Selecting a PR Firm: Does Size Really Matter?

A great article in PR Daily came out making the statement that in regard to hiring a PR firm, bigger isn't always better. This is music to our ears as Ant Hill Communications is a full functioning boutique PR firm. We are small and compact because we choose to be. We in turn, cater to companies that have a "start-up" mentality and recognize the importance of reaching the bottom line. This being said, we may be small but we pack a mighty punch and offer a plethora of services. Small size doesn't mean limited scope of services.

In reality, it's not about the size of an agency or firm, it's about its capabilities. In order to find a compatible match, Dorothy Crenshaw, author of this article suggests asking these questions:

1. What's the program's scope?

- This is a great question to ask. Essentially it's a "what can you do for me" question. Honestly, any business bidding for more business will tell the potential client what he or she wants to hear. That's why case studies and references are crucial when selecting a PR firm to represent your brand.

2. Is a range of services needed?

- Many times a potential client will give a firm a laundry list of to-do's to accomplish. Other times, only a few objectives need to be executed in terms of a project or a short campaign. It may not be necessary to search for a firm that operates on a large spectrum if only A, B and C objectives need to be met.

3. Are multiple offices required?

- This is pretty self-explanatory. When a service is needed on a local level, why pay a firm in a big city that will charge a big city retainer and big city hard costs?

Dorothy asks several more thought provoking questions which are sure to be advantageous when making the decision to sign on with a PR firm.

Read the article here.

Ant Hill Wins a PRSA 2010 Phoenix Award

We don't like to brag, but.... we're very excited to let you know that Ant Hill was awarded a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2010 Phoenix Award within the sector of Integrated Communications for our work with Mythic Paint. Judges loved the many strategic facets of the campaign which included a successful social media strategy encompassing the filming and release of 'How To' videos with HGTV's David Bromstad, the management of six successful retail appearances with David and for securing coverage in all the major national, design and parenting publications and trade books. A big thank you to Mythic for being our loyal client- we are so excited to share this award with you!

-Ant Hill

We've Moved!

Ant Hill is officially settled into our new space at the King Plow Arts Center! We absolutely love it here. The building, rich with history, was originally a plow factory but is now home to tenants representing commercial businesses and the performing arts. In 1990, the owners designed a plan to transform the factory into a building of work studios, artist spaces, galleries, and restaurants without taking away from the history and architecture.

Perks? Non other than a rooftop view of the Atlanta skyline.

The area (West Midtown), is full of wonderful restaurants and tons of reputable businesses which can make way for some great networking opportunities.

Check back with us to stay abreast of the latest developments with our clients!

The Atlanta Ballet Production Moulin Rouge® Can-Cans Positive Reviews!

We are thrilled to share the reviews of Atlanta Ballet's production of Moulin Rouge®- The Ballet. The two and half hour long performance was full of props to simulate the essence of Paris, the hand-dyed costumes were made with careful precision and attention to detail, and the dance numbers displayed the enormous amount of practice and athletic ability contributed by each performer. The production received great reviews from Creative Loafing, the Marietta Daily Journal, and Arts Critic ATL.

We had a great time working with those at Atlanta Ballet and Solomon Says and hope to be able to work with them in the future, they're all fabulous people.

Check the ballet's blog for coverage and tickets for the production running through October 31. http://www.moulinrougeballet.com/


Photo by Charlie McCullers courtesy of Atlanta Ballet.

Happy Birthday to Us!

Ant Hill Communications turns one year today! What a year it has been and how exciting it is to anticipate what the future holds. We truly appreciate each of our clients and the synergy in which we operate. We began, and still are a scrappy bunch who love to work hard and love the results that hard work brings even more.

Special thanks to Mythic Paint, Orchid Ceramics, TunerBoone, CREW, MAP International, the Atlanta Ballet, and C PORT for your support in our efforts!

Who Says It's Not Easy Being Green?

Maybe ten or fifteen years ago we would have sided with Kermit the Frog but today, there is such a huge market focused on all green everything. We can't even call it 'niche' anymore! It feels great to represent brands that not only produce great products but also recognize what a social responsibility it is to ensure their products sustain the Earth. One couple we love agrees and has in fact, built their business on promoting a green lifestyle.

Ron and Lisa Beres of Green Nest and authors of 'Just Green It!' provide their audience with simple tips to switch your lifestyle to a health focused and eco-friendly way of living. We're thrilled to add that BOTH of our clients, Mythic Paint and Orchid Ceramics were featured at their book launch in California. Here are a few pics...

Orchid Ceramics Signs on with Ant Hill Communications

We're excited to announce a new addition to the Ant Hill roster! Orchid Ceramics, a ceramic, accent, decorative and porcelain tile manufacturer based out of Tulsa, OK was established in July of 2002 by the Coronas Organization, a multinational business based out of Columbia, South America which boasts over 120 years of production.

Ant Hill is looking forward to developing a strategized new brand positioning and marketing campaign for Orchid. There are tons of gorgeous styles of tile to choose from plus the fact that the products are GREENGUARD certified doesn't hurt either! We really value Orchid's commitment to the green movement and the philanthropic work they do with Tile Partners for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity.

Ant Hill Communications Creates YouTube Page for Mythic Paint

With the latest videos we've been shooting with David Bromstad and Mythic Paint, Ant Hill thought it would be nice for Mythic fans to get a glimpse of what goes on on the other side of the lens. So enters the birth of the YouTube page. Constructing the page is the perfect way to keep Mythic Paint fans and followers up to date on the latest video material such as the how-to videos by David. In these videos, David covers everything from the simplicity of painting a flawless wall to the complexities and details that go into decorating a baby or kid's space. Plus, being able to comment on each video is totally interactive which is what the social media movement is all about right? Go for yourself and check it out here .