Every Serious Business Needs A Public Relations Firm

Yes, you read me right, every serious business needs a Public Relations firm. We are now in an information-based economy, the number of information people has about your business, products, and services will determine how far you will go. Now, what is more important for you to worry about is not just the amount of information people have about your business but the perception placed on this information. Are these perceptions positive or negative; good or bad, interesting or non-interesting, helpful to them or non- helpful to them.

In order to reach your target customers and compete favorably in today’s dynamic business environment, companies must and I mean must find a way to maintain a positive image in the eyes of their customer and this is what a Public Relations firm can help you achieve. In this digital age, business growth and marketing strategies will forever continue to evolve and the most successful strategies include Public Relations as a necessary element.

Someone may now be asking; what really is Public relations? Public relations (PR) as defined by the Public Relations Society of America, is a “strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” PR can include different tactics for every business, but no matter the size of the company public relations has become an integral part of brand growth as marketing, paid media, sales, and social media.

Now Is The Time For Our Generation To Take Its Destiny Into Its Own Hands (Part 2)

Here I will discuss 5 reasons why your business needs Public Relations.

1. PR Boosts Credibility
Being seen as an honest, reliable company in customers’ eyes is a strong competitive advantage. Increasing your brand’s credibility is critical to your company’s success but isn’t always easy to do. In today’s social media world, articles about your business/products/services that are placed strategically in targeted industry trade journals and publications create a path toward bolstering your brand’s character. If a story about your company appears in a publication, readers understand that the coverage was not paid for. When a company executive is quoted in an article, he or she is representing the brand and showcasing your company’s expertise and leadership. When a consumer reads an article featuring your brand it is likely that consumer has sought out the information. Customers will likely find an article about your company to be more valuable and trustworthy than a paid advertisement aimed at selling a good or service.

2. PR Generates Brand Awareness
Public relations is an effective way to get your brand name and products or services in front of more potential customers. PR, when done correctly, can be picked up by many media outlets giving your company more exposure to a larger audience. Customers who may not otherwise know your company becomes familiar with your brand through solid public relations efforts. Positive news coverage about a company should be leveraged as well. For example, links to articles on reputable news sites can be included in email campaigns and on websites. Brand representatives can also use news coverage as a conversation starter with current or prospective clients.

3. PR Creates a Positive Brand Image
Companies that have a wealth of PR typically have a press page where these items are featured. Consistent and timely press releases show customers that your company has a strong reputation in the market and gives you a competitive edge over other companies in the space. PR can also include crisis communications management. If a situation arises in which your company is put in a negative light, effective PR efforts can help protect your company’s brand and reputation to mitigate damage. Under the guidance of a PR strategy, an organization decides how to respond to a damaging scenario, controls the narrative, and has the opportunity to turn public perception.

4. PR Is Cost-Effective by Nature
Although the cost of PR will depend on what types of services a company needs, it typically comes at a lower cost
than traditional marketing and advertising methods. Advertising is known as “paid media” while public relations is known as “earned media.” Rather than purchasing space in a publication, commercial time on television or advertising space on a website, a public relations article that discusses your brand and company will be featured in the editorial section. This publicity comes at no cost and lends credible support to a company’s image.

Public relations tactics also include press releases, speaking engagements, and community events. These PR actions are typically undertaken at little or no cost to a company but can have great benefits.

5. Enhances Customer Relationships
Effective PR strategies have the best interest of your company in mind. Customized public relations campaigns help your organization reach its business goals and make you a stronger company in the process. When your company is viewed positively in the market, that perception flows through the internal culture and ultimately benefits external customers.

PR is an integral way to enhance existing customer relationships and build new ones. Business growth is fueled by brand awareness and customers will see your brand as credible when your company appears in trustworthy news sources. When customers have a positive image of your brand, sales are more likely to follow. If you are not using PR as part of your brand building strategy, it may be time to consider it.

Do you need a PR Firm; then contact Freshminds Communications Ltd. on 08124298262.