Most companies thrive with the help of public relations officers. Since public image can help to make up to 63% of the value of companies, when something breaks their reputation down, it affects the existence of the whole company.
Research proves that it takes around seven years to overcome its negative reputation. Thus, a company needs to invest time and money in developing and maintaining a beneficial and good relationship with the masses.
The Functions Of Public Relations
The main role of public relations officers is to manage the release of information to the media regarding the good reputation of the brand and the company.
There are several functions of PR agencies and managers, including compiling strategies to support the new moves and campaigns conducted by the brand through editorial content (see more). These agencies also work to write and distribute press releases as well as speech writing. They also help the companies to anticipate, analyze, and interpret public attitudes and opinions toward the company and the brand and also help to draft certain strategies to influence the market.
PR agents wrote content for the company’s web, both external and internal websites. They handle social media and respond to reviews both on websites or social media, as well as deal with other organizations, groups, and governments on behalf of the company.
Examples Of Public Relations
When talking about public relations, we may focus on the work of the media. Yet, if we dig deeper, they work with a wider community, including the government and other communities, even marketing, though they work in a different sphere.
One of the examples is media relations. Here, they will help to establish and manage the relationship with individuals and media organizations. They also act as the source of media content to generate publicity.
Another example is media production which produces content like promoting videos to build brand awareness. This is similar to things done by companies like O’Keefe PR, where social media is handled by public relations officers as a communication channel to engage the people. Yet, the teams need to make sure that social media does reflect well on companies’ brands. This results in conducting partnerships with influencers or influential persons that fit in the industry.
Other examples of PR also work with government, community, and investors. When working with investors, PR agencies will regulate disclosure, press release, and publish the quarterly report. They also respond to the inquiries of the investor and the media. And when working with the government, they will face regulatory and sensitive risks.
While the agents coordinate with the community, they help to manage communication with nonprofits and communities. They support programs of community engagement and sustainability.
Public relations also help the company or the boards to communicate with their employees. That is their function as internal communications. And when a crisis occurs, a public relations officer will work as a crisis communicator.
Public Relations Tools
By conducting proven activities and tools, as a public relations officer, you will be able to promote positive behaviors and attitudes towards your business that can convert interested people into consumers. These tools are highly effective and give PR control.
1. Social Media
This is probably the most effective way to communicate with the customers so far. Imagine you use social networking sites, and it lets you follow or be followed by celebrities, artists, or journalists. Social media also provides tools that can see the engagement you get from their users’ activities. Also, by using social media, you can respond to a certain issue quickly. This helps to increase your exposure to your brand.
2. Partnership Or Sponsorship
Being a sponsor for the local community helps to build feelings of loyalty and goodwill towards your company. The partnership can be in the form of exchange of funds or other things that can help the locals in return for benefits to promote your company’s reputation (https://www.managementstudyguide.com/types-of-public-relation-activities.htm). Doing a partnership will help markets identify your brand with good ethics and good business.
3. Community Relations
This part has something to do with the previous point. The aim of doing community relations is to create customer loyalty. To see the market you have, collect postcodes of the consumers to see where they come from.
Engaging local decision-makers and stakeholders help you to build your level of influence and build your profile. It also helps to ensure your company’s interests are considered in local community decision-making. Besides, it attracts more people through word-of-mouth advertisements.
4. Business Events
Events are opportunities for your brand to grow engagement and gain exposure. Here, you also can promote new services or products and make sure the brand reaches targeted markets.
Holding an event will help to build customers ‘ confidence towards your brand and to counter customer doubts. For public relations, this is also a chance to research the competitors and the market and to share more information with customers.
Prepare your companies with interesting yet effective marketing materials to collect customer and information details.
5. Speaking Engagements
At the exhibition or the events you build, you can conduct a show where you can speak up about the brands you have. This positions you as an innovator or leader in your field. Speaking in front of the public helps to build your brand’s reputation, and it results in drawing new customers. Events give you valuable networking opportunities towards local communities and new markets.
