Mobile Commerce, SEO & Social Media Blog

Why Do I Need PR?

Even if good PR pays for itself, taking the leap to commit to public relations services can still feel like a daunting and expensive move. You’re busy. You don’t have much money. And chances are, you’re not even sure as to what exactly PR is or what public relations can do for you. Read on to find out.

So why do you need PR?

Public relations is a critical part of any organization. It allows for increased sales, media exposure, and an improved public image. It also lays the groundwork for greater success in all areas of business—in fact, many CEOs say that PR contributes to a business’s overall success more than any other function.


“PR allows for increased sales…”

Businesses hire PR firms for many different reasons. In 2005, USC Annenberg conducted a study in which 347 senior level executives were asked about their reasons for working with a public relations agency. The most common responses are below:

1. Additional Arms and Legs – In many businesses, it is common for employees to wear multiple hats. Hiring a PR firm can help eliminate the stress of having too much to do and not enough time or people to get it done. It is important that you don’t spend all of your time simply “maintaining” when your business could be growing.
2. Complement Internal Capabilities – Some people fear that a PR firm will walk in the door and tell them that they are doing everything wrong, but this should not be the case. A good public relations firm works with clients to offer a smooth complement to your current endeavors, while it strengthens and enhances your current efforts.
3. Strategic/Market Insight and Experience – Not everyone is an expert in public relations. Having a professional on your side gives you an edge in strategy, techniques, and execution, and taking advantage of this insight allows for even greater success. >
   
   
   “Having a professional gives you an edge in strategy.”
   
   
   
   
   

4. According to the same USC Annenberg study, the most successful companies share a commitment to PR’s ability to supply added insight. “PR and reputational considerations are significantly more likely to be factored into organizational decision-making and strategic planning” in these Most Admired Companies than with less successful businesses.
5. Objective Point of View – Sometimes you’re too close to your company for your own good. Every company has a unique culture—from shared phrases to beliefs—and while certain things might seem obvious to you, it is possible for a message to get lost along the way to the public. Because information that you take for granted might not be shared with the public as a whole, it is important to have a fresh outside perspective that can open the flow of communication both to and from your company.





“Who doesn’t want more press and a stronger public image?”




6. Cheaper than adding staff – So you’re already overworked, and you know that you need public relations help. (Who doesn’t want more press, a stronger image, more sales, and greater success?) But hiring another employee is not in the cards right now—there’s benefits, training, and then you have to find a place for them work. Outsourcing to a public relations firm is a cost-conscious, effective way to meet your needs.
7. Ability to quantify results – The beauty of public relations is that it is trackable. By monitoring media responses to pitches, the number of placements, and the results of other public outreach campaigns, you are able to see what works and what doesn’t. Because a full-page ad in a local paper, such as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, can cost over $13,000, you can also begin to get an idea of the value of a successful PR pitch that lands an article in the same publication. Many times, PR can be cheaper, more credible, and more effective than advertising.

From the experienced ability to reach target audiences and locations to industry connections, there are many more reasons why everyone can benefit from public relations. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, good PR is individually tailored to meet your specific needs.

Christina Koshzow Want content written for your Brand that shows up #1 on Search Engines and brings you new customers? Contact us.