"PR" does not stand for "press release"

It doesn’t take a PR professional or a marketing whiz to realise that the way we communicate and consume information has evolved almost beyond what the imagination could have dreamt of. Today, public relations (PR) is anything and everything you do to communicate and raise awareness of your organisation. Some people still believe that PR is all about issuing press releases and securing coverage in the media, but press releases are actually just a drop in the ocean. 

Press releases of course have their benefits and in our recent blog, we outline how journalists still very much need us PR professionals to provide content, but for the purpose of this blog, let’s explore the many aspects of PR.

PR is about being creative

Creativity is important in all aspects of public relations, particularly for campaigns, blog writing, press releases and social media as they all involve a creative process. Being creative and thinking of new innovative ideas allows us to stay ahead of the competition, which in turn can be extremely beneficial when creating campaigns and PR stunts for clients.

Last month we joined Curvy Kate, the D-K cup lingerie firm, for a PR stunt involving a traffic-stopping birthday bus tour around London, with ‘boob stops’ along the way, to celebrate the company’s decade in business and allowing us to showcase our client Kela UK’s hair charms. You can read all about it in the Daily Mail, The Sun and on Curvy Kate’s blog here.

Other creative antics that have hit the news recently include North Face’s Wikipedia stunt. They certainly crossed the line but it’s definitely worth thinking about if you want PR to make an impact on your business. Take a look for yourself how the unruly plan gained a lot of attention here.

We’re in an era of restless markets that demand restless marketing, meaning we must take measured risks to get consumers’ attention, leveraging every paid, earned and owned asset available. In the search for unexpected opportunities to gain attention, we should make “No lazy assets!” our mantra. And, if we’re honest with what we’re tasked with as marketers, it’s using every asset to break rules and grab attention for a brand. Ted Nelson

You Do Better PR Top Tip: Think outside the box and stand out from the crowd – do it your way!

PR is social media

Your social media account is an integral part to your PR and comms strategy if you want to create a buzz. Social media has revolutionised communications to the extent that it is our preferred medium of everyday communication.  

Social media can become the direct source of news relating to your company or brand by posting daily articles and blogs on your website and linking back through social media channels. This can help to increase your credibility as an expert in your field as well as helping to raise your profile. Best of all, all the relevant and fresh content being posted could do wonders for your SEO efforts!

You Do Better PR Top Tip: Use #hashtags and themes (in the right places) to build community.

PR is brand messaging

A brand’s story is at the core of every media pitch, every meeting and every opportunity to communicate. Think of Nike’s iconic slogan for the past 29 years, ‘Just Do It’, which resonates with just about everyone. It creates a relationship between the brand and its fans. It’s actionable and speaks to you on an individual level.

You Do Better PR Top Tip: Establish your key messages which should echo throughout all content.

PR is community involvement

Community involvement has a huge impact on brand awareness. Done correctly, it can increase visibility, boost your SEO and generate PR opportunities. If you’re organising an event, not only will you gain awareness while you are participating, but you can also use the experience to refer to on social media, prepare a press release, or to write a blog before and after the event.

You Do Better PR recently managed the communications for the launch of the first ‘families fun day’ out for the Worcestershire Ambassadors. Families from around the county had the chance to enjoy the delights of West Midland Safari Park thanks to an initiative launched by The Worcestershire Ambassadors. The story was covered by publications spanning the three counties and including The Kidderminster Shuttle, Hereford Times, Worcester News, Cotswold Journal, Dudley News and Ludlow Advertiser.

While some of the traditional PR strategies can help brand growth, nothing is as truly organic and inspiring as community involvement. 

You Do Better PR Top Tip: Get involved, be a good corporate citizen! 

You Do Better PR Agency | Pay as you go public relations | You simply pay an affordable hourly rate. Is your Marketing Manager going on leave? Do you have a project or campaign that needs managing? We specialise in interim cover and deliver public relations when you need it.

www.youdobetter.co.uk | [email protected] | 07891 777464