Investing in PR by hiring a publicist or doing your own PR isn’t something most small business owners or entrepreneurs really want to do. You’re busy running the day-to-day operations that keep the doors to your business open and investing the little time and money you may have just doesn’t seem feasible or realistic. 🤔

Sound familiar? But think about this. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for a few years, media exposure is valuable to your success — just a little work on your PR campaign a day can produce tremendous results. 📈

The truth is, the power of a well-crafted message cannot be underestimated in today’s digital age.

With social media platforms and various online outlets at your disposal, the opportunity to broadcast your brand’s message has never been more accessible. This democratization of media means that by investing in PR with the right approach, even the smallest of businesses can make a significant impact. 🗣

Investing in PR: Steve Farrell's book release event

At the very least you have to have a strong brand and message. They’re what define you, and what will help differentiate you from your competition. ☝️

When creating your brand and message, look to combine what makes you:

  • unique
  • valuable to your target market

Valuable and unique messages produce great PR campaigns and will attract better and more loyal customers.

In this light, storytelling becomes a crucial tool in your PR arsenal. Your brand’s story, encompassing your origins, challenges, and victories, not only humanizes your business but also fosters a deeper connection with your audience. This narrative approach ensures your message is not just heard, but felt and remembered. 📢

After you’ve created your brand and message it’s important to employ consistency into all aspects of your business. You have to give the same message(s) over and over again through interviews, your pitches, and your press materials, so be consistent and make your message your mantra. A repeatable and unique message is what will make you stand out from the crowd, forcing people to remember you and your product. 🔁

Your logos have to be a direct reflection of your branding and messaging too, along with all the little things like your voicemail message, how you answer your phone, your website design, etc. Think about it: If you’re branding your business as a fun and carefree company and your voicemail is dull and unenthusiastic, you’re not really holding true to your brand. 🙄

The thing about PR is that it’s in everything you do.

It’s not just about landing interviews on television, it’s about how you interact with the public — how you deliver your message to make yourself stand out from the crowd. From the way you engage on social media to the customer service you provide, every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your brand’s message and values. 🤝

Engaging with your community, both online and offline, also plays a pivotal role in effective PR. Hosting events, participating in local initiatives, or even running workshops can greatly increase your visibility and strengthen your ties within the community. This not only boosts your brand’s image but also establishes you as a key player in your industry. 🙌

Remember, a little effort in PR goes a long way when investing in PR to help your business thrive.