Creating a dominant presence in the rewards and incentives industry through strategic PR

For a decade, we have supported Blackhawk Network’s (BHN’s) business units, including its rewards and incentives business, through multiple acquisitions, rebrands, continued growth and as market conditions evolved. BHN is known for being a pioneer in bringing together disparate payments and shopping experiences—i.e., the creation of Gift Card Malls™ in grocery stores. Its incentives and rewards platforms, API solutions, services and global offerings support B2B and B2B2C businesses to help engage and recognize customers, partners and employees.  

We have become trusted advisors that have helped shape success by building the division’s brand and showcasing its value propositions. Our team now functions as an extension of BHN’s internal team, creating annual goals, setting strategy and executing on deliverables. BHN leans on us to know its business inside and out to help inform our recommendations and differentiate from competitors using carefully crafted messaging.  

Our work includes: ideating and leading industry-specific research campaigns (leveraging omnibus consumer surveys, quantitative business research, internal sales data), securing valuable national and trade media placements through proactive pitching and newsjacking, creating and placing thought leadership content, supporting lead generation efforts, building thought leaders’ reputations and social media presence, and growing brand visibility.

2023 Results.

• 425+ media placements in Blackhawk’s top-targeted media outlets (includes 320+ syndications)
• More than 98% of the coverage we secured was in Blackhawk’s top-targeted outlets 
• Media coverage reach: 2.8B+  
• 95% SOV compared to top incentives and rewards industry competitors  
• 40+ national media placements 
• Thought leadership secured for 10 different rewards and incentives executives 
• 10 bylines published on behalf of BHN’s industry thought leaders
• 27 interviews / executive quotes secured
  • 15 quotes / interviews in national media outlets  
  • 12 quotes / interviews in targeted trade media 
• Website traffic driven by PR outperformed site averages and industry benchmarks, helping drive leads 
• PR drove nearly 2K click throughs, downloads, form fills, and other priority website events identified by the client
• Average domain authority score: 68 (“Excellent” rating and the highest score possible) 
• National media results award finalist
• 50+ unique social posts delivered to 12+ thought leaders
• $21M+ total ad equivalency