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Some of the most successful small businesses have websites and offline advertising campaigns. They are also active on social networking sites. However, many small businesses are missing out on the many benefits of public relations. Some think of public relations as a vague term dealing with advice or information that the intended audience might not read.
However, it is much more than that. When done correctly, public relations can help a small business build its brand, shape consumer opinions, drive website traffic and attract new customers. This Balboa Capital blog post explains how public relations helps businesses.
Expand your brand.
While your business cards, website, and advertising efforts are primarily designed to promote your business, public relations takes it a step further into the full range of public opinions and perceptions. Public relations can involve speaking engagements, sponsorship initiatives, and press releases.
Check to see which schools, sports teams, and organizations in your community would benefit from small monetary donations or sponsorship efforts. Next, if you or anyone on your staff enjoys speaking, consider attending events or trade shows, and find out what you need to do to become a guest speaker.
Hot off the press.
A press release is one of the most effective marketing strategies because it enables you to disseminate well-planned messages to specific media and markets to generate interest in your small business. Make sure your press release is newsworthy so that as many news outlets pick it up. Publicize your small business’s accomplishments and awards.
A press release needs to follow specific guidelines for optimum reach and readership. You can hire a freelance copywriter or a marketing company to write your press release and place it on the newswire. This requires a small investment, but it is worth it because it saves you time and ensures that your press release adheres to media standards.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.