The Public Relations Blog

Go beyond the stereotypes to learn how PR can benefit your company

When most people think of PR, two images typically come to mind: sleazy, manipulative flacks who will do anything – including lie – on behalf of their clients, or annoying little characters good for getting you out of a jam but not much else. These representations are aggravated by portrayals on television and in movies.

Once companies understand the benefits PR offers, including increased profitability and brand recognition, PR professionals look less like grotesque stereotypes and more like strategic partners who can help you achieve your goals.

What you don’t know about it could be costing you money and customers

Social media use is increasing, but you probably already knew that. What you may not know is how people are accessing it, why they stay connected and what they want to see from your company on social media platforms. If you are not aware of these issues and keeping ahead of the trends, you could be getting it wrong and, ultimately, losing money or customers.

Control your own information, ensure you’re found

Take control of what and how information about your business reaches your target audiences. Figure out how much it’s worth for your company to be listed on the first page of Google search results. Make sure your potential customers can find you, wherever you are.

What the European Google ruling on removing information may mean for your company

When you were in school, teachers often scared students into behaving well with threats of bad reports that would be put on their permanent records. Even they could not have foreseen how true this threat would become with the advent of search engines.

In our personal lives, small indiscretions and minor mistakes are typically signs of an interesting life well lived. Not so in business. Every company likely has some sort of information online that it would rather erase. Whether or not this ever becomes possible, it is important to recognize the impact of your online reputation

7 PR tips to make the most of your guest blogging opportunities

Your CEO has been invited to be a guest blogger or write an opinion piece for an influential, widely read website in your industry, and your entire organization is very excited. This is an opportunity to get your company’s name in front of a lot of potential customers and influential newsmakers. So don’t blow it.

Public relations is often confused with marketing in the business world. However, while the two may be similar and have comparable objectives, there are several distinctions that set them apart. Often handled by the same individual or department in a company, public relations and marketing usually go hand-in-hand. One strengthens the other, making them both more effective and beneficial to company leaders. Public relations is just as vital as marketing, and management-level employers should take it seriously.

Apple, Airbnb and GM might represent three different industries… But their paths have crossed during the past year when they’ve all had to make apologies to the public for their product and service failures.

Because of their sincerity and admittance of responsibility, their customers remain.

How large corporations should focus their PR tactics

You watch and access the national news to find out what’s happening in the world around you. But perhaps you should be aware that a recent study conducted by National Public Radio, the Robert Wood Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that this seemingly harmless activity could be creating symptoms similar to those suffered by individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Why you should add Franchise Times readers to your target audience

For entrepreneurs hoping to start franchises and potential business owners looking to purchase them, there is Franchise Times, the recognized leader for news and information about the franchise industry.  

How to use PR to reach older consumers

In business, everyone talks about reaching that ever-important demographic of 18- to 35-year-olds. They are tech-savvy, have disposable income and aren’t afraid to be trendsetters. But there may be millions of potential customers you aren’t reaching out to or are ignoring altogether: senior citizens.