There is a wide-spread push to avoid big-box stores and save small businesses, as many have had to close their doors for good in recent years. When thinking of small businesses, many people often picture their local boutiques or the small diner in their town, which very well may be struggling to earn enough to stay open, but you would be surprised by the other businesses in your area that meet the small-business qualifications.
What constitutes a small business varies—by size of firm, number of employees, revenue earned, output measurements like sales and shipments, etc.—but the terminology certainly doesn’t reflect their significance. Regardless of what makes a small business small, they are vital to both our local and national economies and are considered a primary driver of financial growth. It’s imperative that we save and support them, and one way to do that is through a surprising avenue—PR.
What is PR?
Even if the definition of PR hadn’t changed many times over a handful of years, a lot of people still wouldn’t understand what it is or why it’s so beneficial to businesses. According to PRSA, PR (public relations) is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public.
I’m sorry…what?
Essentially, PR is simply a form of communication, often all about engaging with the public. They are the go-between between an organization and their targeted audience or consumers. They share the message of the organization to the public to influence or persuade them to use their services or buy their products. They help businesses build their credibility and their brand, making their image stronger, more accessible, and reputable.
PR firms use their connections in the media to deliver content about a business to industry-specific publications, ensuring the right audience is hearing all about who they are and what they do. They work hard to build and protect a business’ reputation and they are all about driving customer engagement.
PR is a no-brainer for businesses, it can make all the difference when it comes to achieving success, and that is precisely why PR is so beneficial for small businesses.
PR For Small Businesses
PR isn’t some nefarious tactic used by big corporations, it has many benefits for businesses of all sizes. Even if your small business is struggling or you don’t have the income to spend on a long-term contract with an agency, PR can help your business in the following ways.
- Brand awareness and promotion. One of the best things about PR firms is their media connections. When you get media coverage, a large number of people all around the world have access to information about your business. A PR firm can get your story, your vision, your product or service, and your website/location in top publications that are true to your industry or niche. They can promote you as an authority in your field with high-level thought leadership content. This will not only broadcast you and your service to more people than ever before, it’ll make you seem credible when they stumble upon you.
- Longevity. One of the greatest differences between PR and advertising is that PR has the power to leave a permanent imprint and advertising is fleeting. The pop-up ads on social media are ever-changing, just like the billboards, TV, and radio commercials, and ads in print. Not to mention, those fleeting ads are a dime a dozen and very costly. There are so many ads flooding the market that people no longer trust them alone. A couple of well-placed ads aren’t going to get you nearly as far as some well-placed articles or mentions will, especially since that published content is on the internet forevermore. That is why the longevity of PR is the way to go.
- Market influence. When you’re working with a PR firm, they are going to talk to you about target audience. Who is it your service or good is made for? What kind of audience do you want to drive to your site or storefront? The PR firm is going to use this information to create content specifically for those people. It is their job to understand the motivations of people and influence them, and if you choose the right firm, they do it well. The content they create and release on the behalf of your business will be expertly crafted, grabbing the reader’s attention, and connecting with them on a personal level. They build a relationship between you and your audience, and this effectively influences how they view you.
- Community relations. Being active in your community, both local and industry-wide, is going to increase your chances of recognition, not to mention organically create a pretty solid reputation. Hosting, attending, or participating in charities, fundraising, or other functions is a great way to create a positive brand image and build your business’ credibility. It can also help you with networking and becoming visible as a leader amongst your peers. This is something you don’t necessarily need a PR firm for, but they can certainly help you get involved or spread the word about upcoming events, amplifying that visibility tenfold.
There are a number of things you can do on your own or with a PR firm to strengthen your business. If you’re a small business and you are struggling, closing your doors for good might not be your only option. A PR firm could help you drive up the traffic and keep your business on the map.
If you would like to learn how you can use PR for your small business, book a call with us today!
We feel that having a functional collaboration with our clients is crucial and love to watch our impacts as a direct link to our ongoing partnerships. We are the go-to agents and PR specialists for personal branding for startups and entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, cryptocurrency projects, and more.
Victorious PR is the top PR agency that supports entrepreneurs and businesses to obtain segments in industry-specific media, local press, podcasts, and leading publications, allowing the public to see them as industry authorities in their niches. Our clients have become TEDx speakers and built ongoing authority, credibility, and visibility by maintaining their messaging with our verified process.
We are proud members of the Rolling Stone Cultural Council and the Forbes Agency Council. We have also won multiple accolades, including Best PR Firms in Las Vegas by Expertise, Top Las Vegas Public Relations Firms by Clutch, and Top PR Companies by Mirror Review. Interested in learning more about how PR can help your business? Then please book a call with us today to speak with a member of our team. We look forward to working with you!
