Blog

Blog

Consumer Education, Member/Consumer Experience, Staff Engagement

Three Ways REI Shapes Its Co-op Story

Couldn’t join us at StoryConnect? Here are three co-op storytelling lessons from REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, to spark inspiration for electric and telco utility communicators.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

March 28, 2022

Blog

Marketing Campaigns, Pioneer News

Kerry Scott Champions Shared Utility Needs through Pioneer Studio Role 

Kerry Scott brings 17 years of experience to developing Pioneer Studio’s potential. She was promoted to Pioneer Studio lead in January, directing the development of campaign content and scope to ensure members find relevant marketing materials.

Lauren Davi Doucher

March 15, 2022

Blog

Crisis Communications, More Powerful Together, Staff Engagement

Build Your Network Before a Crisis

We can all use a little help sometimes. Get through the next crisis and maybe get a few hours of sleep at night by building a team now, before the crisis strikes. Use these tips to build a network inside your utility, around your community and across the public power family.

Sheila Corson

March 8, 2022

Blog

Member Meetings

Pioneer Survey Finds 60% of Co-ops Plan In-person Member Meetings in 2022

A 2022 survey of Pioneer Social subscribers found most utilities plan for in-person member meetings this year. Learn more about utility meeting trends and share your plans on our best practices blog.

Andy Johns

February 28, 2022

Blog

Writing

5 Ways to Strengthen Email Engagement

Have you ever noticed there are some emails in your inbox you instantly gravitate to and others you quickly scroll past? There are 5 simple ways to create emails consumers want to open.

Sarah Lancaster

February 23, 2022

Blog

Content Planning, Magazines, Writing

Five Places to Find Engaging Stories

Does it ever feel as if you need a crystal ball when you’re planning content? Effective planning takes work, but designing a great publication does not need to be daunting. It can even be fun, if you think of it as a chance to tap into your creativity. Here are five places to find and plan for engaging stories.

Noble Sprayberry

February 15, 2022

Blog

Social Media

Social Media Impact in 2021 and Trends to Watch in 2022

2021 was another dynamic year for social media, and the proof is in the metrics, especially for Pioneer Social utilities. More than 94 million impressions and 5 million engagements were earned across our Utility Pioneers’ pages. Pioneer Social’s team shares what they learned after taking a deep dive into what worked well in 2021, major social happenings and what trends to watch for in 2022.

Rachel Tringali Marston

February 8, 2022

Blog

Digital Marketing, Marketing Campaigns, Social Media

Eight Types of Content that Earn Social Credit

Social media offers an engaging channel to connect with consumers, but with today’s saturated social media feeds, your content can’t afford to be mediocre. We share examples of eight types of content you can use to add value and solid storytelling to your digital channels.

Danielle Brusby

February 1, 2022

Blog

Content Planning

Four Ways to Turn Utility Goals into Stories

Once you have a list of communication targets for 2022, use utility goals to develop key messages. Then find local stories to bring those messages home. Here are four examples of matching utility goals with key messages, then generating story ideas to make your goals a reality.

Pam Spettel

January 25, 2022

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

Pioneer News, Websites

Content and Community Shine in Pioneer Website Redesign

Our website has been rebuilt to better share our story. Learn how our team kept inspiration, solutions and brand unity in mind to make www.Pioneer.coop a trusted resource for utility communicators, and let us know what you think of the new design.

Michael Shepard

January 4, 2022