The Public Relations Blog

Is a crisis an operations problem or a public relations problem?

Facebook has received its fair share of negative news coverage in the past; however, it’s nothing like the current firestorm around it and the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. While the debate continues as to whether Facebook knew that the firm was actively harvesting user data to personalize content based on profile analytics, there’s no question that many Facebook users feel Facebook violated their privacy and are even questioning if the information presented to them on their personal news feeds manipulated them in some way.

To a buyer, sharing is caring

Understanding the journey of a prospective online buyer is essential to designing a flow of information that encourages the behavior you value. Shared media (social media, online reviews and user generated content on channels and sites you share with other companies and individuals), often pivotal in the online shopper’s journey, is a public relations game changer. However, it can also be a wildcard. After all, we don’t dictate who’s doing the sharing or what the audience is saying. This can be scary considering that, professionally, our goal is to control the product message and facilitate interactions between the company and consumer in a positive direction, typically with the overall intention to drive sales.

5 ways to enhance your blog

Most companies start a blog with good intentions to reach more people. Too often though, the content starts to dwindle and may even cease altogether. Here are five ways to help keep your company’s blog full of fresh content.

3 reasons to change PESO for PR

The PESO model for segregating paid media, earned media, shared media and owned media has been around for years. Some PR and marketing professionals are adopting its communication framework to manage their efforts in reaching audiences. The PESO Venn diagram provides a holistic picture of the many channels that influence audiences’ buyer behavior in the decision-making process.

It’s prime time to ‘bracket’ your public relations efforts

Here we are mid-March and mid-NCAA Tournament, which we affectionately call March Madness. College basketball fans (myself included – go Syracuse!) complete brackets in the hope of seeing their favorite teams earn a spot in the Final Four. I’ll admit it: I’m regularly glued to the screen during these few weeks. In watching the start of the Madness though, it occurred to me that the timing aligns well with the end of the first quarter, when many companies begin to consider forecasts, budgets and expectations. The first 90-day overview outlines successes, patterns, challenges and even opportunities.  

Ah, Twitter. It’s a repository for political musings, humorous quips and celebrity news. It provides a platform for solace and unity in times of tragedy as well as mean-spirited comments directed at enemies. While we forget most tweets moments after we read them, others, for some reason, are indelible, and people still share them even years later. Find out what makes an unforgettable tweet and how your company can take advantage of this knowledge to boost your visibility and profits.

4 ways to ensure your public relations is working

A banana is more than a tasty addition to your cereal. It’s a perfect metaphor for what makes successful public relations.

Don’t let a lack of understanding cause you to miss out on the benefits of public relations for your company

Much of what people know about PR they base on misconceptions and the mistaken belief that PR is just a bunch of spin. When you separate myth from reality, you understand the actual value of PR and what it can do for your company.

Myths can be persistent, persuasive and potent. Breaking them down takes time. However, your company doesn’t have time. You must increase your market share and get a jump on the competition today. Getting rid of negative stereotypes and myths about PR will help you quickly move forward by taking advantage of all it has to offer.

3 important requirements that you must meet to have a Wiki page

In the effort to promote your company and build your brand, it’s vital to use every tool at your disposal. You may have noticed that many companies are achieving online success and recognition from Wikipedia, and you may wonder why your company isn’t listed. Perhaps more importantly, should it be?

Not too long ago, Wikipedia had a questionable reputation and often contained many factual errors. The reliability and trustworthiness of the site has improved significantly. Now, Wikipedia for business has become an effective part of marketing, branding and converting customers.

However, getting your company listed on the site isn’t as easy as you might think. With help from a quality PR firm, you can learn how to take advantage of this site and use it as part of your overall outreach strategy.

4 reasons to stick with public relations for the long haul

The insightful Warren Buffett says it takes 20 years to build a reputation. Public relations shouldn’t be a short-term investment. PR is about building relationships and building results. It’s important to know that every company’s needs and objectives are different. PR isn’t a cookie-cutter process. In fact, the best results come from a strategic and proactive PR campaign. Companies that don’t stick with public relations for the long haul are making mistake #15 of Axia Public Relation’s list of the top 15 mistakes companies make when they hire a PR firm. Below  are four reasons you should commit to a long-term relationship with your PR firm.