Tag: pr

What is Content Marketing and Why Does It Matter?

A close-up shot of a laptop and a person's hands typing on the keyboard, used to describe content marketing.

At Open Communications, we don’t just churn out words and hope they stick. We create the right content, for the right audience, in the right places, and we make sure it does the heavy lifting for your brand.

If you’ve ever wondered exactly what “content marketing” means, why businesses invest in it, and what it could do for you, here’s our straight-talking approach.

 

What is content marketing?

Think of content marketing as the long game in your communications strategy.

It’s not about shouting “buy now” at anyone who will listen. It’s about building a genuine, lasting relationship with your audience so that when they need what you offer, you’re the first name they think of.

It involves creating and sharing press releases, videos, social posts, podcasts and other materials that:

  • Build trust in your brand.
  • Show your expertise.
  • Keep your audience engaged.

The overarching goal? To encourage action – whether that’s making a purchase, sending an enquiry or simply seeing you as a go-to source for insight and information.

The key thing to remember is this: it’s not about filling space online. It’s to make your audience want to hear from you, while also keeping them coming back for more.

 

Why does this matter?

Today’s audiences are savvy. They can spot a hard sell from a mile away, and most will scroll right past it. Content marketing works because it focuses on value first and sales second.

That value might come in the form of a blog that answers a question they’ve been Googling, a social post that makes them nod in agreement, or a video that explains something complex in a few simple steps. Sometimes it’s a podcast that offers a fresh perspective from someone they respect.

By consistently sharing helpful, relevant and more importantly, engaging content, you’re doing more than just selling. You’re building credibility, showing you understand your audience’s world, and proving that you have the expertise to help them. Over time, this positions you as a trusted source – and trust is the foundation of every successful customer relationship.

 

What does it include?

When we work with clients on content marketing, we don’t just start typing. Every piece of content has a clear role in a wider plan.

That means considering elements such as:

  • Keywords – so your content gets seen by the right people at the right time.
  • Messaging – keeping your key points clear, consistent and memorable.
  • Tone of voice – so your brand personality comes through across every channel.
  • Call to action (CTA) – guiding your audience on what to do next without being pushy.
  • Positioning statements – making it clear where you sit in the market and what sets you apart.
  • Talent – sharing insight and experiences from the team through thought leadership articles and comment pieces.
  • Evidence of expertise – case studies, statistics, and examples that strengthen your authority.
  • Third-party contributions – trusted voices that boost your credibility even further.

It’s a joined-up process. Whether we’re writing thought leadership articles, case studies, or social campaigns, every piece of content reinforces your brand and moves your audience one step closer to you.

 

Why we offer it

The reason is simple: it works.

A strong content marketing strategy delivers value in a way that a one-off sales pitch can’t. It builds relationships, it gives people reasons to trust you, and it helps them remember your name.

We also know that not every business has the time or headspace to keep content fresh, relevant and effective. That’s where we come in. We work as an extension of your team, getting under the skin of your brand, so every piece feels genuine and on point.

As an agency that specialises in PR, social media and multi-media content, we make sure your message doesn’t live in isolation. Instead, it’s part of an approach, a complementary set of tactics that promotes your business, giving you consistency and impact across every channel.

 

Why not just write it yourself?

After all, anyone can put pen to paper.

But… producing effective content is about more than just writing well. It’s about knowing what will resonate with your audience, structuring it so it’s easy to read or watch, and optimising it for search without losing its human touch.

It’s also about maintaining consistency across multiple channels and formats, making sure your tone, messaging and quality don’t slip. And crucially, it’s about tracking what’s working and adjusting your plan accordingly – something that doesn’t happen overnight and takes time and a strategic eye.

When you work with professionals, you’re not just outsourcing the writing. You’re bringing in the experience, perspective and know-how to make your content work harder, and freeing yourself up to focus on running your business.

 

Our approach at Open Comms

Let’s be honest – content marketing can sometimes feel like a lot of noise.

That’s where we come in.

We cut through the jargon and focus on creating content that actually makes a difference for you and your business. For some clients, that’s blog posts that keep them front of mind. For others, it’s social media content that sparks conversation, thought leadership that positions them as experts or multimedia pieces that stop the scroll.

We don’t do “one size fits all”. Every client is different, so every strategy is tailored. But what is the same is that we get to know your business inside and out – your challenges, your goals and your audiences – so we can create content that genuinely connects.

 

The bottom line

Content marketing isn’t about filling space or ticking boxes. It’s about making meaningful connections, showing off your expertise and building trust over time.

Done well, it can:

  • Attract new customers.
  • Strengthen relationships with existing ones.
  • Position you as a leader in your field.
  • Support your wider marketing and PR activity.
  • Secure sales.

What’s more, PR and marketing will deliver results you can actually measure, helping your business grow over the long term.

 

Let’s talk content

If you’re curious about how content marketing could work for your business, we’d love to chat. We’ll put the kettle on (biscuits are on us!) and talk through how we can help you connect with your audience, share your story and deliver results.

At Open Comms, we don’t do air kissing, but we do offer straight talking, creative thinking and a content marketing strategy that works as hard as you do.

Get in touch with us today.

Considering a career in PR

Tileyard North where Open Comms is based in Wakefield

In July, Charlotte Woods came to Open Comms for work experience. Although she didn’t have long at the agency, she took the time to write a blog about her thoughts on a career in PR. Find out more about her experience and what she thought of agency life below. 

Where do I see myself in 20 years? One thing that has always fascinated me is consumer behaviour and how brands become successful. As I grew up, I learned to understand that the key to this success is all about how a brand is marketed, and how a relationship is developed between these companies and their buyers.

This is where PR comes in: an ever-developing industry that allows for creative freedom and encourages the use of imagination in a strategic way to increase audience reach.

As an A-level student, I currently study English literature, Psychology and Media studies – all of which I find to be very stimulating and ingrained with a sense of individuality. These subjects allow me to consider the nature of existence across three different sectors, across different time periods and across different cultures.

Public Relations combines elements of Psychology: delving into how people (especially buyers) think, perceive and process information; English literature, in that creativity and the ability to critical think are valued attributes in PR, with words being a key form of expression; and Media, as studying the contemporary social climate in terms of social media and digital convergence is more prominent now in the PR sector than ever before.

The skills I have gained from my studies thus far have not only set me up well for a career in marketing but have attracted me to the industry.

Behind the scenes

Following a short placement the Open Communications, a PR agency in Wakefield, I had the chance to put some of the theory I had learned into practice.

From my experience, I have come to understand the calibre of skill that is required to be successful within such a competitive, fast-paced position.

The variety of clients across a broad range of industries is something new to me and the versatility of the companies that are marketed by Open Comms ensures that no two working days are the same, with plenty to be busy with.

The diverse nature of the world of marketing ensures that there is always an opportunity for continuous learning, whether this is being exposed to new tools, trends or platforms, such as TikTok.

I do, however, love to learn new things and thrive when doing so, so this felt like a good fit for me.

Building a high level of necessary, relevant skills associated with marketing is very much a product of the environment. The results achieved by the team at Open Comms showcases the benefits of such a relaxed, friendly work environment, which is also an ideal space for creative freedom and general wellbeing.

Communication, being a crucial part of a job within PR, is something that is very effectively done at Open Comms. During my short time here, I have witnessed the productive use of different tactics to deliver a desired outcome.

It is through my experience here that I have come to appreciate the creative talent and flare that this role requires, and it is from the struggle I faced when trying to complete a plan for a client’s social media accounts that I fully understand the key skills involved within this sector – most notably the creativity aspect.

Exploring my options

As I consider the future, contemplating different University options and potential courses (although I am leaning very much towards English Literature), I must consider the final goal and desired outcome, both in terms of career aspirations and general life goals.

I can very much see myself working in an environment such as this one provided at Open Comms, although I cannot be certain that the industry will look the same in five or ten years’ time.

This is both an advantage and disadvantage of working within the PR sector: It allows for flexibility that cannot be found in many other roles, and this means that you never feel stuck doing the same thing each day. Conversely, with the rapid growth and introduction of AI, a degree of uncertainty surrounds the future of PR and how the roles will adapt to this new concept.

So, where do I see myself in 20 years? Hopefully with a degree, a house, a family all on the back of a successful career whether this be in public relations or not. If I do choose this career path, I will embrace the teamwork, creativity and flexibility, and if I do not, I will certainly carry forward with me the knowledge and skills I have learned, both from my studies and from my experience at Open Comms.

Exploring future careers: could PR be right for me?

Open Communications

Back in July, we welcomed Emily Hooper to Open Communications. As a college student, she is exploring a possible career in PR. Find out what she thought of agency life and how this may have shaped the opportunities she explores in the future. 

As a current A-Level student, I am in the process of figuring out my future and my next steps towards an eventual career, with an angle of English in mind. I have always been fascinated by language and the importance that literature holds in the real world to communicate meaning so PR has stood out to me as an ideal career path.

During my study of English and Media, I have learnt to analyse discourse to reveal its intended and hidden meanings, how to write and structure a succinct and comprehensive piece of literature and have also developed my empathy and cultural awareness to communicate with and to a plethora of different demographics and psychographics.

What draws me to PR, is the combination of creativity and communication used alongside the intention and strategy behind the crafting of media messages. I am interested by the variation in the work and the constant problem-solving that is required to navigate the needs of clients.

A day in the life of a PR executive

As a student, I was really interested in how we can apply the theory we are learning into practice. As such, I decided to get in touch with Open Comms to see if I could come along for some work experience to gauge what a typical working day looks like for them, the type of tasks they are faced with and what a career in PR really entails.

I was initially impressed by the creative and communal atmosphere of the building, which is based at Tileyard North in Wakefield, and the bunch of friendly faces I was met and welcomed with.

I really enjoyed being in a relaxed office environment as I felt I could work independently while being surrounded by like-minded people who are all willing to help at any moment.

Seeing how the team worked together showed me just how valuable collaboration can be and how hard-working every individual is to reach their end goal, while also loving their job!

I was pleasantly surprised by the type of activities I was introduced to and given to do throughout the day and found the relationship between the company and their clients fascinating.

For example, I was tasked with creating a timetable of social media posts across multiple platforms for Glaziers Hall, a Livery building in London. I was specifically intrigued by the purpose of each platform, the difference in target audience and the types of things you need to consider to meet these requirements.

What stood out most was the down-to-earth, straight-talking nature of the agency which made the experience so comfortable and made me feel very accomplished through my work.

I feel very lucky to have gained this experience and to have witnessed very positive real-life examples of the work that is required and that goes on in this sector and I’m sure it is very much for me.

This experience has ultimately confirmed that PR could be the path for me!

Adapting to a changing landscape  

Something to consider about this career path however is the rise in AI and the uncertainty this creates for those working in the area as it has the potential to displace people from their jobs or at least will require a level of adaptation as the need for people to operate these jobs will reduce significantly.

This industry is constantly changing and developing though so it is impossible to predict what the future holds; companies will always require the skills of those who can understand the way people think and feel about an organisation or brand and how to adapt and overcome in the face of adversity.

Overall, in a few years’ time, I can absolutely see myself working in an environment such as this one, doing the jobs that Lindsey and Laura from Open Comms are doing. Given it is a blend of everything that interests me now as an English/Media student, along with the whole atmosphere and community that was so pleasant to be a part of, I can certainly see myself working in an agency.

Where I see myself in the future  

I see myself with a degree in English, employed in a company such as Open Comms doing work in PR, communicating with and writing for clients to support their brand and build their reputation.

I’m sure that I will thrive in a job like this, getting to be around and collaborate with other people and enjoy the fact that no two days are the same! PR is an unpredictable career but from what I have seen, a fascinating, very rewarding job and a lovely kind of environment to work in.

OPEN COMMUNICATIONS APPOINTS PR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Laura Wood joins Open Communications, the PR and content marketing agency, as PR Account Executive

We are very pleased to confirm the appointment of Laura Wood as PR Account Executive here at Open Communications.

Having graduated with a first-class BA(Hons) degree in English Language from Edge Hill University, Laura approached Open Comms for a short-term placement before being offered the full-time position at the PR and content marketing agency.

Responsibilities of the new role will include liaising with clients, drafting press releases, writing blogs, producing engaging assets, managing social media accounts and providing monthly reports and analytics.

Director at Open Communications, Emma Lupton, comments: “We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Laura to the team. She is keen, enthusiastic and a perfect fit for our agency. It’s such an exciting time for us, especially as we continue to grow and take on new clients and projects.

“As our remit continues to expand with many of our clients, it is important that we all work together to offer a fresh perspective and bring new ideas to the table. Laura is already doing that, and we know she will become a real asset to the team.”

PR Account Executive at Open Communications, Laura Wood, adds: “I am really excited to join the team here at Open Comms. It feels like the perfect place for me grow, both personally and professionally, as I start my career in the Public Relations industry.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, and having done some work experience here before, I already felt integrated into the team and ready to contribute. I’m looking forward to diving into the variety of tasks and getting to know the clients – this diversity makes every day so different yet fulfilling.

“I have already learnt so much about PR and content marketing, I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”

Already the preferred PR agency for brands including CorrBoard UK, FDM Document Solutions, Glaziers Hall, Martin Walsh Architectural and Walker & Sutcliffe, Open Communications continues to expand its client portfolio.

For further details about Open Comms, the PR and content marketing agency, its team and the brands it represents, please visit www.opencomms.co.uk or for regular updates follow @Open Communications UK Ltd on LinkedIn and @opencomms_ on Instagram.

OPEN COMMUNICATIONS RETURNS TO WAKEFIELD

PR agency Open Communications

It’s true. We are pleased to announce that after months of hard work behind the scenes, we have moved to offices at Tileyard North, the purpose-built development for creatives, in Wakefield. 

Following two years at Carrwood Park in Leeds, this relocation to serviced offices with 2-Work, Tileyard North will mark a new chapter for us. It was the perfect time for us to return to the district and celebrate 16 years in business.

Director of Open Communications, Emma Lupton, comments: “We were in the audience when the plans for Tileyard North were first shared. Since then, we have followed the development closely and have been waiting to see how it could work for us.

“Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint, and we can’t wait to start the next chapter of our journey in this wonderful space.”

Director of Open Communications, Lindsey Davies, comments: “There is a real vibe about Tileyard North and when we visited, it just felt right. A lot has changed over the last 16 years and as we evolve as an agency, we want to do so in an environment that supports, encourages and inspires us.

“We look forward to meeting with other businesses that are based at the development and to making this our home.”

Regional Manager for 2-Work, Natalie Pucher, comments: “We are really pleased to welcome Open Communications to 2-Works, Tileyard North. This is a great space for agencies, and we know that they are going to be a great addition to the businesses and co-workers we have here.

“There is certainly an excitement across the district, and as more companies join us, we can see how the culture is bringing people together to collaborate, which is just what we want.”

OPEN COMMUNICATIONS GETS FDM’S VOTE

FDM Document Solutions

FDM Document Solutions, one of the UK’s leading data, print, mail and electoral services specialists, has appointed Open Communications, the PR and multimedia communications agency based in Yorkshire, to work alongside the company as its preferred PR, content management and marketing communications partner.

FDM Document Solutions provides comprehensive inbound and outbound document solutions for public and private sector organisations, reducing the cost of digital services, printing, mailing and postage.

Open Comms will manage all PR, communications and social media for the business, providing traditional PR services alongside social media management and multimedia content to be used across channels.

In doing so, the agency plans to increase engagement and build greater brand awareness for the company as it continues to expand the number of public sector organisations it works with.

Sales and Marketing Director of FDM Document Solutions, Ian Forster, comments: “From the moment we met with the team at Open Comms, we had a rapport. That makes such a big difference when you plan to work so closely with an agency, particularly as comms is a fundamental part of our business strategy.

“We are thrilled to have Open Communications as an extension of our team, and we look forward to building our relationship and to delivering some amazing work together.”

Director of Open Communications, Lindsey Davies, comments: “As a leading provider of document solutions in the UK, FDM are a great business, and we are so pleased to have been chosen as preferred PR partner.

“Becoming an extension of the team, we look forward to supporting FDM with its ambitions to become the UK’s leading supplier of outbound and inbound communications to Local Authorities and the wider public sector.”

For regular updates from Open Comms, you can follow the agency on LinkedIn.

GLAZIERS HALL CHOOSES OPEN FOR COMMS SUPPORT

Glaziers Hall, London

Glaziers Hall, the historic Livery building located on the South Bank in London, has appointed Open Comms, the straight-talking PR agency based in Leeds, as its preferred PR, content management and marketing communications partner.

Becoming its latest retained client, the agency will now manage all traditional PR, media relations, social media management and earned and owned content for the brand. It will also support with marketing requirements to raise the profile of the venue to both private and professional clientele throughout the year.

Director of Open Communications, Emma Lupton comments: “Quite simply, Glaziers Hall is a breath-taking venue. When we visited to discuss the brief, we were charmed by the seven unique spaces but also the history and heritage that underpins this wonderful building.

“We are very much looking forward to working with the team and to putting the comms strategy into practice. There are exciting plans at Glaziers and we are very pleased to be a part of the team that will deliver them.”

General Manager of Glaziers Hall, Will Simmonds, comments: “We already consider Open Comms to be an extension of our team. They have quickly established ways of working that mean we can get the comms in place that we need to share our story with corporate clients and those looking for a unique party venue.

“We have already seen some positive results coming through and look forward to building on this as our relationship and the scope of work develops.”

For more information about Open Comms and the services the agency provides, please visit: www.opencomms.co.uk or follow @OpenComms_.

CORRBOARD UK AMPLIFIES NEW APPROACH WITH OPEN COMMS APPOINTMENT

Rob Burgin, Managing Director of CorrBoard UK and Lindsey Davies, Director of Open Communications

CorrBoard UK, the corrugated sheet feeding specialist based in Scunthorpe, has appointed Open Communications, the straight-talking PR agency based in Leeds, as its preferred PR, content management and marketing communications partner.

Having worked with the team previously, Rob Burgin, Managing Director at CorrBoard UK, tasked the agency to deliver a strategy that would support its new approach, set the foundations and deliver a year-round comms plan to share content, amplify engagement across channel and build brand reputation.

The agency will manage all traditional PR, media relations, social media management and internal communications for the business. It will also support with marketing activities through the year including customer facing events such as trade shows.

Director of Open Communications, Lindsey Davies comments: “This is a great win for Open Comms. Once again, a previous client has asked for our support and there really is no greater compliment. CorrBoard are a great business with an incredible story to share and big ambitions.

“We are very much looking forward to joining the team on this journey and to delivering some fantastic results along the way.”

Managing Director of CorrBoard UK, Rob Burgin comments: “Having worked with Open Comms previously, I know that they genuinely work as an extension of their clients’ teams. This was exactly what we wanted. It was important we were more than just another client on a roster.

“The comms plan we now have in place for CorrBoard UK aligns with our strategy as a business, which we know will support us as we work towards becoming the UK’s leading independent sheet feeding specialist.”

For more information about Open Comms and the services the agency provides, please visit: www.opencomms.co.uk or follow @OpenComms_.

HORTOR HANDS PR AND CONTENT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT TO OPEN COMMS

Lindsey Davies, director at Yorkshire PR agency Open Communications and Andy Roe, COO at Hortor

Hortor, the global resourcing and managed service consultancy headquartered in Leeds, has appointed Open Comms, the straight-talking PR agency, as its preferred PR and content management partner.

Having previously worked with the organisation, the agency was asked to provide a communications strategy that would support the business as it goes through an accelerated change programme to support its ambitions plans.

As a result, the agency will provide retained PR and marketing support, along with website content creation and social media management.

Director at Open Comms, Lindsey Davies comments: “This new retained contract with Hortor is testament to the relationships we have with our clients. It is great that we were chosen to support the business as it works towards meeting with its ambitious targets.

“This is an exciting time for Hortor and we are pleased to be the agency that will be supporting the company as it evolves and takes the next step in its journey.”

Chief Operating Officer for Hortor, Andy Roe comments: “We liked the approach that Open Comms took when we worked with them previously and always had a good relationship with the team. As well as being honest, they get the job done and they do it well.

“We need partners we can trust, and we have that with the team at Open Comms. We are looking forward to making some subtle changes to our comms strategy which will position Hortor as so much more than a recruiter.”

For more information about Open Comms and the services the agency provides, please visit: www.opencomms.co.uk or follow @OpenComms_.

MORE THAN A PR AGENCY – AN EXTENSION TO YOUR TEAM

When executed properly, PR can be transformative for businesses and will deliver long-term value to brands. But with so many tactics making up a successful communications strategy, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

To guarantee that your business experiences the full benefits from PR and achieves the return on investment that is expected, call in the professionals.

Here at Open Communications, we have a diverse client base. Every company we work with requires something different. We understand that no-one-size-fits-all, which is why our team of specialists create a bespoke approach that aligns to each organisation and their objectives.

We become trusted communication partners to our clients by fully immersing ourselves into their businesses. This is why we believe a collaborative and transparent approach is essential. From understanding the financial and operational goals to developing detailed insight into their industry and who they employ, we become an asset and an extension of their teams.

The benefits to finding an agency that you can trust to bring recommendations to the table and focus on continuous added value should not be underestimated.

Skills and strength of a PR team

First and foremost, when working with a PR agency your business gets the specialist and collective skillset of an entire team. Dedicated to creating a communications plan that fulfils a specific brief, PR professionals have the experience, knowledge and creativity to work together to bring to life your brand in coherent, consistent and engaging communications.

Whether this is through traditional or digital PR channels, social media platforms or owned content, each PR campaign is purposely structured to attract the attention of industry counterparts, the wider marketplace and the general public.

With numerous tactics to choose from, PR agencies can create a positive public perception for clients. After all, managing the reputation of a brand and business is what it is all about. PR teams can call upon a variety of skills and strengths to identify the most relevant approach, which will maximise outputs and ensure that the message resonates with customers and prospects.

Key connections

As well as delivering a full suite of PR services, a key attribute of working with a PR agency is tapping into who they know. We are constantly networking and creating new contacts. Whether that’s members of the media, industry and social media influencers or government insiders and key policy makers, our contacts are a resource for our clients.

As important as it is to create insightful and engaging content, it is even more important to ensure the right people actually see it. By nurturing and developing these critical relationships, especially those in the press, we can call upon specific contacts to help deliver a brand’s message or publish a news update to ensure it reaches the target audience.

This is especially useful when it comes to securing media coverage. PR agencies will not only identify and create relevant content around any newsworthy announcement, but we also complete the distribution phase to the relevant journalists. The more press that covers a story, the wider the audience is reached.

Having these relationships in place and the confidence from our contacts to know that what we are sharing is relevant and right just enhances that further.

Stronger results at a lower cost

There will always be a debate about whether to invest in PR in-house or outsource to an agency. Often, this decision comes down to cost. As a business owner, you want to get the most for your money.

In many cases, it can be more costly to have one person lead your PR strategy in-house than it is to acquire the experience and expertise of a team of communications specialists, often with decades worth of industry insight.

Contracting an agency can provide piece of mind and for our clients at least, they know that their PR needs are being handled without the need for constant input. This gives them more time to concentrate on what matters most to them: growing their business and the bottom line.

If you’d like to speak to our team about what we deliver and how we approach PR on behalf of our clients, then please visit: https://www.opencomms.co.uk.