5 reasons why good PR is essential to your business.
I love the quote that says, “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relationships, stories, and magic.”
What is public relation?
Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their target audience.
In other words, public relations is about a strategic approach in sharing the right information to the right places and people to build a brand’s reputation. When used correctly, it allows a company to stand above the rest, almost giving a company power to be armed to overcome any obstacle that it may encounter. Many businesses do not invest in PR in their business plan, but it may be a lack of knowledge in knowing all that Public Relations involves and the benefits to a business.
Let’s discuss 5 reasons why good PR is essential to your business.
Reason #1
MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS REPUTATION:
The most important aspect of any business is its reputation. Especially in the new norm internet age, media presence is essential and the same is reputation management. Structured media connections will help a business do damage control in unfavorable situations in the public domain by way of a simple press release. A good PR plan by either yourself or a PR agency provides your business the opportunity to build, control and manage all such connections.
Reason #2
PROMOTE YOUR BRAND AND CREDIBILITY
Trust plays a vital role in any business no matter the industry. It is one of the key factors overlooked by many business owners that can determine the success or failure of your business. Being aware of this fact will help a company to always be improving its reputation through strategic networking, influencer connections, and leadership commitments.
In simplest terms, it is about consistency, and sending a positive message to your target audience that they will respond to.
Reason #3
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The number one strategy for strengthening community relations is by way of public relations strategies. Making new connections or generating new leads means that you are building relationships that have to be nurtured. This is by way of joining groups, donating time to charities or related causes. Making connections with influencers within your niches. There are softwares that assist you to communicate with many consumers or leads at the same time. You can look up professional email marketing software or consult a PR specialist to take this hassle off your hands.
Reason #4
CHANGES PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION
What do you want people to know about you and your brand?
Just as it has good, same for the bad. A company can lose credibility by one bad comment, post, or complaint. Unfortunately, the online world allows people to say as they please whether true or false leaving you unable to do much about it. The result of great PR, online presence, and consistency allows the public to relate to your core values, operations, expertise in your product or service, and your credibility. If this is done correctly when negative comes knocking at your door for one reason or another a great strategic PR rebuttal will keep you true to your word and have true consumers still standing by your side. All the right connections you make by following the right strategies will prove to be true in the end.
Reason #5
MAINTAIN ONLINE PRESENCE
In the evolving digital world, everyone is now connected online. PR helps you maintain high visibility online which is where your potential consumers now shop and socialize. The right PR approach will enable you to be marketable online and armed and ready when you need to step up your game to stay ahead of the competition or do well-needed damage control in those needed times.
Conclusion
Overall, Public relations increase your brand credibility, increases your profits, your connection to leads, and sales. It is paramount in changing the way your target audience will think about your business and services and it enhances your online presence and gives your first-hand power to do damage control, tell your story, and prove to your audience your trustworthiness and expertise.
(see previous article on lead generation)