Case Studies

Location – United States

Market – B2C

Industry – Reputation Management

The Challenge

Sawol Communications regularly provides reputation management services for high-profile individuals in addition to corporate clients. The firm was approached by a renowned American scientist affiliated with an Ivy League university who had previously been engaged with another PR agency for nearly four years. Unfortunately, rather than improving his reputation, the prior agency’s actions inadvertently created significant reputational damage due to mishandled media relations, resulting in unfounded negative perceptions. Furthermore, the client had incurred substantial financial costs with minimal positive outcomes.

Media engagement had veered away from the scientist’s professional accomplishments, instead focusing excessively on rumors, speculation, and misrepresented narratives. This flawed approach not only distorted his scientific expertise and contributions but also led to the removal of his Wikipedia page due to serious violations of Wikipedia’s policies – despite his significant academic achievements and clearly encyclopedic relevance.

Recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of the situation and understanding the client’s deep disappointment from past experiences working with PR firms, Sawol Communications chose not to request any upfront fees. Instead, the client agreed to a performance-based arrangement whereby payment would be contingent solely upon successfully completing all agreed-upon objectives.

The Solution

Following a swift yet thorough evaluation of the situation, Sawol Communications immediately halted all existing media outreach to prevent further harm. In a very short timeframe, the team developed a completely new media strategy, carefully realigning the narrative to represent the client’s professional standing and scientific expertise accurately.

Concurrently, the team addressed the Wikipedia issue directly. After an in-depth assessment, the Wikipedia page was successfully reinstated within approximately six weeks – fully restored, enhanced with accurate, credible information, and brought entirely into compliance with Wikipedia’s stringent guidelines.

The Results

Sawol Communications swiftly resolved the longstanding reputational issues through transparent communication and dedicated effort. The revamped media relations strategy successfully repositioned the scientist’s image. It effectively clarified previous misunderstandings, enabling authentic and productive media engagements.

The Wikipedia issue, previously unresolved for nearly four years, was conclusively addressed. Additionally, several other minor yet persistent reputation-related concerns were efficiently resolved.

Crucially, the client expressed significant relief and personal satisfaction with the outcome. The entire scope of work was accomplished within just three months and cost the client less than 15% of what he previously spent with the former PR agency.

Location –United States

Market – B2B

Industry – Think Tank

The Challenge

A Washington, DC-based think tank had historically concentrated solely on research, largely neglecting public image, reputation, and external communications. Most interactions with the media were limited to emails containing press releases and reports. While the think tank employed many talented experts, very few regularly appeared in the media, and even then, only due to their personal efforts rather than any systematic support from the organization. Other experts rarely received media attention. Communication responsibilities were frequently handled by interns who lacked formal training or experience in public relations.

Sawol Communications was tasked with thoroughly assessing the situation, establishing an effective media relations strategy, improving the think tank’s positioning, and promoting its experts as credible and respected thought leaders.

The Solution

Sawol Communications started by conducting a comprehensive communications audit. The team reviewed past media interactions, assessed internal communication processes, and compared similar organizations’ practices.

Following the audit, we developed a structured media strategy designed to highlight the think tank’s strongest assets – its experts. We identified key researchers whose work aligned with timely, newsworthy issues and provided them with targeted media training. This ensured experts could effectively communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.

We replaced the informal intern-led approach with professional media relations practices, creating clear guidelines for outreach to journalists and opinion leaders. These guidelines emphasized proactive engagement, relationship-building, and timely responses.

Additionally, we implemented thought leadership initiatives, including expert commentary, opinion articles, and speaking engagements at relevant industry events. These activities are aimed to enhance the visibility and credibility of the think tank’s experts within influential circles.

The Results

Sawol Communications’ efforts significantly boosted the think tank’s media presence within six months. Experts regularly appeared in prominent media outlets, including respected industry journals, national newspapers, and broadcast segments. This increased exposure positioned them as trusted professionals, enhancing their reputation among stakeholders.

Media engagement shifted from reactive to proactive, resulting in stronger relationships with influential journalists and editors. Recognition among stakeholders improved notably, leading to more invitations for experts to speak at major panels, conferences, and collaborative projects.

Internally, media training and clear communication guidelines streamlined interactions, reducing missed opportunities and enabling strategic responses to emerging topics.

These strategic changes greatly enhanced the think tank’s public image, strengthened its reputation, and significantly increased its influence in important policy conversations.

Location – United States

Market – B2B

Industry –Telecommunications

The Challenge

One of the major internet providers on the East Coast sought assistance from Sawol Communications due to a persistent crisis involving negative comments and posts on social media. Despite having a substantial internal communications team, the company was struggling to manage and resolve these issues effectively.

Most negative feedback centered around increased service prices, connectivity problems, and slow internet speeds. The leading platforms for these complaints were the company’s official accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. The internal communications team had previously chosen not to engage with these negative posts, which inadvertently increased customer frustration and worsened the company’s online reputation.

The Solution

Sawol Communications started by thoroughly evaluating the company’s social media situation. Our team analyzed recent negative feedback and the general sentiment towards the provider, pinpointing the main reasons for customer dissatisfaction.

We then introduced a proactive social media strategy focused on transparency and prompt responses. Sawol Communications conducted training for the internal communications team on effective crisis response techniques. This helped the team better acknowledge complaints, communicate updates clearly, and inform customers about the company’s actions to fix the issues.

We also created a structured content plan to clarify pricing changes, service improvements, and technical upgrades. This content is designed to educate subscribers, clarify any confusion, and highlight the positive developments within the company.

A robust monitoring system and rapid-response protocol were implemented to address negative comments promptly and empathetically. This significantly reduced customer frustration and prevented further escalation of issues. By proactively engaging customers, Sawol Communications restored constructive conversations, increased transparency, and gradually improved public perception of the company.

The Results

Within four months, the telecom provider saw significant improvements in customer engagement and public sentiment. Negative mentions on social media dropped by over 40%, and customer complaints were handled much more quickly, with average response times under one hour.

Transparent and consistent communication reduced customer frustration and built greater trust, resulting in nearly a 35% increase in positive interactions such as likes, shares, and positive comments.

Internally, the communications team improved its crisis management skills, enabling it to handle issues proactively rather than merely reacting. These changes effectively minimized the risk of future crises.

Overall, Sawol Communications’ strategic approach successfully contributed to mprovement of the company’s online reputation, strengthened customer loyalty, and positioned the telecom provider as a responsive, transparent, and customer-focused organization.

Location –United States

Market – B2B

Industry – Hospitality

The Challenge

A Mediterranean restaurant chain operating in several major New England cities struggled to gain meaningful media coverage. The chain primarily relied on social media channels and occasional collaborations with food influencers. However, the internal marketing team faced challenges, citing intense competition and market saturation in the Mediterranean dining segment as primary obstacles. Previous attempts to engage with media outlets were sporadic and failed to generate significant interest or visibility.

The Solution

Recognizing that traditional PR approaches were not effectively distinguishing the restaurant chain from competitors, Sawol Communications implemented a fresh, story-driven strategy. The firm launched a culturally immersive campaign titled “Flavors with Stories,” shifting away from generic press releases and typical influencer partnerships.

The campaign positioned the restaurant chain as a storyteller of Mediterranean culture, cuisine, and heritage. Compelling human-interest narratives about the history behind signature dishes, family-inspired recipes, and ingredient sourcing formed the core of the storytelling approach. Sawol Communications strategically aligned these unique narratives with media outlets, editors, and journalists known to appreciate engaging, authentic culinary content.

Additionally, Sawol Communications organized intimate experiential events exclusively for local culinary media professionals, journalists, and prominent chefs. These exclusive gatherings included cooking masterclasses led by the chain’s chefs, engaging storytelling sessions, and personalized interactions highlighting authenticity and community connections.

This innovative and personal approach transformed the restaurant chain’s media interactions from transactional exchanges into meaningful relationships, allowing the chain to stand out distinctly within New England’s competitive culinary market.

The Results

Sawol Communications’ storytelling and event-driven approach significantly boosted the restaurant chain’s media visibility across New England. Within five months of launching “Flavors with Stories,” the chain secured prominent features in respected culinary magazines, leading local newspapers, and influential lifestyle blogs.

Media professionals praised the restaurant chain’s storytelling as uniquely engaging, distinguishing it from competitors. Journalists increasingly initiated contact, expressing interest in participating in future events.

The targeted events fostered positive word-of-mouth among key influencers and culinary experts, creating enthusiastic brand ambassadors. Enhanced media coverage and strengthened relationships translated into measurable growth in customer visits, with many patrons specifically referencing the chain’s recent media presence and cultural narratives.

Overall, this innovative communications strategy elevated the restaurant chain’s reputation, transforming it from merely another Mediterranean dining option into a recognized cultural and culinary destination. This significantly enhanced its competitive edge and market appeal.