Company: Mekky Media Relations, Inc., Chicago, IL
Company Description: Mekky Media Relations is a boutique PR agency that pairs powerful storytelling with personalized attention to elevate the platforms and brands of a range of clients and verticals. Founded in 2016 by veteran broadcast journalist and PR executive Michelle Mekky, the agency offers PR strategy, media relations, media training, event promotion, content production and influencer management.
Nomination Category: Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, & Public Relations Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Low Budget (under $10,000)
 Nomination Title: Mekky Media Sweeps the Media with The Organized Mama
- Optional: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 65 words used.
Jessica Litman’s Testimonial: The team at Mekky Media has been instrumental in supporting the launch of my first book. Not only did they support me in getting in national publications, digital content, and podcasts, but they provided media training for television segments to support the promotion of the book as well.
A coverage book detailing all placements can be found here: https://share.coveragebook.com/b/ca85adc64483cd90
- Which will you submit for this nomination, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated PR campaign or program, or written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Specify the date on which this campaign or program was launched:
The partnership officially launched in September 2021, with intensive media outreach beginning January 2022.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Describe the genesis of the nominated campaign or program: the reasons it was initiated, the challenges it was created to address, the problems it was developed to solve, etc. (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
The Organized Mama is a multimedia brand offering organization, decoration and DIY strategies for individuals and families to maintain order in their homes and lives. Through The Organized Mama blog, business, e-workshops and virtual consultation service, organizing expert, founder and CEO Jessica Litman offers tangible strategies that anyone can implement in their daily life. Jessica approached Mekky Media in late 2021 to not only differentiate her business from other experts in the organizing industry — building credibility and expanding reach — but also to position her as a forefront industry thought leader and successful female entrepreneur.
Elevating The Organized Mama’s brand and credibility while cutting through the oversaturated media vertical were the two biggest goals for the Mekky Media team. The team had to think strategically to position Jessica as an expert, offering unique insights and angles that would grab the attention of the media. At the same time, it was important for the agency to find the balance between “Jessica Litman” and “The Organized Mama,” elevating Jessica’s individual platform while also growing reach for her company.
On top of these challenges, the Mekky team faced a limited budget and Jessica’s formerly hyperlocal-reach, and needed to think creatively to optimize the team’s time. As the partnership continued, Jessica introduced another goal for the Mekky Media team. With a publication date for her first book, “Home Sweet Organized Home” around the corner, Jessica wanted PR support in launching her book to the public and gaining press specifically for the publication.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Describe the development of the campaign or program: the planning process, the goal setting, the creative and media development, the scheduling, etc. (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
In a kickoff meeting with Jessica Litman, Mekky Media dove in deep, uncovering Jessica’s personal and professional story while working with her to identify unique insights and areas of expertise. The team set clear goals, outlining ideal media placements and segments while also discussing priorities and timelines surrounding her soon-to-be published book and more.
From there, the team developed a PR strategy and timeline that blended proactive pitch topics surrounding Jessica’s personal experience as an entrepreneur alongside her expertise in organization, decluttering and DIY. During this time, the team also worked with Jessica to develop an internal reference book of different insights and advice. Using this content, Mekky Media was able to quickly jump on timely queries from journalists and break into national publications.
In addition to compelling messaging and a creative strategy, Mekky Media developed a cohesive press kit with Jessica’s social media statistics, expertise, recent media placements and book information. Ultimately, the team used this material to not only insert Jessica’s expertise into high-profile outlets, but to also position her personal brand in longer-form media opportunities.
As Jessica’s publication date grew nearer, Mekky Media enacted a second phase of her PR campaign, creating a regional book tour in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Chicago markets. Importantly, the team facilitated ongoing media training for Jessica, who had limited broadcast experience. Working with Jessica to convey key messages and develop confidence in her ability on air, former broadcast journalists Michelle Mekky and David Viggiano guided her through numerous training sessions.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this fourth question: Outline the activities and concrete results of this campaign or program since the beginning of 2021. Even if your initiative started before 2021, limit your response to activities and results since the beginning of 2021 only (up to 250 words):
Total 224 words used.
Mekky Media’s fast-paced and strategic campaign for Jessica Litman and The Organized Mama was incredibly successful, even with a limited budget. The team centered Jessica as an expert in a number of top-tier national placements including Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Better Homes and Gardens, Elle, Today, Bustle, Real Homes, The Kitchn, Woman’s World and more. Many of these online and print placements were also syndicated to sites like MSN and Yahoo! to further drive national reach and lasting impressions.
The team also paired online and print outreach with domestic lifestyle podcast placements that dove in deep to Jessica’s story. Jessica was a featured guest on shows like The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast and Be Uncluttered, which offered long-form features on Jessica’s entrepreneurial background, expertise and upcoming book.
From the local side, Mekky Media also excelled. Jessica’s entrepreneurship was profiled in local outlets with high-engagement, such as The Daily North Shore Weekend and WBBM-AM’s Entrepreneur Friday. Her advice and tips were also featured throughout her book tour, with appearances on Chicago’s FOX32 and ABC7, as well as Indiana’s WISH TV. Segments were organic, blending book promotion with thought leadership that drove authentic engagement, traffic and sales.
Throughout the year-long campaign, Mekky Media generated 1,108,170,905 earned media impressions and a total of 132 regional and national placements, and one international placement.
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