Robust Local Media Coverage Drives Sales Amidst Global Pandemic
Jester King Brewery, a well-known craft brewery on a national level, partnered with Bloom Communications to boost local brand recognition, increase foot traffic, and promote various offerings beyond just beer, such as the Jester King Kitchen, a private event space, and an inn. Bloom's collaboration began with a detailed campaign plan based on audience research, set to be launched in March 2020 with execution starting in April. However, in mid-March, the situation changed due to growing concerns about the coronavirus. Breweries and restaurants throughout Texas closed their doors and shifted to takeout services to curb the virus’s spread, which directly affected Jester King’s business model centered on in-person experiences and the brand's ethos of "time, place, and people." In response, Jester King quickly adapted by implementing takeout-only options, online ordering, and a "Country Store" for Kitchen items. Bloom also adjusted its strategy by leveraging key insights from research to create and execute a marketing and PR plan tailored for the pandemic, aiming to promote Jester King’s updated offerings within the local community. They engaged in proactive media outreach, pitching stories about Jester King’s innovative offerings to local news outlets, and launched cross-channel marketing strategies, including email marketing, social media campaigns, and direct mail, to increase traffic to the brewery. In the first two weeks, Bloom's efforts led to a notable rise in website traffic from nearby areas, with Dripping Springs seeing a 235% increase and Bear Creek a 122% increase. Their media outreach resulted in over 25 local media placements, effectively reaching consumers in Austin and Dripping Springs, and generating more than 5,505,204 audience impressions through local online coverage.