We recently unpacked 4 reasons why you seriously should consider a PR strategy, but we don’t just want to tell you why it is important – we want to tell you how to get started.
Before you even think about employing an agency, we would encourage you to do some work internally.
Often companies onboard PR agencies and experience that their expectations aren’t met because they assume that outsourcing their PR function will take care of everything – unfortunately that is not the case.
First, you have you to start by defining your objectives. Don’t leave this to an agency – because then it will be a bulleted list that land on your desk that you don’t really think will work. Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve with your PR efforts.
Are you looking to increase brand awareness, attract investors, manage a crisis, or engage with customers? Your objectives will shape your strategy and tactics. By defining these objectives before you engage with an agency, you will also be able to better align your expectations and brief an agency you choose to work with.
Next, identify your target audience. Before you onboard an agency identify who you want to reach – whether it’s customers, investors, industry peers, or the media. An agency can help you to understand their interests and preferences and will help tailor your messaging to reach these audiences more effectively.
Knowing your audience is crucial for any PR strategy. After you’ve done your homework, the right agency will be able to help you draft a strategy to:
- Develop your key messages that align with your brand values and resonate with your target audience.
- Determine the most effective channels to reach your audience. This could include press releases, social media, blogs, industry events, or direct communication.
- Build a good relationship with the media by establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists and influencers in your industry
A well-thought-out PR strategy can significantly impact your business’s success. It helps in building a strong brand, managing crises, attracting investors, and engaging with customers.
If you’ve never had a PR strategy before, now is the time to start – but don’t just leave it all to an agency. Do your homework to ensure you have aligned expectations when you onboard an agency.
After you’ve done your homework, you can create an effective PR plan with the right agency that drives your business forward. The right PR agency will help you to properly define your objectives, understand your audience, craft clear messages, and choosing the right channels for your messages.
Remember, PR is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Stay committed, be consistent, and continuously refine your strategy to keep pace with changing trends and audience expectations. With the right approach, PR can be a powerful tool in your business arsenal – get in touch with us if you are ready to start leveraging it as such.