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Public Relations

Marketing Mondays with Marci B.

What exactly is Public Relations?
According to the Pubic Relations Society of America (PRSA), “Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”

Public relations gives you the opportunity as a business owner to share your story with media professionals. The ultimate goal of a public relations campaign is getting your story professionally published. Oftentimes, public relations is used as a tool for sharing good news, such as a grand opening or new product line. Public relations is also a powerful tool for crafting messages during times of challenge and scandal.

Why do I need public relations if I am already advertising?
Public relations is often considered a less-expensive, more credible alternative to advertising. Business owners can distribute their own press releases directly to the media without any costs. Many news outlets make contact information for producers and journalists readily available on their websites. A magazine or newspaper article may be considered more credible than an ad, because the consumer knows that the press has the responsibility to inform, without an intent to sell a product.

While it may be true that public relation is both less expensive and more credible, it is not an advertising alternative. Instead, it should be considered a complementary communications strategy. Traditional news outlets such as television, radio, newspaper and magazines utilize press releases to generate ideas for stories. If you receive notification that your story is being published, consider acquiring advertising space to boost brand awareness and heighten exposure.

How can hiring a public relations professional benefit my business?
Customers are receiving more advertising messages than ever before, now that internet advertising has expanded to search engines, websites, social media and mobile apps. Public relations helps entrepreneurs cut through the clutter by getting a credible third party to promote their business or event. Although business owners have the ability to submit press releases to the media themselves, many hire public relations professionals to craft engaging, attention-grabbing headlines and messages to attract the level of notoriety they desire.

Public relations professionals have already done the work to acquire contacts, saving you many hours of research. They are friends to the media and their success is dependent upon building relationships, so news outlets look forward to hearing from them. As such, press releases sent from PR professionals are much more likely to be viewed than an email from an unfamiliar person. You only have one opportunity to get your story out, so choose wisely to make the most of your press exposure!

Crisis communications is an essential skill for pubic relations professionals. If you are encountering a media nightmare, such as a recall or incident on your property, having a public relations professional on standby is extremely helpful when time is of the essence and you don't want to face the media alone. They are always ready to face the media and public relations professionals specialize in offering new perspectives on bleak situations.

How can entertainers utilize public relations to find work?
If you are an entertainer, public relations is essential for career growth. Be sure to submit press releases for any of your upcoming events. Fashion shows, workshops, seminars, albums, movies and live shows are all great reasons to contact the press. An electronic press kit is an excellent way for media professionals to find you. Simply put, an electronic press kit for an entertainer should be a combination of a resume and a portfolio showcased within a website.

Consider the search terms someone would use to search for your services, and optimize your electronic press kit (EPK) with those keywords to dominate search engine results. Your site should include a head shot, full body shot, and any photos from movies, albums or event flyers that feature your name or image. Remember to include a calendar to inform your audience of upcoming shows or new releases. Offer a filmography, discography or some other reference of your previous entertainment work. Most importantly, provide contact information for bookings!

If you know that you are a good fit for a theme, be proactive and send your information to the media. For example, Black Music Month is in June. If you are an African American singer, songwriter or musician, business owner, you would want to capitalize on that month's theme by sending your information to local news outlets and national entertainment sites as early as April in anticipation of that news cycle.

For more information on public relations, contact Marci B. Marketing & Management at 248-838-9458 or marci@marcibmarketing.com.

Further Reading:
https://publicrelationssydney.com.au/the-difference-between-advertising-and-pr/
https://www.thebalance.com/advertising-vs-pr-38618
https://apps.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/PublicRelationsDefined/#.WL3gXzvyu00
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwynne/2016/01/21/five-things-everyone-should-know-about-public-re...
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/289903

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