For small businesses, PR is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy. Investing in public relations can help to build brand awareness, generate leads, and attract customers. In this blog post, we’ll look at why small businesses need public relations, the benefits of public relations for small businesses, and how public relations can help your small business grow. With the right PR strategy, you can ensure that your small business is well-positioned for success.
Why is PR so important?
PR will support all of your other marketing activities. It will get you seen by the right people and can be extremely targeted (if that is what you require) to who you want to speak to, what message you want to give and what you want the audience to do. PR can be used to bridge the trust-gap between your business and potential clients and customers.
The Benefits of Public Relations
So, what are the benefits of including PR in your marketing strategy. Here are my top 5
1. Increase your brand’s credibility Publicity through public relations gives credibility to your business as the content is more authentic and informative. Studies indicate that PR gives more visibility and credibility among the consumer market than advertising which is perceived as more promotional.
2. Attract your target market A well-written article on your product/service offerings in the magazine can be much more attractive, believable and have a greater impact compared to an advertisement in that same magazine as somebody else is effectively endorsing and saying good things about you.
3. Provide added value PR can add value through increasing visibility of your products and services, personalise your brand, raise your profile, build strong relationships, manage your reputation, assist with your sales process, and add value to your own clients through case studies. Basically, it is a win-win scenario.
4. Short and long-term lead generation Media coverage through PR are a form of long-term leads as initially you are likely to be exposed to large number of leads and once you have them you can work to make them repeat service users or customers
5. Build your brand image
People often assume that PR is all about promoting an item, one off event or special offer. This isn’t true. PR drives your entire business towards growth. When done correctly it can create a more positive brand image in the mind of your consumers.
Rebecca Slater is a PR Consultant with more than 20 years public relations experience. She is based in Staffordshire and provides support to businesses all over the country.
Find out more at www.beckandcallpr.co.uk or email sayhello@beckandcallpr.co.uk