It is hard to ignore emojis.  These illustrated emoticons have made their way across the internet, through cell phone screens and have even graced the cover of notable magazines.

Brands should take note of their widespread reach and embrace them.

Emojis have become a staple in PR in recent years, so much so that powerhouse brands like Chevy even released a press release in nothing but emojis. 

What makes emojis so great is that they are a common language. People all over the world can use them and know what they mean.

The PR world is utilizing the power and reach of emojis to make an impact for brands.

Continue reading to discover why all PR professionals should be using emojis.

Topics: Twitter, PR Strategy, Digital Branding, internet media, social media

With an increased connection between gardening and technology, gardening apps are on the rise. They help users identify plants, gain gardening knowledge with tips and DIYs and virtually design their garden. The apps vary in price range and typically become more expensive for more advanced gardeners.

Most gardening apps fall in three main categories: plant identification, gardening tips and garden design.

These apps are designed to make the gardener’s life a little bit easier. Here are some of our favorites from each category.

Continue reading to learn more about the top gardening apps.

Topics: lawn and garden public relations, Digital Branding, Trending Thursday, trends, internet media, Garden Trends, Garden Media

We’ve talked a lot about the importance of marketing to Millennials.

But, who is next?

Last week, MTV released a new name for the next generation: the self-proclaimed Founders.

So, who are they...? 

Read more to learn about who the Founders are and how to appeal to this next generation.

Topics: audience, branding, PR Strategy, trends, internet media, garden industry public relations, social media, Garden Media

YouTube celebrated its 10^th birthday in February.  Over the course of a decade, it has transformed from a website that features a variety of videos to a marketing and entertainment conglomerate.

Located in 75 countries and available in 61 languages, YouTube serves as a media powerhouse that has more than one billion users worldwide.  

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. 

YouTube is a powerful marketing tool because videos are accessible to both domestic and international audiences. Every video posted to the site has unlimited potential. 

It is also a valuable marketing tool garden companies can use to promote their brand.

Continue reading to learn more about how garden brands can utilize YouTube to build their brand and market their products.

Topics: branding, internet media, Garden Media Group, content marketing, Youtube

Whether your garden brand has received negative feedback online or not, it is important to be prepared and understand how to handle these situations before they happen. 

The reputation management agency, Igniyte, says that more than 52% of business owners thought their firm had suffered as a result of negative posts online.

Instead of letting negative feedback hurt your business and potentially turn customers away, learn how to handle the situation properly and build trust.

Continue reading to learn 3 tips on how your garden brand should handle negative online feedback.

Topics: image building, garden business, internet media, Garden Media Group, social media

With the advancement of social media and the growth of online conversations, there are now many ways for your garden brand to reach its customers and for customers to reach their favorite brands.

This unlimited two-way conversation can drastically help or hurt your brand. It all depends on how you manage it.

And how your customers share it. Your customer now have the power to alter the perception of your brand with the information they post online.

Read on to learn 3 important tips to managing your garden brands reputation.

Topics: branding, garden business, internet media, Garden Media Group, social media

By now, you've probably heard about the ALS ice bucket challenge. 

If you haven't, don't worry. If you use any social network at all, you'll probably run into it soon.

Though the exact origins of the challenge are difficult to trace, one thing is certain - ALS awareness is skyrocketing. 

Don't just take our word for it, though. Keep reading to learn more about the movement, how its success has been measured, and marketing tips your garden brand can learn.

Topics: PR Measurement, PR Strategy, horticultural marketing communications, internet media

This week, Garden Media joins BlogHer’s 10th anniversary #Selfiebration in San Jose, Ca. That's right, a selfiebration.

The selfie trend has continued to rise over the past year and both big and small brands are adding it to their marketing arsenals.

BlogHer makes the trend its own by utilizing selfies to acknowledge the growth of the internet and bloggers over the past 10 years and to generate internet excitement.

Check out these tips to learn how selfies can help bring exposure to your garden brand.

Topics: trade show public relations, branding, Trending Thursday, image building, Instagram, internet media, social media

Content marketing, brand journalism, inbound marketing, blogging. Call it what you will, but the concept is all the same. Creating content by your garden business about relevant topics for your target audience.

No longer are you reliant on traditional media sources to tell your garden brand's story. With content marketing, the power is in your hands.

Creating your own content is one of the best ways to connect with your audience, increase engagement, and improve SEO.

When investing your time in your content marketing plan, make sure you're doing it as best as you can. Creating killer content takes time, so be smart about your execution and promotion.

Read on to discover 5 ways to improve your content marketing in less than 10 minutes.

Topics: creating content, marketing communications, internet media, content marketing, blogging, inbound marketing

Real time marketing is springing up all over the world.

Two weeks ago, it was the heat wave that dominated social media. This week, the royal baby was all anyone was talking about.

Brands across the globe tried to capitalize on the birth of Will and Kate's baby by posting on social media. Some worked, and others were a tragic flop.

Below, we've taken the best and worst real-time marketing stunts. We'll detail what real time marketing is while also focusing on the do's and don'ts of real time marketing using images and posts from brands on the #royalbaby.

Topics: branding, Digital Branding, image building, internet media, social media