Our Services

1Africa Consulting takes a strategic approach aimed at creating value and impact for our clients based on their priority goals. Integration is a key focus for us – whether this is through a full-scope integrated services package, or whether it is done by ensuring that our stand-alone services provided to you work hand-in-hand with your internal activities. We tailor-make our service offerings to suit each client’s specific needs and objectives, and see ourselves as partners working closely with our clients to promote brand goals.

 

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & BRAND IDENTITY

KEY MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT
Key Messaging entails defining a company’s identity in terms of who they are, what they do and why they exist. Key Messaging can be seen as a framework for all brand communication as it outlines elements such as brand tone, target audiences, content type and overall brand persona. Having these factors defined in one structured document also promotes consistency across different marketing platforms, ensuring that different communication activities support each other.
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & EXECUTION

A strategy document is a masterplan upon which all activities are based. It provides an analysis of brand objectives, challenges and proposed solutions to achieving business goals. Strategic communication plans are aimed at maximising impact and/or solving complex challenges through communication-based activities. We work with clients to develop strategies that based on defined desired outcomes. We also offer the development of implementation plans that serves as “action plans” outlining the activities required to achieve the goals defined as part of the strategy. Thereafter, we are able to execute such plans (in its entirety, or in part) on behalf of our clients.

CONCEPTUALISATION & IDEATION

We can conceptualise ideas to suit different brand needs. This includes everything from creative concept ideation to innovative execution tactics for impact, including developing a campaign “big idea” based on client objectives.

PUBLIC RELATIONS / MEDIA RELATIONS

MEDIA RELATIONS & EVENTS
Media relations refers to creating and nurturing positive relationships with the media across
different geographic regions and topics of interest. We have a network of media that we work
closely with to help create awareness and reach on behalf of our clients. We are able to arrange and manage media events such as press briefings, as well as arrange for the media to attend both public and invite-only client gatherings. We act as media liaisons on behalf of clients, and can develop and distribute relevant content and collateral such as press packs.
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
Content distribution includes the placement of advertorials, articles and press releases in the media. We pitch and place using organic (unpaid or “earned” media placement) or paid distribution
activities based on client needs and budget. We identify relevant publications and media platforms based on the target audience and objectives of each content piece.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS

We pitch and secure earned (unpaid) media interviews for clients, and can include briefing documents / speaking points to stream-line the process. We can also include in media buying for paid media time on-air.

BRAND POSITIONING & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Through content development, distribution, media relations and other activities, we assist with positioning a brand or its spokespeople (such as C-suite executives) as thought leaders within a
specific field or topic. This includes promoting the personal brand of individuals such as influencers,
entrepreneurs or public figures.

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

STAKEHOLDER MAPPING & ENGAGEMENT
Through communication activities, we assist brands to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders aimed at promoting improved engagement and discourse. We help identify the various
internal and external stakeholders of a brand (such as the board of directors, employees, the public, the media, regulatory bodies), and develop solutions to communicate with each stakeholder group effectively, using relevant platforms and content types.
REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

Building positive brand equity through effective reputation management is invaluable. This should be an ongoing practice for all brands, during good times and bad. Reputation building helps entrench brands in the hearts and minds of clients, promoting loyalty to the brand. Should a crisis occur, this “built equity” can help mitigate negative impacts.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Being prepared can mean the difference between weathering the storm or incurring irreparable brand damage should a crisis occur. We assist in developing pro-active crisis management plans, as well as guiding brands through a time of crisis. We also assist in post-crisis communication strategies that aid in reputation recovery.

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

SOCIAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS
Our social media services include both monthly packages, as well as ad hoc campaign solutions. We develop a social media strategy based on key client objectives such as brand awareness, audience reach and growth, and customise packages based on each client’s needs and budget.
DIGITAL MARKETING SOLUTIONS
We offer a range of strategic digital marketing services including Google Ads / PPC campaigns, email marketing, eCommerce services, various online marketing solutions and the use of specialised digital tools and tactics. We also offer website optimisation of content, website design, and technical and visual website development.
INFLUENCER MARKETING
The use of influencers, including micro-influencers is growing in value. 1Africa Consulting is able to source, vet and manage influencers that are able to connect with your audience in an engaging and
impactful way.

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

WRITTEN CONTENT
We can produce written content to suit different platforms, objectives and communication needs.
This includes marketing content (for both digital and traditional needs), articles (including op-eds / thought leadership content), website content, press releases and internal communication documents. Content is custom-developed per brief, and our experienced team provides input and advice regarding content direction and distribution.
VISUAL & CREATIVE CONTENT
We can design and produce visual content to suit all brand needs. This includes visual content (images and video) for digital, traditional and social media applications, as well as the design and production of marketing collateral and event branding.
EVENT & MARKETING COLLATERAL

Our team can produce communication material and collateral to meet virtually all brand needs. These include banners, flyers, event branding, promotional material, business cards, corporate gifts
and more. We also offer design services, as well as advice on materials and applications to suit each client’s needs and budgets.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Our creative network of professionals includes experienced photographers and videographers. We provide on-site services, as well as the editing and production of photographic and video content including animation services and creative visual design. We project-manage all suppliers to ensure that content meets clients’ briefs, and production is always at a level of quality.

TRANSLATIONS

We offer translation of content including South African, African and International languages for all written content. We can also assist with on-site and virtual interpretation services (geographic terms
and conditions apply).

RESEARCH

COMPETITOR ANALYSIS & MARKET RESEARCH
Competitor analyses provide data related to the competitive industry and market landscape of a brand. Insights on external opportunities and threats inform the understanding of internal strengths and weakness, promoting effective marketing tactics and business operational progress.
PERCEPTION AUDITS
This is a highly qualitative (often interview-style) exercise where we gather insights on how a brand is perceived by various stakeholders, both internal and external. This includes a business’s:
employees, customers, partners, investors and so forth. Subjective perspectives help provide a “big picture” snapshot of how a brand is seen, and helps identify challenges and opportunities. Understanding behavioural patterns of key target segments also assists with the development of content and distribution strategies, as well as overall business operational planning.

EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

LIVE EVENTS
We can plan and / or execute live events of different sizes and complexity, including activations, seminars, trade shows, press briefing sessions / conferences, round-table forums, closed-session corporate events and industry expos. This includes developing budgets, event project plans, marketing activities and on-site event management. Live events will be subject to COVID-19
regulations and safety concerns.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Our communications and digital specialists can plan and manage virtual events, including virtual press conferences, webinars, virtual round-table discussions, live podcasts and live social media events (such as live Twitter chats).

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY (CSR) / SOCIAL IMPACT

BRAND PURPOSE
1Africa Consulting is passionate about helping brands define their purpose. We work closely with our clients to understand their passion and business, and identify ideological paths that align with their organisational goals, vision and mission. We believe in an integrated approach where business objectives and purpose work hand in hand to maximise positive impact for brands.
NETWORKING & PARTNERSHIPS
We identify strategic partnerships and networking opportunities that benefit various stakeholders. This includes collaborative projects that support more inclusive, participative, diverse and expertise- centred structures. We also have services to support sponsor and investor needs.
CSR SOLUTIONS & CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP PROFILES
We can develop CSR solutions from concept to execution, or work with brands to bring their existing CSR mandates to life. This includes executing CSR projects and campaigns, as well as producing and
distributing marketing and PR communication that showcases positive impact and corporate social investment.

TRAINING & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT SKILLS
We offer training in transformational leadership and management skills required to effectively manage change and challenges in high-performing environments. We support this training with consulting and interacting with executives at board level.
MEDIA TRAINING
We offer media training for individuals and teams that are media and/or public facing (for example, company spokespeople, executive team members and brand ambassadors). Training includes factors such as navigating difficult or controversial interview questions, bringing the conversation back on track if the interviewer digresses and the various preparatory requirements for media interviews or a public speaking engagement.
CORPORATE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Our leadership team members are available as Keynote Speakers or subject matter experts for both private corporate events as well as public events (both online and live), particularly with regard to thought leadership content around public relations and the broader communications fields. We are also always open to participating in industry specific webinars, round-table discussions and related corporate events.

Get In Touch

    Block E, 1st Floor, Upper Grayston Office Park, 150 Linden Street, Sandton, 2031
    +27 (0)10 824 5611
    info@1africaconsulting.co.za