Following the rules of public relations isn’t an exact science. To make matters more complicated, the rules are as dynamic as humans are. Even the definition of public relations took 1,000 submissions to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) before they reached a consensus. So, when it comes to PR, you have to accept that trends come and go, which means you also need to be adaptable. Find out how you can be at the top of your marketing game by learning how to use the key elements of a strategic and successful PR campaign.
Local Outlets
When it comes to public relations, mutually beneficial connections are everything. The first thing you need for a successful PR campaign strategy is to cultivate efficient communication channels with local media outlets. The local press may not have the same wow factor as national and international media platforms, but it generally delivers a higher return on investment, especially if you are trying to connect with loyal customers in your locale.
National Outlets
To create a strategic marketing campaign, you need to branch out to national media outlets as well. National coverage can immensely help your SEO rankings, especially if you have links from highly reputable media outlets, which also establishes your authority and brings you more business connections and leads. Besides getting access to influential links for SEO purposes, this also helps with brand recognition and reputation management.
Radio Placements
Radio advertising is one of the best ways to increase your audience’s brand awareness. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not as outdated as you might think, and the benefits of radio advertising can ultimately enhance your public relations strategy. On top of that, radio broadcasts and interviews also enhance the credibility and legitimacy of your brand.
Podcasts
Previously, PR was often limited to TV and radio coverage, but that’s no longer the case today. With the vastness of the internet’s reach, another good way to establish successful public relations is by taking advantage of podcasts. By utilizing a podcast channel, you are demonstrating that you are an authority in your industry. Furthermore, it lets you target a niche audience, which may not be targeted as efficiently on other media platforms.
Speaking Opportunities (In-Person/Webinar)
Another good way to demonstrate your expertise in the field is by participating in speaking opportunities, whether it be an in-person speaking engagement or a virtual event. This is another key element that can help enhance your public relations strategy and even help in your SEO marketing. Every time you are featured as a speaker, you can always find plenty of opportunities to promote your brand (for in-person events) and include links to your website (for webinars).
Guest Blogging
Guest blogging works the same way as speaking opportunities. The more guest blogs you have, the more opportunities you have to promote your brand and increase your reach. You will benefit from having your byline on their website, and the backlink to an authoritative website will also be good for SEO. The more backlinks you have from reputable and authoritative websites, the higher your rankings will be — although, of course, that's just one of the many factors you have to consider to maintain high SEO rankings.
Importance of the Omnichannel PR Approach
For a successful PR strategy, you need more than just a multichannel approach. There are now multiple platforms you need to maximize to ensure you are truly reaching — and engaging — your audience. In addition, you also need to ensure your message across all these platforms is always in sync with your brand. By utilizing an omnichannel PR approach, you can enhance customer interaction, creating a seamless experience for your audience. Not sure where to start? Contact Fifth & Cor to implement an omnichannel PR strategy.