When you’re running a small business, you often have a lot to handle but with limited resources. So, it’s understandable that some aspects of a business may get sidelined over other priorities. For that reason, some small business owners tend to put less importance on public relations (PR). However, PR is actually a crucial part of a small business’s success. Here, we’ll discuss some of the benefits PR can offer a small business.
PR Can Be More Effective Than Advertising
When growing your business, you may invest in advertising to let more people know about your business. However, advertising can be costly, and it can also be less effective than PR. In fact, a 2014 study showed that PR is almost 90 percent more effective than advertising. Publicity through customer testimonials and word of mouth are favorable ways to get your brand out there. Good publicity can help you gain your target market’s trust and support.
Effective PR Strategies Can Prevent Problems
An essential aspect of PR is staying on top of what people are saying about your brand. Effective PR strategies can ensure that the information being spread about your brand is accurate. And in the case of misinformation, a PR plan can help manage and rectify it.
It’s essential to keep track of what is being said about your business, as bad publicity has the potential to damage a small business. This could be done via word of mouth from dissatisfied or upset customers. It could also come from disgruntled former employees. Through good PR strategies, you can mitigate potential lawsuits and deal with the problem quickly and quietly.
PR Goes Well with Marketing
Marketing is another crucial aspect of a business. Some may have the misconception that PR can get in the way of your marketing efforts. However, the truth is that you can use PR to support your marketing campaign. You can use PR to empathize with your target audience and provide them with things of real value.
PR Fosters Long-Lasting Relationships
As a small business, you’d want to establish long-lasting relationships with your customers. And PR is one way to achieve that. With PR, you can build trust and maintain customer relations. By allotting time each week for PR, you can build relationships with new customers and foster brand loyalty.
PR Boosts Brand Visibility
Enhancing brand visibility is crucial, especially if you’re just starting out. However, many small businesses don’t really have space in their budgets for advertising. Luckily, advertising isn’t the only way to boost brand visibility.
Through PR content online, you can boost your brand visibility and let more people know about your business. And the great thing about online media is that it’ll be there forever. Unlike traditional media, such as TV commercials and newspaper ads, online PR content can be shown for an unlimited amount of time. So, you may have content from two years ago that is still being shared and serving its purpose to boost your brand visibility.
In Summary
One way a small business can gain success is by effectively using PR strategies to its advantage. PR works well with marketing and is even more effective than advertising. It can help prevent problems, foster long-lasting relationships, and boost brand visibility.
Grow your business with the help of Elly and Nora Creative. We are a public relations agency for small businesses based in Phoenix, AZ. We help purpose-driven companies, entrepreneurs, and experts grow their income and their impact. Contact us today to get started!
