What is Public Relations?

Public Relations is all about reputation.

Every organization depends on its reputation for success. Customers, employees, investors, journalists and the public all form opinions about organizations they come across. Public relations and PR consultants are on tap to make sure this opinion is positive, through tactics like media relations, social media campaigns, and sponsorship opportunities.

Unlike advertising, media exposure gained through PR is not paid for. Media exposure gained through PR is classified as “third-party” — an endorsement that speaks volumes. Third-party endorsements gives the PR industry the power and credibility it deserves.

Public relations agencies, PR strategists and PR consultants help businesses or public figures cultivate a position reputation with their target audience through various unpaid or earned communications. This could include securing unpaid or earned stories through traditional media exposure (print magazines, newspapers, broadcast segments, and more), digital media (online media outlets, blog sites, email alerts, e-newsletters), social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), and in-person engagements (events, panels, press conferences).

PR professionals work with clients to develop positive stories about their brand. PR professionals utilize outlets of unpaid and earned media to tell these stories. This is an effective opportunity to reach and influence target audiences, thus boosting your reputation and potentially gaining exposure to new customers!

All in all, public relations can help enhance reputation, increase visibility, and is a business tactic to consider if you’d like to build your brand.

Photo Credit: Loris Alessandria