COMPANY OVERVIEW: Somfy, the world's largest manufacturer of motors for interior window coverings and exterior solar protections, has been improving the quality of life for more than 270 million people over the past 50 years. From the first roller shutter motor, heralding the end of the crank handle, to the first motorized shade, Somfy has produced more than 200 million motor, making life easier for users across 58 countries.
Somfy's technology integrates with a variety of leading modern commercial and residential smart technology devices and systems, including Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Crestron, Alarm.com, and many others. Somfy is committed to creating reliable and sustainable solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the housing industry through sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Challenge
– Increase brand awareness and market positioning
– Niche product and technical product information
– Competitive market in both B2C and B2B
Goals
Position the company as a leader in the smart technology and home automation industry.
Position Somfy and its team as industry thought leaders
Build brand awareness in the North American market among consumers and B2B audiences.
Strategies
Digital Public Relations Program
In order to build brand awareness for Somfy North America and its products in both the commercial and residential industries, Magnolia developed an extensive PR roadmap for the communications strategy. This tool outlined all of the ongoing and upcoming PR activities to align with key company milestones, and product or partnership announcements, among others, along with trend stories that could boost brand awareness efforts in target regions and verticals. In addition, Magnolia also supported Somfy with award research and recommended potential opportunities.
Press Release Strategy
The extensive press release program ensured announcements contained key product and corporate messaging and reached key publications which secured consistent media coverage for Somfy North America throughout the year.
Media Relations
Magnolia worked closely with the Somfy team to identify key target verticals and conducted a series of relationship-building meetings with journalists who cover the residential, commercial or hospitality sectors. Magnolia explored interview and byline opportunities for the client to promote corporate announcements and gain further exposure to help establish Somfy spokespeople as thought leaders and as the go-to resource for media.
Results
Magnolia achieved several PR opportunities, with Tier one and trade publications.
“It is an absolute pleasure to work with the team at Magnolia. They are responsive, friendly, helpful, and highly skilled in PR and communications. Magnolia has been an integral partner for us in helping improve our brand awareness across our markets and have been a seamless extension of our team. They have brought unique ideas to the table, delivered consistent media coverage and enabled us to put forth a strong brand message to our target audience. Using their expertise, we have been successful in positioning Somfy and our spokespeople as leaders in the home automation space and we look forward to their continued support in driving our brand forward.”
— Cheryl Grabon
Metrics
13,932,374 Total Audience Reached
$98,193 Total Ad Value Equivalency
56 Media Hits
