Public Relations For A Bar Above
Building Brand Awareness and Thought Leadership for a Premier E-Commerce Brand
Client: A Bar Above - Brand Awareness, Positioning, Conversions
Client Overview
A Bar Above is a premier e-commerce brand specializing in high-quality bar tools and cocktail accessories, designed to elevate the art of mixology for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Founded by Chris and Julie Tunstall, the brand is built on Chris's extensive experience as a professional mixologist and their shared passion for creating exceptional cocktails while inspiring others to elevate their craft. To further expand its reach, A Bar Above partnered with Mackasey Howard Communications to achieve two key goals: elevate its e-commerce visibility and position Chris Tunstall as a trusted authority and thought leader in the world of mixology.
The Challenge
A Bar Above faced the challenge of standing out in a competitive market dominated by mass-produced bar tools and gift sets. While the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation set it apart, it needed a strategic media presence to emphasize its value and reach a broader audience.
The dual challenge included increasing product visibility in a crowded e-commerce space and elevating Chris’s profile as a mixology expert to position him as a key voice in the industry. Our services were retained for the holiday seasons so securing placements in gift guides, product reviews, and expert features was essential, particularly during peak gifting seasons like Christmas, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day, while also ensuring the brand maintained relevance year-round.
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Competitive Market: needed to distinguish itself in the crowded space competing against both established brands and budget alternatives.
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Elevated Thought-Leadership: Needed to position him as a widely recognized authority, reaching a broader audience through media features and expert contributions.
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Balancing Seasonal and Year-Round Visibility: Capitalize on peak gifting seasons while maintaining visibility for everyday occasions.
The Strategy & Key Tactics
Mackasey Howard Communications developed a comprehensive media strategy to position BroBasket as a must-have gift option for any occasion, focusing on securing impactful media coverage, gift guide placements, and glowing reviews.
Media Outreach and Product Placement
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Gift Guides: Positioned A Bar Above’s bar tools and cocktail sets as must-haves for gift guides during holidays, anniversaries, and special occasions, securing features in top-tier publications.
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Product Reviews: Delivered curated product samples to journalists and bloggers, generating authentic reviews that highlighted the quality, functionality, and appeal of A Bar Above’s offerings.
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Feature Stories: Pitched stories that emphasized the brand’s origin, the Tunstalls’ journey, and their dedication to empowering customers to create professional-quality cocktails.
Thought Leadership for Chris Tunstall
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Expert Contributions: Leveraged Chris’s mixology expertise to secure opportunities in high-profile publications where he shared cocktail recipes, industry trends, and tips for creating exceptional drinks.
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Innovative Storytelling: Positioned Chris as an advocate for elevating at-home mixology, reinforcing the connection between his personal expertise and the brand’s mission.
Seasonal and Year-Round Campaigns
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Peak Gifting Seasons: Developed tailored campaigns for holidays like Christmas and Father’s Day, positioning A Bar Above as the perfect gift for cocktail enthusiasts.
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Sustained Momentum: Secured placements to ensure A Bar Above’s relevance for everyday occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gifting.
Key Results
Through strategic media outreach and storytelling, Mackasey Howard Communications elevated A Bar Above’s visibility and positioned Chris and Julie Tunstall as leaders in the mixology space. By blending product-focused campaigns with thought leadership initiatives, the partnership successfully built awareness, drove sales, and strengthened the brand’s connection with its audience.
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Gift Guide Placements: Secured inclusion in 40+ high-profile placements for the holiday season, showcasing A Bar Above as an essential choice for cocktail lovers and professionals.
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Product Reviews: Garnered glowing reviews on influential blogs and e-commerce platforms, boosting customer trust and driving traffic to the website.
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High-Profile Features: Chris Tunstall was featured in multiple top-tier publications, sharing his expertise on cocktail crafting, industry trends, and bar tool innovations.
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Placements Included: MSN, Good Housekeeping, Best Products, Food & Wine, Epicurious and many more!
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Increased Sales and Visibility: The strategic placements contributed to a noticeable uptick in sales and positioned A Bar Above as a leading brand in the mixology space.
By securing high-profile features, gift guide placements, and expert contributions, the campaign drove increased visibility, engagement, and sales, solidifying the brand’s reputation for quality and expertise. A Bar Above stands as a go-to destination for cocktail enthusiasts and professionals alike, with a story that resonates and a presence that inspires.