Before you determine if your brand or business is ready for proactive public relations, it is important to clearly understand what PR is. Public Relations agencies and PR strategists help a business or public figure cultivate a positive reputation with their respective target public through various unpaid or earned communications. These forms of communications include traditional media exposure (TV, print newspaper, digital media (online media outlets like the New York Times, CNN.com and more), digital marketing (blog sites, email alerts, etc.) social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and more), and in-person engagements (events, press conferences to name a few). They also help clients defend their reputation during a crisis that threatens their credibility.
According to the accredited Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the official definition of public relations is:
“Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.”
A PR strategist or publicist will work with a business, organization, government entity, or individual/public figure to develop a story that positively portrays a client’s reputation, idea/thought, product or service, position, or accomplishment in a clear, interesting and creative manner. So, in a sense, you can think of public relations pro’s s as storytellers. Unlike ad agencies or ad executives who tell stories through paid ads placed on print or digital spaces, PR strategists tell their client’s stories through unpaid or earned media.
These unpaid or earned avenues include traditional media, social media, or speaking engagements, which are especially effective opportunities for reaching and influencing target audiences.
We hope this post offers a digestible definition of public relations. If you’re still unsure of what public relations could do in the real world for your business or brand, email us today to set up a complimentary consultation: Samantha@Savory-PR.com.
