Build your reputation with audiences that matter
Ballou is a European Public Relations agency specialising in technology and innovation.
For over 20 years, we've supported hundreds of tech companies in building their brand, enhancing their visibility, and safeguarding their reputation.
Fundraising
Key to success is giving a sense to it, explaining the objectives and goals to get higher visibility and share of mind.
We organize previews, cross interviews, on-stage live announcements, and do everything possible to maximize the messages relayed to make our clients shine, and understand how to make the most of great timing.
Crisis communication
To best prepare for the worst, we develop crisis preparation programmes on topics such as data breaches, layoffs, harassment and legal matters.
We provide the rational point of view that eludes clients during a time of crisis, and help them remember stakeholders they may have forgotten: employees, customers, partners, service providers and of course investors.
Entering a new market
From B2B to B2C, we help non-native brands enter new markets to become dominant players.
We help them understand the landscape, customer behaviours and the administrative environment.
Product launch
We assist businesses in launching their new consumer or professional products, getting them media coverage (press, radio, television, web) and exposure at events to maximize visibility and, consequently, sales.
From highlighting the product's unique features to organizing a launch in front of a group of journalists and influencers, we implement ambitious programs to support this crucial moment for our clients in collaboration with all departments.
We select the best channels to promote the product or service in order to support our clients' objectives and attract potential customers.
IPO - Initial public offering (case study)
Ballou’s UK and DE teams were retained by Trivago in early 2016 to support the PR activities of Trivago in the run-up to, during and after its IPO on NASDAQ in December 2016.
Alongside a US partner, Ballou’s account team worked in Dusseldorf to work directly with Trivago’s CEO and CFO.
Ballou’s account lead was on the ground at the NASDAQ in New York, working alongside Trivago’s senior team and managing over 20 interviews with the founder and CEO.
Results: an exceptionally successful day with widespread positive coverage of the listing and broader messaging around the increasing importance of the European technology ecosystem.
An award-winning public relations agency
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4
European Agencies
(London / Paris / Berlin / Barcelona) -
+800
tech companies supported
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+1000
European PR campaigns
Who are we?
For each project, we assemble a dedicated team consisting of experts in your industry.
We understand your market, recognise the challenges, and will offer tailored advice and strategies for success
How we measure success?
We systematically analyse your results to ensure you are reaching the right audiences, at the right time, in the right way. This includes :
- Collecting the most frequently used keywords and phrases in the articles
- Evaluating your share of voice compared to your competitors
- Analyzing the tone of media coverage for a deeper understanding of the impact of your communication
How are your campaigns tracked?
We provide continuous monitoring throughout your campaign.
We track industry news to present you with relevant speaking opportunities.
You have permanent access to an online dashboard that lists all campaign progress.
Every six months, we provide you with a detailed report where we analyze successes and setbacks, allowing adjustments to the campaign if needed. We also provide regular reporting and detailed analysis of what has worked best, allowing for re-evaluation and course-correction if needed
What makes an international campaign successful?
The key to the success of an international campaign lies in our ability to develop key messaging centrally, then localize it for relevant, effective outreach in each country.
We integrate the marketing message into a broader context, leveraging local news, ongoing laws, and events to maximize the impact of your PR campaign.
Finally, we centrally manage the agency network with a single point of contact
They trust us with their reputations
Case Studies
Waze
Objective
Position Waze’s new business model, based on advertising, and reassure users that the tool will remain free with a smooth user experience.
Campaign
- 100 articles across Business, marketing, technology, and generalist media.
- 20 interviews, including television, radio, print, and online publications.
- 2 TV reports organized for M6 (in Paris) and Canal+ (in Tel Aviv).
Outcome
No user loss due to advertisements.
On the contrary, at the beginning of the year, Waze registered 1.5 million active users, which more than doubled by the end of the year (approximately 3 million users).
Vinci Energies
Objective
Ballou was ehired to develop VINCI Energies’ reputation as a partner in digital and energy transformation, ecological transition in France, and to establish the brand as a key player in smart cities. Promoting VINCI Energies' innovation and open innovation policies as a key differentiator was also a priority.
Campaign
- 55 interviews with key media outlets (Les Echos, City Mag, JDN, Le Figaro, L’Usine Digitale...)
- 250 articles published in 3 years.
Outcome
Increase of Brand awareness for VINCI Energies and Yves Meignie, its CEO.
Better understanding of the organization's vision and value proposition, especially compared to VINCI.
Redhat
Objective
Ballou was selected to:
- Increase Red Hat's visibility in the IT, finance, and telecommunications sectors while reaching a broader spectrum of the press,
- Position Red Hat as the leading open-source platform and hybrid cloud powered by Kubernetes in customers' minds across various verticals,
- Elevate the conversation around Open Source and its culture/principles such as Open Management by positioning Red Hat's spokespeople as visionary evangelists.
Campaign
- Average of 30 earned coverage per quarter,
- 5 TV appearances,
- 40 interviews, including 6 with national daily press (Les Echos, Le Figaro...)
Outcome
Through a diversity of angles and formats, Ballou secured regular proactive opportunities with key media outlets, elevating Red Hat to a higher level to reach a broader audience of decision-makers.
NIU
Objective
Niu chose Ballou to launch its range of electric scooters. Beyond promoting their arrival in France, the PR campaign aimed to position NIU as a key player in the European mobility sector.
Campaign
- 460 articles
- 4 eventful product launches
- 30 interviews
- 1 IPO
Outcome
The launch of NIU in France was a great success with approximately 500 articles in mainstream and specialized media, including television coverage.
For the launches in the UK and Germany, the electric scooter manufacturer relied on our offices in London and Berlin.
Today, NIU is recognized as a key player in France, and it's quite common to spot their scooters on the streets of Paris.
Cloudflare
Objective
Cloudflare engaged Ballou to publicize its establishment in France and the hiring of a local team. Subsequently, the agency was tasked with raising awareness of the company's expertise by positioning the French Managing Director on issues relating to internet security and performance, while continuing to communicate around the launch of each new offer.
Campaign
- 300 articles
- 30 interviews
- 5 TV and radio broadcasts
Outcome
Over the past 3 years, Ballou has been working daily with Cloudflare to enhance its visibility in France. Thanks to a campaign based on expertise, we consistently secure interviews and appearances in specialized media (Le Mag IT, Silicon, IT For Business, etc.) as well as high-audience economic and general media outlets (Le Figaro, Journal du Net, Europe 1, BFM TV, etc.). The data (barometers, surveys, rankings, etc.) shared by Cloudflare ensures our regular mentions.