Alyssa Bacchus
Alyssa Bacchus is a Miami University student pursuing a bachelor’s
degree in strategic communication and minors in fashion design and
entrepreneurship. Alyssa is also professionally fluent in American
Sign Language.
Arianna Frederick
Arianna is from Nashville, Tennessee. She is a senior at Miami University
where she is a strategic communication and professional writing double major.
After graduation, Arianna hopes to work in public relations or marketing in
Chicago, Illinois, eating all of the deep dish in sight.
Brittany Hess
Brittany is a senior at Miami University studying strategic communication and
professional writing. After graduation she wants to work for a PR agency in
Cincinnati. In her spare time, she works as a character performer for volunteer
events and birthday parties.
Hannah Johnson
Hannah is a senior at Miami University studying strategic communication.
After graduation, Hannah hopes to work in public relations for a fashion
company or professional sports team in Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she
enjoys spending time with her large family and two dogs.
Chris Nagle
Chris is a senior at Miami University studying strategic communication and
supply chain management. Chris is from the suburbs of New York City and
hopes to find a job in marketing or logistics after graduation. In his free time, he
enjoys watching the local New York sports teams and traveling with his family
and friends.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
After the company’s name change in January, we are working to build the brand
and replenish the customer database.
RESEARCH
Formal
Online survey
A Google Forms survey was sent to group members’ family and friends, asking
about shopping habits, preferences for contacting a company and demographic
information. The survey responses were collected anonymously.
Informal
Communications audit of company Facebook page
A full audit of posts on the Simply Refined page was conducted, looking at the
following factors: primary audience, post frequency, tone and type of content.
Content analysis of Facebook page
An analysis of the follower-made posts on the community and review pages was
conducted to determine the tone of customer messages and what was being said
about the company.
Focus group
To determine potential publics’ opinions of the Simply Refined Facebook page,
eight individuals were asked to look at the company’s Facebook page. Participant
responses described their opinions of the page’s design, posts and information
availability about the business.
In-depth interview
An hourlong interview with the company’s owner, Jill Baker, provided initial
information about the business. Questions included the business’s origins,
products offered, client goals, current customer markets and future plans for the
company.
Industry analysis
To determine potential competitors, a comparison of products and prices was
made between Simply Refined and similar custom products on Etsy.
Media analysis
Cision’s Top 50 List of Mom Blogs (https://www.cision.com/us/2014/05/top-
50-u-s-mom-bloggers/) was used to look for publications and blogs in the
Cincinnati tri-state that target stay-at-home mothers (an audience identified from
the interview). Targetable publications were reviewed for content and social
media presence.
Secondary analysis
Used 2015 to 2016 household income data from www.census.gov and Data USA
to identify potential publics. Demographic information was analyzed to determine
a practical age and location for possible consumers, with a focus on disposable
income.
Key Findings
❖ Seventy percent of survey respondents selected email as their preferred
method for contacting a company.
❖ Survey response was highest among women ages 18 to 29 and 42 to 54.
❖ Eighty-one percent of survey respondents have purchased custom-made
products and 89 percent said they were willing to pay more for those products.
❖ Census data from 2016 indicates family households have the second-highest
rate of income. Thirty-five to 44-year-olds and 45 to 54-year-olds had the two
highest median incomes ($74,481-$77,213) in 2016 (U.S. census data).
❖ Cincinnati Metro Tri-state data results from Data USA revealed a median
income of $56,826 for 2015, compared to the estimated $57,803 in the
Midwest from the U.S. census data.
❖ Focus group respondents had positive feedback on how the products were
displayed on the Facebook page and felt the positive reviews made them
likelier to buy the product. Participant suggestions included a higher
resolution profile picture and cover photo in addition to more information
about pricing, placing an order and contacting the company. Several mom
blogs identified from the media analysis offer ad space, guest blog posts or
product reviews.
PUBLICS
Primary
Mothers between ages 25 and 45 in the Cincinnati tri-state.
The interview with Ms. Baker indicated stay-at-home mothers make up a sizable
portion of her current clientele. Key findings from the online survey also revealed
the highest respondent rate was from 18 to 29-year-olds and 42 to 54-year-olds.
We compared these two findings to the census data, which indicated family
households as having the second-highest income rate, and decided to target a
local audience within these age ranges.
Secondary
Current Simply Refined customers
Positive messages from the content analysis of the Facebook reviews revealed
how crucial current customers are to spreading awareness of the business.
Additionally, the in-depth interview indicated that word-of-mouth and Facebook
constitute the company’s main avenues of advertising. We decided to target this
audience as current customers make up most of Simply Refined’s Facebook and
Instagram following. Their eyes are on the current content being produced.
Customer brand loyalty could greatly impact the business’s expansion.
Intervening
Mom bloggers and local media
Media analysis using Cision located 50 mom bloggers who can improve the
company’s outreach. Bloggers will not only reach the primary audience of tri-
state mothers, but potential customers in other states as well. Simply Refined’s
capability to ship products allows for expansion beyond Ohio.
GOAL
To transition the company to a professional business by building a cohesive brand
and enhancing business-to-customer communication.
OBJECTIVES
❖ Have seven positive stories published by mom bloggers by Feb. 28, 2019.
❖ Gain 150 new clients by Feb. 28, 2019.
❖ Increase brand awareness among current customers by 70 percent by Feb. 28, 2019.
❖ Strengthen social media engagement with 25 to 45-year-olds by 60 percent
by Feb. 28, 2019.
STRATEGIES
❖ Promote the Simply Refined brand across social media and other online
mediums.
❖ Strengthen relationships with current customers through personalized
outreach.
❖ Create consistent company image on social media and physical products.
❖ Reach out to new clientele using media relation tactics with bloggers.
KEY MESSAGES
❖ Simply Refined Custom Wood Design delivers quality products that can be
made to any individual’s specifications.
❖ Custom products make great gifts for any occasion.
❖ Simply Refined has an unmatched product quality.
❖ Simply Refined’s customized products make the perfect birthday, wedding,
anniversary or housewarming present.
TACTICS
Website (Appendix D)
Using Wix, we will create a website for Simply Refined Custom Wood Design.
The webpage will provide a basic description of services and pricing, as well as
the following sections: about us, contact information, shop, reviews and a gallery
to display products. On the shopping page, customers will be able to choose
options for stains, size and the sign’s message—all of which will be submitted in a
form to Jill. More complicated orders can also be submitted through an available
online form. The website will be linked to the Simply Refined Facebook page and
Instagram.
Logo redesign (Appendix E)
Focus group participants indicated a desire for new profile and cover photos on
the Facebook page. To address this, and as a part of the larger company
rebranding, a new logo for the website and Facebook page will be created.
Pitches (Appendices F-M)
To reach our target audience of mothers, we will reach out to seven mom
bloggers. Each blogger will receive a customized pitch, using a unique angle
based on the content of their respective blogs and readerships. Using Cision’s list
of Top 50 Mom blogs, we selected these seven for our pitches: Cincinnati Moms
Blog, Cool Mom Picks, Mom Does Reviews, Mom Trends, A Mom’s Take,
MomStart and Lady and the Blog. These seven blogs were selected based on the
following criteria:
❖ The blog has at least 10,000 followers on Facebook
❖ The blogger regularly posts on Facebook
❖ The blog has a gift guide that could feature Simply Refined products
❖ The content is pertinent and inclusive to a wide range of mothers
❖ The readership is appropriate for the Simply Refined brand
We chose to reach our audience through mom bloggers because the blogs feature
content that is pertinent to the targeted audience and to Simply Refined as a
brand. Jill identified that stay-at-home mothers make up most of her customers,
showing that Simply Refined products appeal to this key audience. Mom bloggers
focus on giving advice, product recommendations and service recommendations.
Mom bloggers already have established audiences that make it easier for Jill to
get her product in front of the targeted audience’s eyes. Additionally, several of
these blogs have created previous content that focused on entrepreneurial
mothers.
Content Analysis
Word # of occurrences
I 16
Jill 12
for 11
My 9
Love 7
Made 7
Appendix D: Simply Refined website
Appendix E: Logo & business cards
Logo
Business Card
Front Back
Appendix F: Pitch to Cincinnati Moms Blog
Hi Andrea,
My name is Jill Baker and I’m reaching out to you about my business,
Simply Refined Custom Wood Design. We’re an independently-owned
business that creates high-quality, customized wood signs. While my idea
started as a hobby with another friend, I’ve since struck out on my own and
watched it grow into something more. Now I’m looking to spread the
word.
As a mother-of-four and full-time school nurse, I came across the
Cincinnati Moms Blog, read your stories about entrepreneurial women and
found myself connecting. I would love the opportunity to tell you my story
and raise your readers’ awareness of my products. My custom wood
designs make great personalized and unique gifts—an angle that would
interest many of your readers.
I’ve attached a fact sheet with more information and you can follow me on
Facebook @simplyrefinedsigns to see some of my work. Thank you for
your time and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix G: Pitch to Cool Mom Picks
To: info@coolmompicks.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Keep in touch!
Best,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix H: Pitch to Mom Reviews
To: pam@momdoesreviews.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Hi Pam,
My name is Jill Baker and I own Simply Refined, a custom wood design
company that I run independently in Cincinnati.
I came across your blog and noticed the variety of products you review, as
well as our similar audiences of mothers. With the holidays approaching, I
wanted to tell you and your readers about Simply Refined and how our
products give a personal touch to any occasion. From your impressive
assortment of careers as well as being a mother yourself I’m sure you
understand the difficulty that goes into finding the perfect gift for your
loved ones. I myself am a full-time school nurse and mother of four.
All my products are high-quality and handmade to each customer’s
specifications. I’ve attached a fact sheet for your convenience and would
love to answer any questions you might have. Thank you and I look
forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix I: Pitch to Mom Trends
To: nicole@momtrends.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Dear Nicole,
My name is Jill Baker and I own Simply Refined, a custom wood design
company that I run independently in Cincinnati. I am also a full-time nurse
and mother of four!
I recently came across your blog, Mom Trends, and felt instantly
connected to the content. With the holidays approaching, I have a fabulous
gift idea to share with your readers! My custom wood designs are special
and thoughtful. They make for the most amazing and personal gifts, and I
think your readers would be excited about this unique gift idea for
birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and Valentine’s Day.
I would love to talk to you more about my business and how I balance it
with my job and motherhood. I’ve attached a fact sheet with more
information and linked to my Facebook page where you can see all of my
designs.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix J: Pitch to A Mom’s Take
To: janel@amomstake.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Dear Janel,
My name is Jill Baker and I own Simply Refined, a company that creates
custom wood signs. As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to reach
out to you about my business that I independently own and operate along
with being a full-time school nurse and mother of four!
I saw your post about the “Perfect Christmas Gifts for Women” and
thought that my custom wood designs would make a great addition to your
list. My designs are special, unique and thoughtful, and they make for the
most amazing and personal gifts.
I would love to talk to you about my business, as I think it would be of
interest to your readers! Please feel free to visit my Facebook
@simplyrefinedsigns to see some of my work. I’ve also attached a fact sheet
with more information about me and my business.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix K: Pitch to MomStart
To: louise@bishop4.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Hi Louise,
My name is Jill Baker and I own Simply Refined, a company that creates
custom wood signs. As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to reach
out to you about my business that I independently own and operate along
with being a full-time school nurse and mother of four!
I saw your gift guide from 2017, and I think my custom designs would
make a great addition to this year’s list. My designs are special, unique and
thoughtful, and they make for the most amazing and personal gifts.
I would love to talk to you about my business, as I think it would be of
interest to your readers! Please feel free to visit my Facebook
@simplyrefinedsigns to see some of my work. I’ve also attached a fact sheet
with more information about me and my business.
Best,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix L: Pitch to Lady and the Blog
To: veryvera@gmail.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Hi Vera,
My name is Jill Baker and I own Simply Refined, a company that creates
custom wood designs. As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to reach
out to you about my business that I independently own and operate along
with being a full-time school nurse and mother of four!
I saw your list of “10 Items I’m Pining For During The Holidays” last year,
and I think my custom designs would make a great addition to this year’s
list. My designs are special, unique and thoughtful, and they make for the
most amazing and personal gifts.
I would love to talk to you about my business, as I think it would be of
interest to your readers! Please feel free to visit my Facebook
@simplyrefinedsigns to see some of my work. I’ve also attached a fact sheet
with more information about me and my business.
Best,
Jill Baker
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix M: Pitch to Cincy Chic
To: info@cincychic.com
From: jill.simplyrefined@gmail.com
Hi Amy,
My name is Jill Baker and I’m reaching out to you on behalf of my business,
Simply Refined. We are an independently-owned company that designs
personalized wooden signs.
Your magazine has written so many wonderful features about women in
business. I actually found your magazine first through its blog and the
holiday gift guide. I would love the opportunity to talk with you about
Simply Refined and answer any questions you may have. You can see some
of my work on our company Facebook page @simplyrefinedsigns. I’ve also
attached a fact sheet below for your convenience. I look forward to hearing
from you!
Best wishes,
Jill Baker,
Owner, Simply Refined Custom Wood Design
Attached: simplyrefined_factsheet.pdf
Appendix N: Fact sheet for pitches
Appendix O: Direct mail & email pieces
December Holiday Card
Valentine’s Day Email Card
Appendix P: Facebook ads
Appendix Q: Facebook posts
Desktop view
Mobile view
Appendix R: Instagram giveaways