How to Utilize a P.R. Firm to Get Attention

When working or running a business, a major goal is to ensure the public hears about your brand, product and/or services.  If the public does not know what you are selling, you will not be successful in your business ventures.  It is important that you run a successful marketing campaign and ensure that everyone knows your name.  You want your business and products to be visible to the public eye, and hiring a good public relations firm can help.  There are a few things you can do after hiring a firm in order to ensure your company is getting the most out of their services and getting the media attention you need for your business to survive.

First of all, you need to ensure that you and your business is ready for media attention.  It is important that your company has an updated, fresh website, excellent photos, and an amazing logo.  Photos found on your websites and in brochures should be both clear and professional or readers will disregard them, regardless of your product.  If your product photos are blurry, poorly lit, or have other issues causing them to be hard to see, or your website isn’t functioning efficiently, it is important that you address these issues before looking into hiring a publicist.  You should also consider what your goals are before you actually hire a PR firm.  Make sure that these goals are realistic and attainable.  If your overall goal is huge, break it down into smaller objectives to ensure that you can realistically meet your goal.  Don’t forget about media outlets in your community, such as the local newspaper, local radio and television stations, and local magazines.

Make sure that you remain patient throughout the process.  You are not going to get results immediately, and this should not discourage you.  Pitching your product and business to the media and the public takes time and effort.  Not only that, but it may take some time for the statistics to accurately reflect the results.  It’s important that you evaluate the chemistry between you and the public relations firm as well.  This is because it is important element when determining how successful your relationship with the publicist will be.  If there is no chemistry between the two, it makes working toward common goals very difficult.  They should share your excitement and vision about where you see your company going and what you want for it.  You should each respect each other as professionals and share some degree of common interests.  When the chemistry is good, the chances of having an all-around win/win situation is greater.

You need to make sure you do your homework when selecting the right PR expert.  You do not want to make the mistake of hiring the first person you talk to because you need someone to start publicizing you now.  Make sure that you are confident with the firm or person you are hiring is good at their job.  You can ask to look at recent press releases for other clients, and can even ask for references.  You want to know specific information regarding what the publicist has done to help grow other businesses because it allows you to see what they can do for you.  If you do not do your homework, and hire a company that doesn’t match you, then conflict can ensue and affect your overall results.  Make sure that you keep in touch with the publicist and offer to help them.  You want them to help you build a relationship with media contacts covering your industry.

When you partner with the right public relations agency, your business will be rewarded with numerous benefits.  First of all, the public sees third party coverage differently than a company advertising themselves.  When the media, or another third party, endorses what you’re selling it provides your company with credibility and increases the likelihood that the consumer will make a purchase.  Consistent public relations programs help the public gain awareness about what you are selling or your company’s brand.  The visibility gained when using a public relations firm can also make your business look bigger and more established.  This can help you secure customers, funding, and partners for your business.  Public relations help your bottom line.  It is actually less expensive than advertising on your own and comes with numerous more substantial benefits.  Just one good media placement can increase sales and grow your business, because most small businesses have unique stories that the media find interesting.  Working with your P.R. firm in a true partnership will allow you and your business to grow and meet your goals.