LEXINGTON, N.C. — Furnishings industry-focused marketing agency The Media Matters is celebrating 25 years in business.
The firm was founded in 2000 by Kathy Wall Hunt as Kathy Wall Consulting before rebranding to The Media Matters Inc. The award-winning agency specializes in public relations, marketing services, media and event planning, social media, photography, art direction, brand strategy, advertising and executive consulting.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been 25 years since I started the company working from my kitchen table,” Hunt said. “During this time, we have enjoyed collaborating with many top companies, designers and celebrities as we helped them and their companies gain greater recognition. Throughout my career, I have seen a significant increase in the number of women in management and executive roles. Additionally, many more companies now understand that branding and marketing communications are vital for business success. Before that, most marketing was managed by men with titles that included the word sales. Today, sales and marketing are seen as distinct but complementary functions.”
As a founding member of WithIt (Women’s Leadership Development Network), a nationally recognized mentor and a strong supporter of giving back, Hunt is celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary by sharing 25 expert marketing and PR tips. Based on over 40 years of practical experience, each tip aims to help companies refine their strategy, boost their brand and reach measurable success.
Tips one through 10 below form a foundation for public relations and marketing communications. Hunt encourages everyone to read the full list of pro tips on The Media Matters website.
1. Identify the traits of your ideal client. The clearer the picture, the sharper the marketing aim.
2. Understand your audience or customers and learn how to connect with them effectively.
3. Draft your unique positioning statement. Without a clear position, you’re just background noise.
4. Create a long-term growth goal for the brand. Growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by intention.
5. Maintain a consistent brand image and message across all platforms.
6. Explore your company’s creative path — if you don’t explore, you won’t discover.
7. Express your opinion. Being in the middle of the road usually means you’ll get run over from both sides.
8. Communicate in a language your customer understands.
9. Offer customers compelling reasons to engage with your company.
10. Create unified messaging for PR and ad campaigns.
