Tag: university

Studying Social Media

On October 17, 2023

Throughout my professional and academic career, I recognized how critical social media is in public relations. From news to entertainment, social media is a massive part of our lives now. PR professionals must use this tool to connect with audiences and promote our organization!

Having Social Media as a Tool in your PR Kit

You can use social media as a tool rather than just a platform in several ways. Many social media platforms have built-in analytic monitoring services, allowing organizations to track their engagement and impressions. This can be helpful to gauge how specific promotions and campaigns are working with your audience.

Social media also offers a two-way communication channel with your stakeholders and target audiences. Allowing for post feedback lets your audience feel connected to the brand or organization, keeping that relationship.

Creativity is a big part of social media that traditional news, press releases, and other forms of media do not offer. With social media, there are creative ways to connect to your audience. You can do this via polls, comments, taking on social media trends, and commenting on influencers’ posts.

Creating a Social Media Campaign for Mejuri

To polish my social media skills, I created a social media campaign for the brand I have worked with for the past couple of weeks, Mejuri. ( Check out my previous posts on Mejuri brand collateral for context!) For this campaign, I relied on consistency and adjusting the post to the platform. For example, this campaign was centered around the Mejuri anniversary sale and was an Instagram and Facebook post exclusive as that’s where our major audiences are.

Mejuri Anniversary Campaign: Instagram Post

Anniversary Sale: Facebook Post

Utilizing consistency in the Mejuri logo allows for brand recognition. Repeated promotion of “Shop our anniversary sale.”

I wanted to utilize these posts to be the main element of promotion. I followed through with Mejuris’ editorial picture feel and blended this into the anniversary campaign. Using high-contrast images and them becoming the catching eye point of the posts.

Facebook Cover

Twitter Header

I wanted a consistent header/cover for the Facebook and Twitter headers that would stay on these platforms for multiple campaigns and seasons. One element of Mejrui is their catchphrase, “fine jewelry for being your damn self.” I utilized light gray, cream and dark exposure images that match Mejuri’s clean and crisp tone.

When Creating Social Media Content, Keep in Mind…

Brand voice, culture and tone are key to staying connected with your pre-established audiences.

For Mejuri, aligning with their classy, editorial, and clean vibe was important. They have consistently used product images focusing on the “people” aspect. It is important to keep these elements. That way there is greater brand recognition, so it feels genuine to the audience.

Platforms for Social Media Campaigns

Platforms like Canva are user-friendly, free and expansive. Canva has several elements that you can add to your posts. Canva also offers templates that can provide a jumping-off point for your creations. Templates are great when you need to see examples and ideas to generate your own creativity and ideas.

There is also a new feature that can help in idea generation. Canva has an AI helper called “Magic Tool,” which allows you to input ideas and design elements.

Canva is a great accessible platform for social media creation and is easier than its predecessors, InDesign and Photoshop.

Canva offers many tutorials, and you can even utilize the AI helper to guide you through your designs.

Here are several more articles and resources on how social media can be one of the best tools in your PR Toolkit.

Mejuri and the Magic of Messaging

By Zoe Taylor

On September 6, 2023

In PR Design, Public Relations

Mejuri, a Canadian-based fine jewelry brand, is based on its mission:

The brand’s focus on simplistic, sustainable and timeless pieces is a crucial difference from its competitors. Mejuri understands that fine jewelry is an investment, and they opt to create designs that will always be trendy.

Based on their classic appearance, they also highlight the youthfulness of their pieces by promoting dainty, gold and delicate looks.

While I create a new campaign for Mejuri, come along with me as I show you how I narrowed down my choice of language, images and overall vibe for this project.

Utilzing Visual Langauge

One thing that first caught my eye with the brand is the usage of precise language that focuses on their drive to contribute to sustainability. The brand has a very empowering undertone without the fluff of overly positive messaging.

For example, this is their Pintrest account. The phrase “Fine jewelry for being your damn self” showcases the brand’s philosophy of changing the behavior around fine jewelry and creating an equitable environment for all consumers.

I want to continue this element of authenticity, short and precise language. I think another element of Mejuri is that they let the products speak for themselves by having these short captions, which I want to incorporate into this new campaign.

For the messaging, I want to implement their font that is very bold but not detailed:

This font also supports the idea that the brand doesn’t need the extra fluff, and the central concept is simplicity.

Choosing Images for Visuals

Mejuris most recent campaign, I feel, fits the brand the best. Their recent campaign gave an editorial style and implemented it with a clean, high-contrast look. I plan to incorporate this element.

I want to present my visuals as more image-based to further the idea that Mejuri products speak for themselves and don’t need a long explanation.

In my inspiration board for the images for the campaign, I focused mainly on highlighting their products rather than just being an element of the picture. Some examples of this are:

Connecting Typography & Imagery

For this campaign, I want to utilize these high-contrast images with a focus on the jewelry to allow Mejuris’ core values and ideologies to be expressed. I plan to use a straightforward font with an image that is the main focal point of the visual. I want to make up for the lack of words with how I position my few words. I think wrapping the words around some aspects of the images would be a great way to make this simplistic editorial campaign look a bit more creative and intriguing.

The goal is to highlight the quality, simplicity and luxurious feel of Mejuri products. Making these visuals too busy would take away from that key message.

The Goal, Inspiration, and Vibe of Mejuri’s New Campaign

MEJURI

We are on a mission to redefine luxury.

As I’ve touched on several times, the elements presented before all contribute to enhancing the core ideas of Mejuri. Overall, we want to return to that mission: “We are on a mission to redefine luxury.”

Mejuris products are pieces of fine jewelry for everyday use. So, for my inspiration, I drew from a set of images that I feel represent all stages of life but still have a trendy, editorial and simple appeal.

We want to highlight visual elements: clean lines and textures, high contrast, negative spaces and pops of color.

To see more inspiration I drew for this campaign, visit my Pinterest board for this project!

Why I chose Public Relations

By Zoe Taylor

On March 31, 2023

In Uncategorized

Choosing a major in college is probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I went through several majors as I took courses in high school, and I changed again during my first year. As a sophomore wrapping up their semester, I am confident In my major, Public Relations. So… how did I get here?

The first major I selected was Political Science. I am very passionate about politics and believe that they can change every person’s experience in this country. However, as I took a few courses, I realized, “wow, this is a lot of talk about the internal side of the government.” I quickly fell bored with discussing the processes by which the government does things. I had a different idea in my head of what I wanted to do: advocate!

Wanting to use my voice and advocate led me to Journalism. Journalism was a fun major; I worked for my university newspaper and took a writing class. I fell in love with writing and planning to strategically use my words for different outcomes. However, there was a catch: interviews. I hated conducting one on ones with people. Half of the time, people would cancel last minute, or I just felt that I liked to be the “big picture” person and create the interview goals, not do them!

This led me to where I am today, a public relations major. I wanted to use my strategic frame of thought but not have to dig for content. I loved writing and creating ideas that would later translate into public relations campaigns.

I would love to say that I arrived at this swift conclusion alone. However, I have to give credit where credit is due. My best friend is a senior at the University of Oklahoma, and she chose public relations as her interest. As I went to her for guidance is selecting a career path, she displayed her love for public relations and truly inspired me to take it on. Now a year later, I love it more and more every day.

Aliana Head (Public Relations Bestie) is on the left side.

Why Am I So Excited?

Honestly, utilizing social media (specifically TikTok) has given me the idea of an actual “day in the lives” of public relations specialists, and I couldn’t be more excited. I love interacting with brands as a consumer, and getting to interact with the public on account of a brand is even more exciting. I plan to showcase my drive, attention to detail, and creative communication style to excel in the field.

If you have any interest in the public relations field, do it! I have had a fantastic time educating myself about the area, and I hope always to stay learning.

Balancing work, school, and relationships as a college student!

By Zoe Taylor

On March 31, 2023

In College Help

Finding time in a schedule as tightly packed as a student who works can feel impossible. However, every student has struggled with finding the right tiering of priorities, and I have found the ways that help me best to allocate my time wisely!

Visualizing your time

Utilizing apps such as Google Calendar and Apples Calender can change your time management. Taking the mental load off of remembering your commitments and having them all in one place allows extra time to spend on hobbies and self-care.

I like to color code my Google Calender by the type of activity. For example, Red is for school-related things, blue is for work, and green is for plans with friends and family.

Reclaim.ai Blog

Utilizing a calendar is essential to see where I can fit last-minute plans and study times and when my free time is.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries with work, school, and even family and friends is another critical aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while balancing work and college. I struggle with this, as I typically think I have more hours in a day than I do. This leads to committing to things when I haven’t allowed myself enough time to recharge.

Creating these boundaries and saying no to work shifts, extra credit assignments, and plans with friends allows students to breathe and exit their “fight or flight” mode. Exiting “fight or flight” mode provides time to reflect on your college career and check in with yourself and your future goals. I also found that when I lack “recharging” time, I can become irritable and not feel engaged during things that matter to me.

It can be hard to set these boundaries, but if you can’t put energy into something, you’ll never reap the benefits of your hard work.

Getting Rid of Unachievable Expectations

This can be very hard for those who struggle with perfectionism. However, taking a step back and seeing that not every assignment you turn in has to receive a 100% grade and that you don’t have to be the highest performer at work can relieve a level of stress off your shoulders.

Being a student is a job in itself, and when you pile in relationships, internships, work, and so much more, it is near impossible to do every single one of those perfectly. So avoid burnout by realizing that sometimes you can only give half your usual effort, which is okay!

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

Lastly, one of the hardest lessons every student must learn is that it is okay to ask for help! Many professors, parents, and counselors even encourage it. It takes deep self-reflection and humility to ask for help, and it should never be looked down on! Leaning on your peers during this time should be highlighted more in college because we wouldn’t have a support system without our peers.

If you feel overwhelmed by your daily life, use these tips to ground yourself and get the most out of your days. You are in control of your life and should feel that way! Prioritize your mental well-being and learn ways to achieve your long-term goals healthily. Good luck!

Seeking Out Mental Health Services During your Time in College

By Zoe Taylor

On March 31, 2023

In College Help

Featured Image provided by NPR.

Mental health can be a slippery slope for some people, and it can be incredibly hard to value your mental well-being during college. So I want to help others navigate the difficult world of bettering their mental health!

So I recently had an experience regarding my mental health that made me realize how difficult it can be to try and seek help as a young adult. I am notorious for not feeling like a real adult or having imposter syndrome.

I find it hard to do tasks like going to the doctor because there are so many things that I feel like I still do know as a young adult. But, come on, a 20-year-old, freshly moved out, is supposed to know her co-pay?! Especially in the United States, where the healthcare system depends on insurance. This adds another layer of fear that people seeking help have to conquer.

Well, I did it! With very little help from my parents, I braved of going to a physiatrist and trying to figure out to be the best version of myself regarding my mental health.

From my experience, I want to advise other young adults when they feel they need mental health services!

Check your University for Services

Most universities offer mental health services to their students. For example, I attend the University of Oklahoma, and here we have an entire webpage dedicated to all the mental health services provided.

The University of Oklahoma provides free counseling to its students and other treatment services for a discounted price.

Make sure to check your university (no matter the size!) for their way of providing mental health services to their students.

Check your Insurance

This is where it can start to get tricky. If you want to go outside the university’s services, you must check if 1) you have insurance and 2) (if you do) what that insurance is. From here, you have two options; if you do not have insurance, you will want to check your state’s government-provided insurance program and see if you qualify. If you have insurance, you can type in whatever you want. For example, I love using “Zodoc.”

This website lets you say what type of doctor you are looking for, where you are located, and your insurance! Once you do this, you will be asked questions to find the best doctor. In addition, many will have their appointment system hooked up, allowing you to do telehealth visits.

Lean on Friends and Family

If you are still lost and have no clue where to start: reach out to those around you.

Many students may lack a familial figure; however, being a university student, you have a built-in system for support. Reach out to trusted professors and peers with shared experiences, and even call the Counseling Services office to ask questions if you need to!

Asking questions is the first step in getting help and is essential to getting the treatment you need. Being a student can be challenging; lean on your resources and never be afraid to ask for help!