If you’re doing your own PR, this will help you get the most out of it as well as guide you away from making fundamental slip-ups that could potentially dent your company’s image.
Be consistent
If you have a press release that you’re distributing to the press, also upload to your own website and send out to the various social media platforms. Doing this each time means that you’re remaining consistent with how, where and when you release information, therefore reducing the possibility of misinterpretation.
Switch sides
A big challenge in PR is trying to create good public relations based on the public’s perception. Try and put yourself in their shoes when you are developing a PR campaign, even if your company knows what information it wants Joe Public to see. Would you buy the story if you were him?
Know your audience
Always keep your target audience at the forefront of your mind when writing a press release. If you’re launching a new product to the market, the tone and content itself will need to be different for a trade audience than consumer; it should contain more technical information; however, don’t be overly-technical as you’re not writing a manual and still needs to be reader-friendly. If you are also aiming your news to consumers and/or various sectors, then create different versions for a wider audience.
Cut to the chase
Don’t over-complicate and try to be smart with fancy phrases and big words; you’ll only isolate yourself and lose credibility. When you write a press release, tell your news in a straightforward manner so it’s easy to understand. Don’t waffle either; the message of your release will just get lost.
If harnessed correctly, PR can be a powerful tool for your business. If you need some advice or want to find out more about what PR can do for you and your company, contact us on 01858 681122 or send an email to kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk.