Starting a new business can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It is your dream to start this business, so why not cover every aspect you can? Public relations is something not a lot of people think about when it comes to starting a business. They usually think of small marketing strategies first and never look back. Some people think PR is only needed when a crisis occurs. Instead of waiting for that awful moment, use these PR tips and tricks when starting your dream business:
1. Identify your target media outlet and pitch away.
Your business is unique and revolutionary, so why not pitch it that way? If it is newsworthy enough, figure out who should know about it and who you should talk with. Next, create the perfect pitch for those outlets. Include your launch, products, data, response to a current event, or who’s involved in the startup.
2. Customize your pitches.
Pitches need to be tailored to every market you talk to, just like a resume or CV. Take that extra time and pay attention to the detail of each coverage area and audience. If you send out perfectly crafted pitches to smaller journalists and make them personal, they will notice that you’ve taken time to create that.
3. Follow up with customers through email.
Taking the time to answer customers questions and responses will create long lasting relationships. After all that is what makes them come back. Be the friendly, inviting business that people won’t shut up about. Reputation is everything when it comes to newer businesses, and since word of mouth is a marketing tool, make sure good things are being said. Take control of that by emailing, chatting in person, or networking with your customers!
4. Take control of social media.
Everyone is on social media today so utilize that to your advantage. Create an account for the business and follow important people in the community and other local businesses. Create an online profile that people will enjoy looking at and talking with. There is nothing better than talking about a business and getting a response immediately. It reassures that a customer spent their money well.
5. Market online.
Using the internet is the latest way to market your business online. Using keywords for your business on search engines will help your business get hits. A website for your business should be the first thing created. Make sure it is professional and mobile friendly as well. Nothing is worse than not being able to find the hours or prices for businesses. It’s a huge turn off and people won’t want to take the time to come in.
6. Maintain relationships with journalists and media.
The relationships does not end after you have had your business’s news covered. How a brand engages with journalists or media outlets after being covered is so important! Keep in contact with them after the first pitch is essential in growing your business. Email the journalists and thank them for their time, share the post from the news source on social media, and if anything else exciting and newsworthy in the future happens they could be your immediate contact.
Taking the time to research and create a public relations strategy is so important when starting a new business. Following these steps is a great start and will help you in the future. Now all you strong entrepreneurs, go start your dream business!