Most people have a preconceived notion that only big corporations and businesses can afford to do PR (Public Relations) work since it requires a lot of money. However, this is not the truth. No matter what size they are, all companies can take advantage of PR to help gain attention. It will give you and your business a much better reputation in the industry than simply relying on marketing.
PR vs. Advertising: The Difference
The primary goal of advertising and marketing is to cultivate a positive brand image for the selected target audience and make sales. PR, however, is all about finding ways to build trust and attention amongst all current and potential clients.
Studies show that when we talk about influencing how potential customers interact with a business, PR tends to work 90% more than advertising!
Not only is it more effective, but it is also a cheaper alternative to marketing. Always keep in mind that you can do a few core PR activities for little to no cost at all.
Advantages of PR
Most small businesses tend to ignore PR completely since they fail to understand how it can help them boost their business. A few benefits of using PR are as follows:
- Creates a positive brand image
- Strengthens your relationship with clients and the local community
- Conducts damage control
- Supports and adds to various initiatives
- Helps attract potential investors
As long as you know how to monitor the results of these campaigns, you will notice how using public relations benefits your business.
How to create a successful PR strategy?
You need to develop a successful PR strategy if you wish to make more people aware of your business. It would help if you had a goal you wanted to achieve from your campaign. Besides using the correct methods, you also need to think like your target audience when building a robust PR strategy.
Whether via new-age social media like Instagram and YouTube ad campaigns or through traditional forms such as billboards and press releases, your campaign needs to work for the audience that is most likely to see them. Keep in mind that your PR campaign needs to engage the target audience, tell a story, and encourage people to find out more about your business.
PR for small businesses
Public relations for small businesses can help you create a positive image for your business. If you have a robust PR strategy supported by even those outside your industry, you will have a better chance of making a name for your company.
If you have a robust PR campaign built to attract your target audience, your small business will have a greater chance of success and getting more eyes on your business than advertising or marketing.
