If you have spent any time on social media, you have probably heard the term “PR.” You have probably seen many online celebrities unwrapping PR packages. PR, or public relations, has existed long before online influencers, though.
Public relations refer to the practise of creating and maintaining a good public image. Most businesses have a specific department that handles PR. This is because PR is one of the most effective marketing strategies out there. From the ads you view on your Spectrum TV screen to the celebrity posts you view on Instagram, most things have solid PR behind them. Therefore, a lot more thought goes into simple promotion strategies than you might think. While big-shot celebrities have dedicated PR managers to manage their public image, brands use PR to build their reputation.
Whether it is through press releases, promotional events, or social media management, PR is vital for any brand.
If you run a business and don’t make use of PR, you need to catch up—now! Here are four major reasons why PR should be a part of your marketing strategy. Provide a memorable face-to-face experience for your customers by adopting an FTP experiential marketing strategy.
Builds Brand Credibility
In business, it is natural to have competition. Within a market, various brands offer similar products and services. So what makes one brand more successful than another? It surely can’t be just luck. It’s the next best thing: effective PR!
When you invest into building an image for your brand, you prove your credibility to your audience. If you routinely send out PR packages for reviews, your audience will trust you. Similarly, by hosting events where you offer samples of your products to a large number of people, you strengthen your reputation. This is because PR helps you maintain a connection with your audience. Businesses and their public are usually very distant. PR builds a bridge between them. They call it public relations for a reason—because it strengthens your relationship with your target audience. A sense of connection with your brand will convince people to be loyal customers. Moreover, using public relations strategies, you can ensure that your brand remains relevant.
Additionally, your audience is more likely to believe your claims about your products if you are transparent. PR packages and promotions ensure that the public can test out your claims. Also, investing in PR sends a positive message to your audience. It tells them that you value their feedback!
Boosts Your Online Presence
In 2021, you can’t run a successful business without an online presence. In fact, having an effective social media strategy can multiply your success manifold! This is because these days, everyone has an online life. Your audience is more likely to run into your Facebook than to see a billboard. Hence, social media strategies are a part of PR. Online forums are the easiest places to build a relationship. Since your brand and your audience exist on the same platform, you have plenty of opportunities to interact.
While most brands focus on social media marketing, sometimes they forego the PR aspect. When you have an effective PR strategy, you will know exactly what to convey over social media. Moreover, social media shoutouts from influencers who attend your events or receive your PR packages bring you a massive audience.
Increases Sales and Profits
A credible brand image and a strong online presence obviously lead to more profits. This is because your brand image will attract more people to you. Similarly, a big social media presence will make you seem authentic and popular. Therefore, more people would want to buy your products.
This would lead to a massive increase in your sales. Moreover, the revenue you earn through good PR will cover any costs that go into it. By investing smartly, you will reap many benefits. Hence, you will most likely earn huge profits because of good PR.
Shapes Brand Perception
How people perceive your brand can greatly affect your business. There is a difference between what your brand is, and how it is perceived. For instance, you can buy a local handbag at a cheap price. However, the same handbag will gain immense value if it comes with a brand label. This is because people perceive certain brands as valuable. Regardless of costs or quality, one item will be a luxury good and the other will not.
An effective PR strategy means you get to control how your brand is perceived. If you communicate that your brand is somehow unique, fancy, or better for the customer, you will attract a bigger audience. Once you create and maintain that reputation, you will have no trouble selling anything. Your brand name alone will be enough. Moreover, you can use this to control any damage. In case you ever mess up, your PR will help you minimize losses.