PR & Marketing
My Claire & The City blog delves into the modern world in order to inspire debate about our culture. You’ll find topical features and interviews with those making waves in the industry plus my personal how-to guides and London tips and career advice.
Why You Need to Use Instagram Reels in your Marketing Strategy
I can hear you asking: do you have to use Instagram Reels in your marketing strategy? Why did Instagram launch Reels when they already have videos and Stories? Well, the answer can be found in the runaway success of TikTok (which was ranked as the most popular website of 2021, surpassing Google,...
What to post on Instagram after the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has been a shock. She's the only reigning monarch most of us have ever known. She represented a constant, stability in times of turmoil, a steady hand. Now the TV coverage is 24/7, it can be an overwhelming experience. I've had so many conversations with friends,...
Instagram friendly pink Jimmy Choo Cafe in Harrods London
The brand new Jimmy Choo cafe has opened their hot pink and gold doors in Harrods. It really is first class up in the sky, well in Harrods 5th floor shoe heaven anyway. This is a three month pop up so get your skates on if you want to visit. 💕 First up, it’s super pink. So if you’re fancying...
A Beginner’s Guide to Instagram Reels
Don’t know where to start with Instagram Reels? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. I promise that it’s not as complicated (or overwhelming!) as you think. Just keep reading to understand what Reels are and why you need to be making them. If you want a more detailed crash course in Reels,...
Free Flower festival – Chelsea in Bloom 2022 British Icons
Every year Chelsea in Bloom gets better and better with more elaborate floral creations to celebrate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This year has been an absolute cracker with their British Icons theme. Here are my favourite shop displays for Chelsea in Bloom 2022: Cartier, Sloane Street, London The...
Hiring a Photographer for Holiday or Business Trips
Ever thought about hiring a pro to take shots on abroad? I took a leap of faith and decided to max out my business trip to Dubai last November by hiring a photographer for an hour. Why did I bother hiring a photographer for my Business Trip / Vacation? Last year I went to Dubai for five days for...
The Platinum Jubilee: Everything Marketers Need to Know
The 6th February 2022 kicks off the celebrations for The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II! But this is just the start of a fun-filled Royal year! Expect Union Jack flags across the country and heaps of celebrations! Queen Elizabeth II is a record breaking monarch and this year will be a...
A Weekend in Bruges at Christmas
Bruges has been on my must-visit list forever! It is the most quaint and romantic place to visit, and especially at Christmas. Bruges at Christmas transforms into a festive fairyland. There are Christmas Markets, fairy lights everywhere, huge trees in the squares, hot chocolate on every corner and...
2022 Marketing Calendar with Awareness Days and Seasonal Events
In business you’ll have busy times, quiet times and those in between. Whether you’re in a service business or a retail business, it is important to take note of the BIG stuff that matters to your customers. This includes awareness days, religious holidays AND for 2022 the Platinum Jubilee which...
Instagrammable Holiday in Lorna Luxe’s San Antonio Hotel Santorini
My week-long holiday to San Antonio Hotel in Santorini was a crowd pleaser on Instagram. I think I’ve had more DMs than Beyonce during this trip. I spotted San Antonio Hotel on Lorna Luxe’s Instagram feed YEARS ago and after madly screenshotting her every move, decided it was the perfect bouji and...
Interview with Courtney Rogers Founder of CIJ Group, PR Solutions Company
I met wonderful PR expert Courtney Rogers when I was invited to take part in CIJ Group's International Women's Day event where I chatted about overcoming confidence for a happier life. It was such an uplifting event which brought together inspirational women from all corners of life. Courtney, who...
Interview with stylist Anna Berkeley on personal branding
I have known wonderful Anna Berkeley for YEARS! We met when I was at Mamas and Papas and she was at Mother and Baby, where she was the fashion editor and stylist. Anna is body shape expert and stylist, ex-buyer for Selfridges and Prada and has been recommended by The Times and Telegraph. In this...
How to outsource for small businesses and freelancers
How to outsource? Outsourcing is a tricky issue for small businesses and freelancers. You’ve built your business up with a team of one, and now you have to start thinking about bringing other people in to support you. I know this struggle. It is real. You don’t HAVE to outsource. But if you want...
How to get more followers on Instagram
I couldn’t help but wonder how to get more followers... Dear reader this is the NUMBER 1 most asked question about Instagram (according to Google). Can YOU believe it? Yes probs. Cos let’s face it, you’d be Snow White perfect if you’d never once considered how to get more of the F-word in your...
Why confidence is important (and how to build it)
Today I want to talk about how you (and your confidence!) are your own best assets. My aim is that you’ll go away from this inspired to take action and tell your own story with confidence. Personal branding is a subject I’m really passionate about. Ive worked with many wonderful people over the...
Interview with editor and stylist Samantha Harman
Samantha Harman is a stylist and an award-winning editor of newspapers, magazines and websites. She was the first female editor of the Bucks Free Press and the youngest ever editor of the Oxford Mail and Times. She specialises in digital transformation and currently edits Oxfordshire Living...
Interview with Matt Trinetti and Parul Bavishi from London Writers’ Salon
London Writers' Salon was set up by Matt Trinetti and Parul Bavishi in early 2019 as a space for writers to get unblocked, connect with fellow writers and build successful creative careers. Both have experience in self-publishing and publishing respectively and were eager to build a community for...
Interview with Hannah Eichler
I’ve known and worked with wonderful Hannah Eichler throughout my career as she moved from publication to publication as a journalist and I shifted from brand to brand in Public Releations. Hannah is the now the acting Deputy Editor at the MailOnline’s Fashion Finder feature and is an Associate...
Interview with Camilla Richardson Pink Storm Social
I met Camilla aka Pink Storm Social last week, virtually of course since we're currently in Lockdown 3! We bonded over a shared love of showing up EVEN IF we are in a global pandemic. Covid-19 has made a huge impact on all of our businesses, but we both believe that you can still stay active on...
Interview with Karen The Organising Lady
Karen, aka The Organising Lady, has built her business around her love of organisation. Turns out that one person's chore is another person's passion! She has over 25 years of experience as a professional organiser for a business, but then decided to go solo. She is passionate about home styling...
Wardrobe Clear Out with The Organising Lady
I recently wrote a blog about personal brands and why a personal brand image so important. Basically, personal branding relates to your specific skillset and your ability to build trust and rapport with your audience to be a thought leader. And it's your biggest asset, so it's worth investing time...
What is your personal brand and why is it important?
If you have a business, or are an entrepreneur or an influencer, then your personal brand is your most important asset. Personal branding relates to your specific skillset and your ability to build trust and rapport with your audience to be a thought leader. For instance, your online persona is...
How to add Instagram Reels to your marketing strategy
The reason Instagram Reels is here is to give us that TikTok experience. A really short, creatively fun edit with added music / text etc to make your content more fun.
Antonia Taylor PR and Brand Strategist Interview
Antonia Taylor is a PR strategist focused on small businesses. She specialises in creating bespoke, effective and inspiring PR programmes, helping businesses grow with great storytelling. If you’re looking for a compelling narrative for your business or brand, then look no further than Antonia!
Helen Perry Instagram & Marketing Specialist Interview
Helen Perry is an Instagram specialist and the woman behind the @NotAboutTheKids Instagram account. She's a former BBC journalist and self-confessed social media lurker who, after attending a how-to workshop, had a lightbulb moment. Since then, she has been teaching others how to build their...
How to go Live on Instagram – 10 Tips for a Successful Instagram Live
Instagram Live was introduced in 2016 and it has been steadily gathering pace. That is until Coronavirus hit and Lockdown was enforced in March 2020, when to be honest, you couldn’t even go onto instagram without accidentally joining a Live because there has been SO many of them. Of course, a...
Interview With Pandora Sykes
In 2015 I asked Pandora Sykes if a book would be on her radar for the future, to which she answered; ‘Who. Only. Knows.’ Fast forward five years and Pandora is merely weeks away from achieving that incredible milestone with her debut book, How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?: Essays on Modern...
Fran Bacon aka The Fashion Lift – Writer, Stylist & Brand Consultant
Fran Bacon (full name Frances just like “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner” Houseman) is the Fashion Writer, Stylist and Brand Consultant behind The Fashion Lift blog. I first met Fran in 2017 when we were playing dress up with a pair of star jeans. Fast-forward four years and she’s gone stratospheric...
Interview with Freelance PR Specialist Daisy Craydon
At the beginning of April 2020, while the UK was in the early stages of lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Captain Tom Moore (or "Captain Tom") pledged to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden by his 100th birthday. His passion for the hardworking...
IGTV – What is it, why bother and how to use it
IGTV is still relatively new on the Instagram scene but relatively underused on the platform and here’s reasons why you should use it, followed by my tips on how to post your videos: 1 - IGTV is new... And Instagram fancies a slice of YouTubes pie. YouTube is the world’s second largest search...
Young Chef Young Waiter 2019 Final at Quaglino’s
Last July I started to work on a very special project with Robert Walton MBE and Sean Valentine for The Nth Degree Global as together with UKHospitality, they decided to relaunch the 40 year old Young Chef Young Waiter Competition. The idea is to promote the hospitality industry as a vocation for...
How to film, add fun filters and post on Instagram stories
Practical tips on filming for Instagram Stories - you can find this video on YouTube and IGTV - if you find video easier to watch. First up, the basics. 1 Know who you are filming for: Instagram stories is a 15 second snippet, or you can film up to a minute and Instagram will break it up for you....
How to be confident on camera
I know how terrifying being on camera can be. For years I watched my peers and people I admired giving confident, engaging performances in front of the camera BUT I didn’t feel like I could join in. Then one day, I joined an Instagram challenge set by Sam Burgess and it included being ‘on’ stories...
How to stay relevant & keep business coming in during Coronavirus
I had a question on Instagram for three ways to stay relevant and keep business coming in during the Coronavirus pandemic from a PR perspective so here goes: 1 ) Be thoughtful - whether this is a PR launch, content or social media, it is time to pull back and review all of your campaigns. Be...
Harry Potter Tour
The Harry Potter Tour at Warner Bros Studio has been on my list since it opened. I loved reading the books soooo much and not only did I write a lengthy feature called ‘Marketing and Magic’ in my University newspaper, but I also wrote my English dissertation on Harry Potter. Thanks to The...
A Guide to a Weekend in Valencia
This is a short guide to a weekends away in Valencia. In short, it’s gorgeous, go immediately! It is a great place for a short trip with friends or as a couple as there is plenty to see and do. Valencia was a favourite place of one of my best friends Emma. She always told me how amazing it was and...
Guide to Perissa in Santorini
Santorini is Instagram magic with its white glistening buildings, clear seas and pastel coloured sunsets, it is the jewel in the crown of Greece. With a flight time of around 4 hours from Gatwick, Santorini is easily placed for a week away. The resorts of Fira and Oia are THE Instagram hot spots...
The Hope Campaign for The Royal Marsden
A tribute to Emma Beardall (nee Fisher) Our beautiful Em One of my best friends Em very sadly passed away last September. This month her cousin Becky, aka Bricks & Stitches has started the Coast to Coast walk with her husband Jamie to raise funds for The Royal Marsden where Em received...
Interview with Sally Beaton Author of Get Your Sparkle Back
Sally Beaton aka Women With Sparkle is one of my favourite gals on the grid because rather than believing we are superhuman ‘BUSY’ types, she strips back the B.S and reveals what really makes women tick. Sally is a ‘Sparkle Coach’ and the creator of the hashtag #SparkleUpThursday which speaks to...
Best floral shop displays at Chelsea in Bloom 2019
Every May the highly anticipated Chelsea Flower Show rolls into London and with it, we celebrate Chelsea in Bloom as the shop fronts get a floral makeover for the week from 20 - 25 May. This year the theme is Under the Sea (2018 was the Summer of Love as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tied the...
Interview with Mr Plant Geek Michael Perry
Michael Perry is Mr Plant Geek, a self confessed tongue-in-cheek plant lover, gardener, TV presenter, hortpreneur, speaker and, if that’s not enough, a co-host of the new Plant Based Podcast. I’ve known Michael for a few years and watched his business go from strength to strength with each new...
For the Throne – Who Wins the PR Battle in Game of Thrones?
As we head towards the finale of all finales of the epic series of Game of Thrones, I couldn’t help but wonder, who would come out on top if this was a PR battle. Yes indeed, if it was Night King vs Cersei Lannister for headlines, who would sit on the public-opinion-General-Election Iron Throne?...
Interview with Marketing Speaker & Author David Meerman Scott
I was introduced to author and speaker David Meerman Scott a few years ago via his best-selling book The New Rules of Marketing & PR which I recently reviewed and you can buy Here. David immediately commented on my blog post and replied to me on Twitter, meaning that he 100% practices what he...
Interview with Fashion Director, Stylist & Author Alexandra Fullerton
If you follow Alexandra Fullerton on Instagram, you’ll know she could give Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money in the fashion stakes with her catchy hashtag #thedailyshoe designed to highlight her favourite heels, flats and everything in between. I’ve know Alex since her days at Stylist magazine...
EXCLUSIVE – Lorna Luxe x InTheStyle Interview
Hold onto your Dior Saddle Bags, stop what you're doing and set the countdown clock to 11th February because influencer Lorna Luxe is about to land her first ever collection. Lorna Luxe x In The Style promises to be a momentous day in the fash calendar as the Instagram-ista touches down with her...
Marketing for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is more than a day of love, it is a money making, heart shaped, pink hued business opportunity with more than 22 million Brits - like practically all of us - spending an estimated £1 billion in 2018 according to GlobalData (an average of £28.45 per person) on the 14th February....
Interview with Bonnie Rakhit The Style Traveller
The face that launched a thousand trips; Bonnie Rakhit is THE Style Traveller. Bonnie is a London-based former fashion editor who has worked for titles including Sunday Times Style and Grazia. Our paths crossed when Bonnie was fashion editor at British ELLE, back when blogging was a brave new...
Marketing Ideas for Christmas -PR and social media tips for the festive season
Tis the season to be jolly! Welcome to Christmas my friends. If you are new to marketing, it is time to burst your Christmas bubble…(and not just that Santa is fictional)…because in marketing the festive season lasts all yearrrrr round. Yep, by the time it arrives, you will be lucky if the sight...
Marketing ideas for Black Friday
Black Friday, especially for the UK market, can conjure up unsavoury images of apocalyptic proportions where shoppers mercilessly stampede over each other for a £50 TV in Tesco. You’ll have seen the footage of people knocking over displays and fighting in the aisles over rock bottom prices for...
100 Years – First World War Centenary Events
It has been 100 years since the end of the First World War and it is important that we take time out to reflect and remember all of the fallen. It is often a difficult task to market a historical event and I’d like to do my little bit to share the ways you can join in to commemorate this day. You...
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