PR is, in its name, public relations. Which sounds simple, relating with the public, but really it’s more complicated. PR is a crucial aspect of communication that focuses on building and maintaining a positive image and relationship between an organization and its public. While we often focus PR on media, it can include customers, employees, investors, media, and the general public. PR is earned and owned, not generally bought like advertising or marketing. PR is brand storytelling. It allows a business or entrepreneur to go beyond the ‘what’ to the ‘why’ and that is how we best connect with customers.
PR can come in the form of proactive pursuit of:
Traditional Media
- Newspapers
- Radio
- TV
- Print Magazines
Digital Media
- Blogs
- Podcasts
- Online publications
Influencers
- Social media mentions
- Product reviews
- Event attendance
Social Media
- Posts on their own social media platforms
- Engagement on others social media platforms
- Owned blogs
PR can involve
Stakeholder Engagement
- Keeping partners or investors in the loop
- Relationship management
Reputation Management
- Building positive brand recognition
- Showcasing the brand in the right light
- Aligning with the right partners
Community Relations
- Public Consultation
- Community Engagement
Events
- Speaking
- Sponsorships
- Being a Vendor
Crisis Communications
- Reactive statements
- Story Squash
- Mitigating Damage
- Redirecting Public Opinion
Sponsored media is another form of PR although it straddles advertising as it’s advertorial or, pay to play
PR happens for business owners in every interaction. Whether they’re at a networking event, being interviewed on a podcast, or walking between meetings in a branded jacket, anywhere your brand is publicly engaged contributes to your PR strategy.
PR is about relationships.
Whether it’s meeting people in real life, engaging on social media and introducing yourself by email, media, consumers and people in general want to buy from and work with people they enjoy and respect. Your story is unique – get it out there!
