What is Public Relations (PR)?
When done correctly, public relations can significantly increase your brand’s credibility and profitability. Yet, PR is extremely under-appreciated since many do not understand it.
So, what exactly is public relations? PR agencies utilize earned and unpaid media to communicate with a company’s audience. Forbes describes PR as the “Persuasion Business.”
The key to properly conducting public relations is effectively communicating your company’s offerings in a way that leads to strengthened relationships with the public.
7 Reasons to Hire a PR Agency
1. Strategy Development
Not sure how to get started with your public relations? Once you have identified your main business goals, an agency can assist you in backing those goals with supporting media objectives. A well thought out strategy is the most important part of your public relations endeavors.
2. Brand Story Creation And Reputation Management
Do you struggle to convey why consumers should choose your brand versus the competition? A public relations agency can help you uncover the WHY behind your products and what you provide that your competitors do not.
3. Content Creation
Having persuasive content on hand is paramount to your public relations success. A well-executed PR strategy will ensure that you are effectively communicating your offerings with your audience. Social Media posts, product reviews, and product education are excellent examples of the type of content that a PR agency can assist you in creating.
4. Publications
Written content is a great medium to provide education around your products or services. You can use publications to increase your credibility as an expert in your industry, provide potential clients with more information about your offerings and more. You can even utilize guest blog posts to increase exposure for your brand.
5. Media Relations
Including media relations in your public relations efforts can help increase brand awareness, credibility and further strengthen relationships. This can include press releases, media kits, crisis control and more depending on your needs and strategy.
6. Influencer Relations
Many individuals follow influencers through one platform or another. An influencer could be anyone from an industry leader on LinkedIn to a fashion blogger on Instagram with a small but dedicated following.
Utilizing influencers can be extremely valuable since their followers truly value their opinions. Getting an honest review of your product from an influencer can both grow your brand awareness and build credibility.
7. Verification
It can be difficult for some companies or individuals to acquire verification. This is vital because it provides your audience with a sense of security. Verification shows that your business account is real and can be trusted by followers.
A public relations agency can help you earn verification by building a multi-channel strategy and creating consistent, high quality branding.
Would you like to speak to a verification expert at Otter PR? Visit our verification services page.
Are You Ready To Work With a PR AGENCY?
The Public Relations Society of America best simplifies the benefits of PR by reminding us that “at its core, public relations is about influencing, engaging and building a relationship with key stakeholders across numerous platforms in order to shape and frame the public perception of an organization.”
Every business is different. That being said, the job of a public relations agency is to assist you in evaluating your business goals and determining the best strategy to maximize the return of any PR efforts.
