At Social Ape Marketing, we know a well-executed public relations campaign can make all the difference when launching a new product or event. We recently had the opportunity to partner with Squabble Squares, a Charlotte-based board game company, to promote their first-ever tournament hosted at Resident Culture on Sunday, May 18th. With a quick turnaround, our team developed and distributed a media alert, ultimately securing five high-impact pieces of media coverage that helped generate buzz and increase awareness around the event.
Strategic PR in Action
Through targeted media outreach, we secured:
- Axios Charlotte article: “Charlotte-made board game Squabble Squares debuts with tournament”
- Charlotte Today interview: “Squabble Squares: Charlotte’s Hottest New Game!”
- Positively Charlotte interview: “Charlotte’s Newest Game, Squabble Squares”
- Axios Charlotte newsletter: “1 big thing: 🎲 This tournament is all fun and games”
- Tiny Money newsletter: “Local couples invests $3,000 in board game, debut tournament this weekend”
- Axios Charlotte Instagram: “Squabble up”
This coverage was especially effective because it did more than just announce the event. Each story highlighted the origin of the game, explained how it works, and gave readers and viewers the chance to learn how to participate. It’s a great example of how PR isn’t just about exposure, but also helpful with education and engagement.
Proving the ROI
Not only did our efforts result in media coverage, but they also resulted in tangible and measurable results! After this media coverage was secured, local retail store Paper Skyscraper reached out to Ben Moomaw, co-founder of Squabble Squares, to show interest in selling the game in their stores.
A brewery in Raleigh also contacted Ben to suggest they could host a Squabble Squares tournament at their brewery to increase awareness of the game. These two opportunities could lead to actual sales for our client, which is our ultimate goal.
Why PR Matters
Public relations is one of the most efficient ways to build awareness and credibility for your brand. When a trusted media outlet shares your story, it carries weight. Whether it’s a startup board game or a long-standing business, earned media provides third-party validation that can’t be replicated with ads alone.
In the case of Squabble Squares, we targeted local lifestyle and “things to do” media outlets in Charlotte to ensure we reached the right audience. This kind of strategic targeting is essential. It’s not just about the quantity of coverage, but the quality, placing your story in the outlets your audience already reads and trusts.
How PR Firms Make a Difference
Hiring a PR firm brings more than media connections. It brings strategy. A professional team can help you:
- Craft compelling narratives that the media wants to cover
- Identify the right outlets and journalists for your brand
- Pitch your story in a way that stands out in a crowded inbox
- Coordinate interviews, photo opportunities, and follow-up to maximize your exposure
- Analyze the results to inform future campaigns
At Social Ape, we combine creativity, local insight, and media relationships to give your business the attention it deserves.
Ready to Tell Your Story?
If you’d like to get your brand in front of the right people, public relations is an investment worth making. Whether you’re launching a new product, hosting an event, or simply want to increase buzz for your brand, our team is here to help.
Need help getting your business the media coverage it deserves? Contact Social Ape Marketing today.
