PR is such a powerful tool, and the impact is massive. Like all marketing efforts, the main aim is to win friends, build influencers, persuade the purchasing decision and build a brand, credible enough to sustain itself.
Apart from calculating AVE and giving clients a figurative value as part of ROI, public relations actually improve your business profile, SEO and improves your credibility. If done properly, it can be a cost-effective way to get your message to a large audience and to an audience that wants your content. Each brand has an image of their own and the mirror is the general public - not the budgets you spend on boosted posts and the subsequent DPS in a trade magazine but how the public is reacting to your messages.
Why do we say that the PR industry is fortunate? Because PR professionals are trained to adapt, understand and immerse themselves in either their brand’s value systems or the lead advertising or marketing agencies agenda - making them able to deliver activities far beyond their expectations; also build a network of influencers, extended reach and most importantly, cost-effectiveness. PR is your economical way to reach your desired audience, affordably.
The greatness of all is how PR strengthens communities and forces corporates to give back by making new connections and building relationships with the local market. The market that actually cares about your brand and has been using your brand for generations on end.
One thing for sure is that PR is not free. The running around and trying to secure those editorial opportunities, meet n greets with potential stakeholders and building a network of journalists aligned with your brand requires time and effort. It also may seem labour intensive but if your business does it right, it will help your company look more likeable, influential and successful.