What is Public Relations & How Can It Help Your Business?

October 22, 2024 Carey-Ann Lordan

I’m writing this blog because I get it, I’m the self-employed owner of an SME too! My parents are business owners even my grandparents on both sides were business owners and although working for yourself can be very rewarding it can also be a slog!

When there is always something that needs to be done, it’s hard to focus on PR & marketing these vital activities are often pushed to the bottom of the list. Then when you eventually find the time, making your business stand out can often feel like a tough job.

You might have a brilliant product or service, but if no one knows about it, how can you grow? That’s exactly where public relations (PR) comes in!

As a mentor and trainer over the years for many LEOs across the country as well as a consultant to my private clients I have found that many business owners don’t fully understand PR until they engage with it themselves.

I’m often asked what exactly is PR? How does it work? And how can a business like mine benefit from PR? So in this blog we’re going to dive into the basics of what PR really is, why it matters, and how it can help your business thrive.

What is Public Relations?

Simply put, public relations is about managing how your business communicates with the public and the media. It’s more than just sending out press releases; it’s about building genuine relationships, telling your brand's story, and engaging with your audience in ways that matter.

PR covers a range of activities including but not limited to;

Media Relations: Building connections with journalists and influencers to get your business featured in the right places.
Crisis Management: Handling negative publicity and ensuring that your brand remains credible when challenges arise.
Event Management: Organising events that promote your business and help you connect directly with your audience.
Content Creation: Producing articles, blog posts, and social media content that align with your brand’s voice and values.

Why is PR Important for Your Business?

Builds Brand Awareness: Good PR helps get your business in front of the right people. When your story is featured in reputable publications, it boosts your visibility and credibility.
Enhances Reputation: A solid PR strategy helps shape how people view your brand. By consistently sharing positive stories and engaging with your community, you can create a trustworthy image.
Attracts Customers: When potential customers hear good things about your business, they’re more likely to choose your products or services. Effective PR can turn interest into sales.
Provides Competitive Advantage: In a crowded market, smart PR can set you apart from the competition. It helps you communicate what makes your business unique.
Supports Crisis Management: Every business faces challenges. Having a good PR plan means you can handle negative situations with confidence, protecting your reputation when it counts.

Getting Started with PR

I’ll post another blog about this in more detail soon but here’s some food for thought in the meantime! If you would like to use PR for your business, you will need to consider the following:

Your Message
Your Audience
Building Relationships
Creating a Media Kit
Monitoring Your Results

PR is a vital tool for any business that wants to grow and succeed in today’s market. By managing your communication effectively, you can build awareness, enhance your reputation, and attract more customers.

If you’re ready to take your business to new heights, think about how PR can work for you. It’s not just about getting noticed; it’s about creating lasting connections with your audience and the media. Start your PR journey today by following our free content and tips and watch your business flourish!