November was a big month for news, especially dissected from a public relations angle. Not only did we have the midterm elections, but also several tragedies including the Thousand Oaks Shooting as well as the numerous Los Angeles Fires. Before getting to the exciting Black Friday campaigns, let’s go over some of the most notable issues this month.
Midterm Elections
Public relations and marketing have been playing an increasing role in all industries, including politics. Specifically, this midterm election saw a record-breaking number of millennials head into voting booths. This result can be attributed to numerous reasons, including the popularization of voting on social media, influencer involvement in politics as well as organizations such as Gold Front creating unique campaigns such as the Museum of Voting.
Los Angeles Fires
Terrifying videos of California’s fires have been spreading across various social media platforms. Not only is social media a great way of sharing news and information as well as raising awareness for those in need, but social media also proves to be an effective platform for discussion. Many businesses and influencers have turned to social media. They aim to drive traffic to donation pages and share the latest updates in the news.
Campaign of the Month – REI Opt Outside
Instead of hopping on the Black Friday and Cyber Week sale train like all other stores, REI launched their Opt Outside campaign a few years ago and continue to spread their message not only on Black Friday but year round. Rei is an outdoor recreational equipment company. They go above and beyond to sell a message of activity in addition to their products. Instead of offering deals on Black Friday, REI will be closing all of their stores nationwide. They hope to encourage employees and all individuals to spend time outdoors. Their message stands out from traditional Black Friday campaigns and also fits REI’s brand perfectly.
Read our October edition here.
