Rural Roots PR launches new mentorship programme (with discount for WiRE members)

Posted: 14^th March 2018

Rural Roots PR and Journalism, which specialises in communications for rural tourism businesses has launched a PR mentorship programme for SMEs.

Officially starting later this Spring, the online course will work with 20 businesses to help them maximise their communications and build their reputation as top rural attractions.

And there’s a 10 per cent discount for WiRE members.

Founder Megan Allen explains: “The mentorship programme is designed for small tourism businesses which recognise the value of PR, but either can’t afford to outsource it or want to have a crack at doing their own.

“Each month we’ll concentrate on a different area of a PR strategy, building up key skills and ensuring small tourism businesses are doing everything they can to put themselves on the national map.”

PR is a vital aspect of a business’ marketing strategy and should be the overarching element of any campaign. Not only does it steer messaging and communication, it builds and maintains reputation. Find out more about PR here.

Initially, the mentorship programme will only be open to 20 businesses to enable Megan to adapt the content to the needs of those she’s working with.

Each business will complete an initial assessment to determine their current PR activity and identify their target market. They’ll then move forward one module at a time, building on their assessment and learning key skills, as well as having access to Rural Roots’ professional services, such as journalist requests.

Megan added: “Rural Roots was founded to help small rural businesses tell their story and build their reputation. I want PR to be cost-effective and accessible to all as it’s such a vital part of any business strategy.

“So many small business owners can see the value in PR but don’t know where to start so this programme will help them to move forward and grow.”

For £100 a month (£90 for WiRE members) businesses will get:

• A digital starter pack setting the scene for their PR strategy
• Access to monthly content focused on a specific target area
• Facebook group membership and networking opportunities with other rural tourism business owners
• Their own Dropbox folder to build resources and manage their PR
• Unlimited journalist requests
• Discounted bespoke PR support (if they need an extra helping hand)

As an NCTJ qualified senior journalist and CIPR accredited PR practitioner, Megan has worked with rural tourism businesses from castles to campsites and farm to fork to attract visitors, sell products and put themselves on the national map, with TV, radio, newspaper and magazine credits to her name.

She added: “I’ve worked in tourism since the age of 16; from cleaning to senior management, so have an insight into what makes a great visitor experience at all levels and builds a reputation.

“I’ve found a way to combine my passions for story-telling and rural tourism through Rural Roots and I’m really excited to start passing them onto small businesses to help them grow.”

** ends **

Notes:

* Places are on a first come, first served basis

Find out more about Rural Roots PR & Journalism  or get in touch for more information.