do you want customers to do when they land on your page?
Step 4: Add a gallery section to showcase your work.
Wix has pro gallery templates ready for you to add your images, so you can drag any template into your gallery section. There are stock images available if you don’t have your own, but the more personal you can make your website, the better!
Step 5: Add a Contact Form so customers can get in touch
Wix has pre-made forms ready to go so you can start generating leads.
Step 6: Design your footer
This would normally include your navigation menu, contact, copyright and policies.
Step 7: Make it mobile friendly!
Wix automatically optimises your screen for a phone layout, however sometimes tweaks have to be made. When you click the small mobile icon, you can edit and shift certain sections to make sure your copy is compatible for both screens.
Top Tip: Make your designs pop by making use of the Wix animation tools – these can be great on buttons and graphics. You can also use the scroll effect on images, making your page feel more dynamic.
The page:
https://khwebdesign.wixsite.com/rutamusclerecovery
originally posted to www.carnsight.com
This guest article was kindly contributed by Hannah Newton, freelance journalist who’s work has been published in The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph – to name but a few.
The days of press release spam from PR agencies seem to be, almost, behind us, over the last decade the media landscape has transformed at breakneck speed, evolving into a dynamic digital dystopia with the rapid consumption of content, the meagre spend on copy and advertising diversifying wretchedly across multiple platforms and in-house editorial teams rapidly shrinking.
PR’s and journalists are constantly evolving to keep up with these changes and continue to make their mark in a fluctuating creative industry. Understanding best practices in our mutual working relationship is central to getting the ultimate results, so read on to discover my top tips for working with a freelance:
- Relationships, it’s the drum that I keep on beating. But, like any successful business union getting to know each other, understanding how to mutually work together, what I am looking for and when, is the foundation of success. The price of a G&T or a flat white and an hour of your day, could be the difference between getting coverage and feedback, or not.
- I find it useful when a PR has tailored a story idea for me. That might be a lot to ask, but pitching a singular story focused on my industry really cuts through the email noise and helps to pin down how we can work on something juicy together.
- To connect through DMs or not? A controversial topic, personally as a freelancer with public social media accounts, I am happy to start a conversation through my DMs and take it to email. However, not everyone feels this way, personally I would say, go for it, politely obviously. But if you get no response, let it go.
- Editing, once I have filed my piece to the editor it is literally out of my hands. My allegiance is to my editor, not you, sorry! But this means changes, edits, removals happen and there is very little I can do about it. The buck stops with the editor and we both have to accept that.
- Read the publications, know the audience, one press release size does not fit all, unless it’s a straightforward product listicle. Do a content diagnostic and decipher what my editor is looking for, what the audience is actually reading and bear in mind as a freelance, I have multiple agendas, that’s the key to unlock the story.
- Listen, I get ghosted all the time by editors, you’re not alone, it’s a tough industry this one, but please know it is really not personal. Sometimes I forget, I’m too busy, or I literally think, this is not for me and don’t bother to reply. But do chase: once, fine, twice, hmmm maybe – if you really think it’s worth it, thrice, never.
- A feature journalist and a news journalist are very different. Make sure you know which type you are working with. Round ups are great for consumer journalists, news journalists want exactly that, and feature writers are looking for case studies, stats and quotes from a broad spectrum.
- There is the good, the bad and the downright ugly in every industry, for every brilliant journalist there is a brilliant PR and the same goes for the other side of the coin. I dislike the sweeping statement: hacks v flacks, we are all human and we are all trying to do our job well. Having a bit of respect for each other goes a long way, alongside diplomacy and journalistic integrity; the outcome we all want.
More from Hannah Newton: Five insider tips for building a stronger PR-journalist relationship
originally posted to www.carnsight.com
You’ve probably seen those flashy videos promising that if you use AI to ‘write’ an eBook in a matter of hours, you’ll be rolling in millions overnight. Yeah, okay. Let’s be real – that’s not how it works. But here’s the thing: writing an eBook for your business can be a game-changer. Not because it’s a magic money printer, but because it’s an incredibly smart marketing tool that might just sprinkle in some passive income along the way.
Now, I get it. The thought of writing an eBook sounds overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you fill all those pages? But here’s a little secret: you’re probably closer than you think. If you’ve been creating content – blogs, white-papers, social posts – guess what? You’re sitting on a goldmine of information that can be repurposed. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; you just need to give it a new spin. You can find out more about that in our eBook blog here.
But rather than diving into the “how,” let’s pause and talk about the “why.” Why should you even bother writing an eBook in the first place?
It will help establish you as an authority
An eBook isn’t just another piece of content; it’s a showcase of your expertise. It’s like saying, “Hey, I know my stuff – let me walk you through it.” Whether you’re a consultant, a coach, or a small business owner, an eBook helps position you as the go-to person in your field.
It builds trust with your audience
People buy from brands they trust. An eBook allows you to offer real value upfront. It’s not a sales pitch; it’s a helpful resource. That kind of genuine value builds credibility and keeps your audience coming back for more.
It provides the potential of passive income
While you’re very unlikely to make huge amounts of money, especially at first, selling your eBook can create a nice little stream of passive income.
A way to repurpose existing content
As I mentioned already, all those blogs, articles, and posts you’ve written don’t have to just sit there collecting digital dust. You can compile, expand, and refine them into a cohesive eBook. It’s efficient, and it makes your content work double duty.
Writing an eBook isn’t some get-rich-quick scheme, no matter what the dodgy video ads say. It takes effort, but it’s effort that pays off in authority, trust, leads, and yes, maybe even a little income. So don’t get hung up on the idea that it has to be perfect or that you need to start from scratch. You’re probably further along than you think. And who knows? You might even enjoy the process.
For tips on editing and proofing your eBook, check out our thoughts here.
And you can buy our eBook on powerfully practical PR here.
originally posted to www.carnsight.com
This guest article was kindly contributed by Hannah Newton, freelance journalist who’s work has been published in The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph – to name but a few.
The agony and the ecstasy: adventures into the world of journalism via PR
I think it should be mandatory for every politician and councillor to work in a state school as a teacher or cleaner, behind the till of a supermarket, in a homeless charity or in a small business, digesting the ‘real world’ their constituents experience daily. This, surely, could only benefit their decision making, bridging the motley, layered world we inhabit, with the government’s idea of it.
Journalists, I have concluded, should do the same with PR agencies. This week I have been given a sneak peek behind the PR curtains and as a freelance journalist it has thrown the issues surrounding the, so called dark arts of PR, into stark relief.
In the journalism sector we often look down on PR professionals, thinking, quite mistakenly that as reporters we are superior. I am not exactly sure where this myth came from, because the truth is we are all writers, crafting original ideas, trying to get them published. We have the same pain points: getting ghosted, navigating a fast-changing media landscape, having an overwhelming inbox, trying to find new angles, manage multiple editorial relationships and make some money to pay the bills.
As a freelance journalist I want positive, mutually beneficial and enjoyable relationships with the many PR’s I work with and the rules of engagement are simple.
- Don’t just bung a random press release my way, check out what titles I write for and what subjects I cover. Do any of your clients fit? No? Don’t get in touch! If they do, let’s talk.
- What I am looking for is: ideas, beautiful, original, interesting ideas that can spark a conversation. Trends, changes in the market, opinions that reflect industry news, dark untold titbits of a sector that need a light shone on them, stats, case studies, exclusive conversations and research.
- Court me! Journalism is notoriously badly paid, we love a freebie, it’s one of the few perks of the job. Take me out for lunch, brunch, tea or to an exhibition. Yes, I know I am hard to pin down, we all are, but don’t give up on me. A real-world relationship is worth a thousand emails to a virtual one. And btw, we don’t all live in London, so don’t expect us to make it to breakfast press briefings, have you seen the cost of trains before 10am?!
- One of the hardest jobs for a PR is managing client’s expectations, but our currency is delivering a balanced feature, it can’t be all about your client, but I think you know that. Your bottom line is your commercial client, ours is our editor, our editors’ is the readership and the board. We need to meet somewhere in the middle, which means accepting that changes will occur, edits are mandatory, and photo credits are often wrong – sorry about that.
- Like all good relationships the foundation is built with trust. Please tell me if you have shared your story idea, contact or exclusive with multiple editors or journalists, there is nothing worse that pitching these to my contacts when they have already seen them and said, no thanks, or even worse, yes please!
I have so enjoyed working alongside Carnsight, a small, hardworking team of PRs. It has pushed me out of my comfortable, yet illogical, superior seat as a journalist and reminded me how similar and human we are, and that we want the same results: interesting, well-crafted copy.
I want to champion the PR-journalist relationship, shift the old school mindset, and forge a new, more positive relationship in our sector and I hope you might join me?
@hannahnewtonscribbles
More from Hannah Newton to come – later this month, read her eight tips for working with freelance journalists
originally posted on www.carnsight.com
How to get started with SEO
If you have a website and want to increase its visibility on search engines like Google, understanding Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is necessary. SEO is the process of optimising your website to rank higher in search results, which leads to increased organic traffic.
If you’re new to SEO, this mini guide will help you understand the basics and get you started on your SEO journey.
How do search engines work?
Search engines, such as Google, utilise algorithms to decide which web pages are displayed in search results. These algorithms take into account various factors, including relevance, site authority, and user experience. By optimising your website based on these key factors, you can increase your chances of ranking higher on Google.
How and where to find the right keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases that people enter search engines. Conducting keyword research allows you to understand what your target audience is searching for. Tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Semrush’s Magic Tool, and Ahrefs can help you identify relevant keywords that have high search volume and low competition.
On-page SEO
On-page SEO refers to optimising individual web pages to rank better. Key aspects include:
- Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Ensure your titles and descriptions are compelling and incorporate your target keyword.
- Header Tags: Use appropriate headings to structure your content for readability.
- URL Structure: Keep URLs short, descriptive, and keyword rich.
- Content Quality: Produce high-quality, original content that provides value to your audience.
- Image Optimisation: Use alt text and compress images to improve page speed.
Technical SEO
Technical SEO ensures your website is easy for search engines to crawl and index.
Important aspects include:
- Mobile friendliness: Ensure your site is responsive and works well on mobile devices.
- Site speed: Improve loading times by optimizing images and using fast hosting.
- Secure website: A secure site builds trust and improves rankings.
- XML sitemap and robots.txt: Help search engines navigate and understand your site.
Off-page SEO
Off-page SEO focuses on building your site’s authority. The main strategy is link building, where you earn backlinks from reputable websites. Additional techniques include social media marketing and guest blogging.
Monitor and improve
SEO is an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your progress and make data-driven improvements.
By following these SEO basics, you can improve your website’s visibility and drive more organic traffic. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your rankings grow!
Would you like to learn more about SEO? Check out our discussion on keyword stuffing here!
