We can't get enough of them: startup successes. At Presscloud, it seems to be becoming a regular occurrence (see our recent blog about first successful campaigns), but last month there was another case that made our PR hearts beat faster: Sybotanica.
The company founded by Sybren Bies, once started during his studies in Communication and Multimedia Design, now serves nearly 100,000 customers in 14 countries. Reason enough for a first PR campaign! Yet, no one had dared to dream that a few days later he would be interviewed by De Volkskrant and De Gelderlander.
The company
You may be hearing the name 'Sybotanica' for the first time, but the company has been around since 2020. Since its inception, the company has grown from a small Etsy shop full of cuttings to an innovative player in sustainable potting soil. Their mission is clear: to help every plant lover make their plants shine. They achieve this with homemade, perfectly tailored potting soil, a smart selection tool that matches plants to their ideal soil, and an environmentally conscious approach that is good for both people and nature.
The news
The news was essentially an introduction of the company and the progress it has made in recent years. What started with a bedroom full of plants grew into a team of nine green enthusiasts who work every day to improve SYBASoil, the potting soil mix that sets Sybotanica apart. From their latest location, they remain true to their motto: 'Happy plants, happy people, happy us'. With the same love for soil and growth, Sybotanica looks forward, determined to make even more living rooms greener and happier.
With the title "25-year-old builds million-dollar company Sybotanica from student room with sustainable potting soil", you can imagine the media was instantly intrigued: what kind of company is this and who is behind it?
Guidance from Presscloud
A good story sells itself. That was actually the case here as well. Still, press releases are a separate skill and must contain the right structure and tone of voice. After mutual contact, several improvements were applied in terms of the structure and layout of the press release. A concrete example: subheads (perhaps you've been advised on this before, indispensable!).
Furthermore, Sybren needed little guidance and the story could be sent out into the world. Only later during the interviews did he get some last-minute tips, but he eventually managed everything on his own.
The results
First of all, the press release resulted in an open rate of over 82%. This indicates a good press list, with journalists interested in this type of news. Moreover, Sybren immediately received a request for an interview from De Volkskrant, followed by De Gelderlander.
Soon after, beautiful publications followed: De Volkskrant, De Gelderlander, and Algemeen Dagblad. Not bad for a first press release via Presscloud. We are already looking forward to the sequel. Until then: good luck Sybren with Sybotanica!
