PHM WELCOMES NEW PR INTERN

Welcome to Emily Bell, our new intern who joins PHM for a year as part of her Events Management degree at Bournemouth University. As well as being introduced to all things media, Emily is putting her studies to good use supporting PHM’s clients with their broad and busy event programmes. Take a look at what she’s learned so far…

“With a dad who works as a transport planner (the less exciting part of the housebuilding process!), I have accumulated some knowledge about the property industry over the years. In just a few weeks with PHM however, I’ve learned a lot more about the role of communications in residential development – the fun part!

Securing stories: Besides breaking some student habits and getting up early again, one of the most important things I’ve learned so far is the media relations process and how stories and features end up in the newspapers and magazines that we read. Here at PHM we use a range of tactics to secure stories for our clients – press releases are used for formal announcements or news, a shorter media note can be used to update journalists with information and we use written or phone pitching– the part I find most interesting – to share story angles and feature ideas that result from our team brainstorms and getting the creative juices flowing.

Event planning: One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is seeing how my university studies are put into practice. I’ve been assisting in the organisation of a number of events on behalf of PHM’s clients that has meant I’ve experienced first-hand the hard work and effort that goes into ensuring events are well attended, fun (when appropriate!) and the whole organisation process is streamlined and cohesive from start to finish. I’ve also gained a good understanding of managing budgets – and sticking to them!

Thinking outside the box: Having studied Photography at A-Level, I have some experience of getting creative and thinking of weird and wonderful ways to engage and attract attention through media. However, there is nothing like trying to attract the attention of a busy journalist or influencer! We use all sorts of things to inspire us at PHM, from upcoming awareness days (National Hedgehog Day made the list!) through to the return of the Great British Bake Off to our screens (Insta-worthy country kitchens was a fun pitch to put together). The goal is to attract the attention of our clients’ target media and generate excitement – and sales leads – about their developments.

Engaging on social media: On a personal level, I follow plenty of influencers on social media platforms – and often see them promoting products and services. However, never had I thought that you could use an influencer to promote – and sell – a property! Influencers with the right following can raise awareness of a development with people who might not read a traditional newspaper, opening up audiences substantially.”

To find out more about how PHM does PR, contact the team.