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Today Monmouth, tomorrow the World...
This is a guest blog post by Hannah Ward, of Montpellier PR
Imagine a world where information is not only at your fingertips but within QR code plaques positioned throughout towns and cities across the world, enabling you to scan and unlock facts and history about destinations as you explore them.
Sounds great doesn’t it? Well, it’s becoming a reality...
When we were approached by the PRCA with a request to provide campaign support to Wikimedia UK, we were intrigued to say the least.
On meeting with the core team, we learned that Wikimedia were launching a groundbreaking initiative involving unique location QR codes which could be scanned by smart phones and link up with the relevant page within the Wikipedia archives - we instantly recognised that this ‘had legs’ and were keen to be involved.
Monmouthpedia was to become the world’s first ever ‘Wiki town’ having spent 100k installing wi-fi and developing 500+ pages of local information and QR code plaques, the brains and energy behind it, local resident John Cummings and the Wiki team, required additional resources to ensure the story garnered the international coverage that it deserved.
Cue Montpellier PR!
Our brief was to secure a mass of international coverage – and we only had 3 days to do it in!
Challenge accepted!
We began by compiling a strong media list of key international titles that we wanted to ‘target’ knowing only too well that if we were able to secure coverage with them, then the Monmouthpedia story would undoubtedly be carried elsewhere within less renowned publications around the world.
The press release was strong but we felt that it could be ‘tweaked’ and strengthened to play up to our international audience – with our amends approved by the Wiki team we distributed the release and set to work.
As with any media ‘sell in’ it’s all about understanding the audience and finding the right angle for that specific title, so we began working through our media list and building positive relationships. It is fair to say that the Monmouthpedia was extremely well received; it is an exciting development that would benefit so many sectors, from business to travel and tourism around the world.
Google alerts had been set to pick up coverage as and when it came in, so it was rather exciting when we began to see stories filter through from around the world! There was a great buzz around the campaign, not only with the Wiki initiative but within the team working on the project. The pride was palpable, infectious, and wonderfully motivating!
In total, we secured the Wikimedia and the Monmouthpedia campaign 212 articles across 33 countries. In the words of Steve Virgin, Media Focus UK, “Think we had a little success on our hands – thanks again guys.”
Mission accomplished! (Hannah Ward, Account Executive, Montpellier PR)
