The Public Relations Blog

Learn how even a small press release can mean big things for your company

The first press release was issued in 1906 by PR pioneer Ivy Lee, who convinced his client Pennsylvania Railroad to issue a statement following a deadly train accident. Since then, PR professionals have sent press releases to announce news about everything from bedbug infestations to the FIFA World Cup.

Even with all the new communications technology and the seemingly unstoppable progression of social media, the press release remains a staple of company events and initiatives, crisis management efforts and PR campaigns. When you have to reach everyone quickly and need to use more than 140 characters to give the complete picture, a press release is the way to go.

Take advantage of the profitability that comes from working together

Automotive pioneer Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” This is especially true when it comes to all levels of your company working in conjunction with your PR team.

Unfortunately, at some companies, this is easier said than done. With everyone bumping heads, jockeying for position and fighting for their own pieces of the budget pie, some companies can seem more like a monster truck rally than a cohesive unit. However, for the sake of your profitability, it’s vital for your team to work together and for you to include your PR firm in your strategic plans.

Kick off 2015 and boost your business with great PR

Before the turn of the new year, we published an earlypredictions piece on public relations. Certainly some more skeptical readers may view our predictions as more strategic in nature, so let’s reel it in a little: What are the steps that an organization should take if it’s just now considering a PR program? Using the handful of expert tips below, any business looking to advance its brand reputation or extend its product marketing can immediately initiate its own public relations program.

Use PR to explain the significance of the company spokesperson and to help you prepare.

Some people think they can just walk into a media interview, answer whatever questions come up to the best of their ability, and everything will be fine. Well, think again.

Your CEO may be accustomed to speaking to a room full of shareholders or consider herself an expert at giving speeches, but media interviews are different. There, you face an entirely unique set of judgment criteria. Audiences will extensively scrutinize everything from the expression on your face to how you sit or stand. It’s important for your CEO to understand the importance of making the right impression in interviews and that professional training is necessary. The following information should open her eyes and demonstrate how spokesperson training can affect your company’s profitability.

Learn how PR tools can help you increase profitability and see real results

As we begin a new year, everyone is making resolutions to improve. If your plan includes increasing promotion and outreach for your company, here are some actions you can start today for increased profitability in 2015

Taking extra care of your customers could be the key to your business’ success in 2015. Google’s new algorithms mandate a significant change in your SEO practices. Now is the time to re-evaluate and switch directions for your business.

Understanding the difference between “Buy my product” and “This company has a great product that you should try”

Most businesses are aware that they need promotion to tell their story and attract customers. Some believe that the best method is advertising and others put more effort into PR and press releases.

Many companies mistakenly believe that the two terms are basically the same thing and can be used interchangeably. However, advertising and press releases affect your customers in distinct ways and at different points on the buyer’s journey. Understanding the benefits and differences could help you to better influence prospects and increase sales.

Let PR illustrate the importance of – and help you prepare for – CES and any tradeshow

Before launching a new product, do you wish you could try it out on a smaller, more targeted group to gauge responses and gather feedback? Similarly, when you have a big announcement, it might be beneficial to roll it out slowly, starting with those who would be the most interested.

Many companies are utilizing the power of tradeshows, like the 2015 International CES, hosted by the Consumer Electronics Association in Las Vegas this week.

By Jonathan Bernstein and Jason Mudd, APR

Current events demonstrate that a crisis can strike a company at any time. It's a matter of when, not if. Don’t think that it can’t happen to you. 

Natural and man-made disasters happen all the time and often without notice. No one knows when or if events like the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, SARS, anthrax, or a tornado may occur. In these times, every business must be prepared. Otherwise, you risk the possibility that the media will drag your company through the wringer and allow the public to judge you by scandalous front-page headlines.

How you can use these recent PR crises to your company’s advantage

In the last couple of months, there have been numerous high-profile crises all over the news. An unexpected crisis can happen to any company at any time. How you handle it can either make or break the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.

Consumers choose your brand based on their perceptions of your company. Get familiar with these case study stories to minimize the chances of your company and its good name being ruined in the event of a major (or minor) calamity.