Blog

Blog

Consumer Education

Five Keys to Managing Consumer Expectations

Are you managing consumer expectations? CrowdFiber's Sara Gentry shares five ways you can keep consumers happy: understand who you're talking to, be realistic, stay in touch, avoid disappointment and always show gratitude.

Sara Gentry

January 18, 2022

Blog

Digital Marketing, Websites

Hey Google: How To Help Consumers Find You

When consumers Google broadband or energy efficiency, will they find you? Get search engine optimization tips and learn how you can use Google Business Profile to help consumers connect with you.

Tina M. Potter

January 11, 2022

Blog

Broadband Marketing, Content Planning

Resilient Musicians and Broadband Challenges Top List of Popular Podcasts in 2021

We love strengthening utility storytelling through Pioneer’s podcasts. As we plan our 2022 editorial content, we had fun looking back to see what stories hit home in 2021. Here are our most popular podcast stories of the past year, along with a reminder how not to miss future content.

Sarah Wootten

December 20, 2021

Blog

Inside the Magazine, Magazines, Writing

Five Memorable Ruralite Features

Through the past year, our writers have taken readers on many journeys. Here are five of my favorite Ruralite local stories from 2021. I’m willing to bet there are similar stories to be found in your service area if you know where to look.

Mike Teegarden, CCC

December 14, 2021

Blog

Content Planning, Social Media

Four Steps to Kick Social Media Planning Woes to the Curb

Without a plan in place, social media can soon turn from a fun, creative medium to a burdensome marketing tool. After several years of creating and managing content for electric and broadband utilities across the nation, the Pioneer Social team shares four tips and tricks that make recurring content planning a breeze.

Amy Blunck, CCC

December 6, 2021

Blog

Digital Marketing, Marketing Campaigns

How to Use Mail Previews to Connect with Consumers

Worried your mail might get overlooked or delayed in the holiday shuffle, especially with recent mail delivery changes? Learn how utilities can tap the power of USPS Informed Delivery (including ride-along images and representative images) to connect with consumers.

Elizabeth Beatty

December 2, 2021

Blog

Energy Efficiency

Meet NRECA’s New Efficiency Columnist: Miranda Boutelle!

If you are looking to give your readers the gift of savings and efficiency — and, of course, you are — don’t miss Miranda Boutelle’s monthly energy efficiency columns in 2022.

Leon Espinoza

November 16, 2021

Blog

Pioneer News

Story-Sharing Milestone

After sharing 200 episodes of stories and inspiration, we reflect on how StoryConnect: The Podcast builds community, strengthens our understanding of national issues and trends, and creates valuable storytelling partnerships.

Stephen Smith

November 12, 2021

Blog

Social Media

Understanding Facebook Changes

Facebook is actively rolling out a change to business pages. They are calling this the “new Page experience,” and it will gradually replace what they are now calling “classic Pages.”

Melissa Shaw

November 9, 2021

Blog

Pioneer News

New Direction, Community Coming for Utility Communicator Program

Our job as utility communicators is always changing. The CCC program should be there to help all of us grow and adjust through the years. Learn how the program will evolve on our blog.

Mike Teegarden, CCC

November 3, 2021

Blog

Writing

Pulling Pull Quote Punches

Readers can be drawn to many things, the narrative of course, but also interesting imagery, informative graphics and cool design. Headlines, subheads and bullet points are primary hooks to reel in a reader. Each should be baited with care. But what about the pull quote?

Leon Espinoza

November 2, 2021

Blog

Pioneer News

Theresa Phillips Named Communicator of the Year

Congratulations to Theresa Phillips, winner of Pioneer Utility Resources’ 2021 Dave D’Avanzo Communications Award!

Mike Teegarden, CCC

October 30, 2021