Portlandia Archives

Instagram, as discussed in our previous blog post, is a major marketing tool. From small brands that are just beginning to build their fanbase, to super brands using the app to promote new products, this platform is used heavily to showcase businesses and what makes them stand out.

Here are five local Portland brands that are worth your follow!

Spin Laundry Lounge

“Portland’s only eco-friendly laundromat, bar and cafe places state-of-the-art, energy-efficient Electrolux washers and dryers + sustainable laundry products, in a retro-mod cafe/bar environment. Complete with coffee, beer, wine, and local eats.” –Spin Laundry Lounge

With over 4,000 followers, Spin’s content ranges from cute shots of their well-lit space (always an eye-catcher), the coffee shop attached to their business, the arcade area in the back, and snaps of cute dogs that come to visit. Plus, the account regularly gives away Spin gear through various contests. Spin’s socials convey their goal to remain a welcoming, fun lounge space to chill…not just a place to do laundry.

Powell’s Books

This iconic Portland landmark markets themselves not only to PDX regulars, but to customers all over the country. A few of their most popular posts are personal stories from Powell’s employees (that you actually want to read!), display art at the various locations, staff picks, and hilarious/cute book reviews by young readers. While documenting the store’s events and new items, Powell’s also uses Instagram to convey their cozy, home-like atmosphere. Their main message? Powell’s is a space where readers of all ages are welcome to come in, explore, and get lost in a good book.

Tender Loving Empire

You know those Instagram pages that post such great pictures of their product, it makes you want to buy it all on the spot? Yeah, that’s TLE. With their use of color, contrast, and sweet snaps of their unique products, it’s no wonder this PDX brand has over 16,000 followers. TLE’s merch doesn’t fall under one genre — from funky jewelry, records from the TLE music label, pet toys and art prints, TLE covers all the bases. Their Instagram account gives fans an inside, first look at new products, news about their record label, and upcoming events. (Including in-store performances from artists and a variety of panel discussions!)

Portland Gear

As Pat mentioned in our previous blog post, “Portland Gear leveraged Instagram to perfectly position its company and its personal commitment to our community, sports teams, and great design.”

Portland Gear, as founder Marcus Harvey says, was created as a way to harness Portland’s unique energy into something tangible. His gear has expanded beyond just hats and shirts now – the company even has its own trademarked beer! The iconic Portland “P” can be found everywhere, recognizable even to people who don’t live in Oregon. Plus, the vibrant teal color (similar to the PDX airport carpet) included in almost all of the Portland Gear products will forever be associated with the brand.

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw, Portland’s most popular gourmet ice cream shop has been around since 2011, and it’s only getting bigger. Their Instagram features snaps of Salt & Straw fanatics getting their fix, funny fan tweets, contests for followers to win a free pint, and more. Their latest campaign has brought student’s imaginative ice cream flavor ideas to life –like Ellie, from Addams Elementary, who came up with a “PB & C” flavor: “In the PB and C is peanut butter ice-cream, ripe sliced bannans, hot fuge and chocklet chips. The choclet chip are in the icecream. My isperashun is my dad loveing peanut butter and bannas together. Also, its poshonul you can put appels instead of bannas.”

What are your favorite brands to follow?

A Brief History of Public Relations

In the 1920s, Edward Bernays and Ivy Lee coined the word “public relations” in America. Back then, PR was considered to be propaganda, as it was used to promote both sides of the First World War and other controversial efforts. During the second half of the 20th century, however, the concept of PR expanded as various principles were established and it developed into a legitimate profession. According to Wikipedia, “In the early 2000s, press release services began offering social media press releases. The Cluetrain Manifesto, which predicted the impact of social media in 1999, was controversial in its time. But by 2006, the effect of social media and new internet technologies became broadly accepted.”

PR’s Many Titles

PR has had many different titles since the turn of the century. To name a few: damage control, image/reputation management, publicity, and the most hated, “spin.” This a dated word that gives the profession a negative connotation, its roots stemming in PR’s past in propaganda. But this no longer aligns with PR’s role in society.

What Is “Spin?”

Spin (noun): a particular way of representing an event or situation to the public so that it will be understood in a way that you want it to be understood. –Cambridge Dictionary

AKA…a way to save face and alter a story in order to avoid a negative audience reaction.

Why PR Isn’t “Spin”

“Spin is too simple a term for the work PR practitioners do. Sure, they seek to influence, but also counsel, market, promote, and advocate for their brands and clients. Simply put, PR is much more than spin.”

– PR Weekly

In our current political climate, unfortunately, “the only time the average person sees a public relations professional is when they are advising a politician or celebrity or apologizing for a corporate screw-up.” (e-releases) But PR is so much more than that. It is brand development and building an image that showcases personality, values and talent. It is connecting with your audience and giving back to the organizations that improve our lives. It is remaining accountable, transparent and honest when something doesn’t go to plan. It is engaging users and producing excellent content. It is building lasting relationships.

Sp*n is a gross word. Let’s get rid of it for good.

Posts

5 Portland Brands Worth Following