3 things we learned about PR strategy for start-ups

After braving several challenges, we were able to organize our first physical workshop on PR strategy. For those who are new to the concept, PR is the set of actions carried out towards the press and journalists in order to get favorable press coverage for the company or its products.

Here are 3 things we have learned about PR for startups that could be very beneficial for our ecosystem.?

1. Having quality and consistent content on your platforms is good, but not all.?

We learned this the hard way. One thing that is generally well appreciated at Nkwa besides the app itself is the content we distribute on our platforms. It helps us stand out as a brand and especially as a start-up - Fintech, that is - but it should be noted that the first reflex a person has when they discover a brand or hear about a new thing, is to do a Google search. As a start-up, you have to make a lot of efforts to improve your digital referencing. Both qualitatively and quantitatively. One of the techniques to do this is the development and execution of a good PR strategy.?

2. Constantly monitor who the important stakeholders in the media universe are.?

To establish a good relationship with the press, you must already know who the press is. In Cameroon for example, we have several media and media personalities under several different categories both online and offline. The objective being to have the most visibility and credibility, it is necessary to make a constant watch and filter the media by categories and by relevance. It's time and resource-consuming but well worth the effort.?

3. Create a relationship with the press and give them added value?

The relationship with the press is a win-win relationship. The start-up gains visibility and credibility, while the media gains added value. After having established the lists as we saw in the previous point, you have to ask yourself: "Why would this media talk about me?" and "How do I address in a relevant way to its readers". As a start-up, in Cameroon moreover, you have to keep in mind that the media is drowning in topics to cover. You have to propose quality and relevant content for the media to accept to broadcast your content. Example: insights on your sector of activity, an exclusive interview, key numbers, etc.?

There is still so much to do and develop in the PR sector in Cameroon especially for start-ups and SMEs. We hope that professionals in the sector will look into the subject in order to develop our ecosystem and make it a solid industry. This is one of Nkwa's objectives anyway.?