Over the past few months and throughout the worst of the Coronavirus Pandemic businesses large and small have been faced with numerous changes and we have supported new and existing clients in several different ways.
More so than ever before, competition between businesses is high and the fight for survival is real. I believe that more companies will recognise the value of PR and understand how beneficial it can be as we move through unchartered territory. Having a good communications strategy to support your future might be the key to succeeding in an ever-changing climate.
Coming out of lockdown, one thing is clear, and that is the need for effective engagement with audiences to secure sales.
Reach a wider audience
As businesses have negotiated the changes caused by the pandemic, the need to appeal to a wider and increasingly varied target audience has grown. Consumer attitudes and trends have changed and using PR helps businesses to market themselves across multiple channels.
The need to reach a new audience or demographic coming out of lockdown is where PR could really help a business, and even extend the opportunities it has.
Social Media as an important tool
I am sure we are all aware by now that our internet and social media usage has skyrocketed during lockdown. While this may reduce a little as we move back to ‘normal’, social media should not be underestimated as a marketing tool. In fact, the benefits of using social media for business are ever increasing.
Social media management and content creation are often a key component of our work with clients. PR professionals have the expertise to support growth in this key area and create compelling content that attracts attention and engagement.
While the need for traditional media remains, it is worth being aware of other ways to communicate with customers and how PR professionals can support in this area.
Reactive to opportunities
PR practitioners have contacts across multiple media and are always on the look out for new opportunities that might be beneficial for clients.
Working with an agency gives businesses access to opportunities they might never have considered. Reactive opportunities can be anything from getting a quote from an expert to offing a product as a prize for a competition on the radio. Both get the name of the business or product out there effectively and raise its profile.
The more reactive opportunities that a business can benefit from, the more chance there is of relationships being built with the media. This means that journalists will come to the brand in the future.
Helpful in advertising activities
While it was concluded that PR is almost 90 per cent more effective than advertising it can be very useful when used in conjunction with other tactics during a wider campaign.
While many still believe advertising is enough on its own, the trust built by PR is invaluable to businesses of all sizes. And, it goes without saying, consumers prioritise trust and brand experience over anything else.
While PR professionals will have to make changes in line with the ‘new normal’, the need for brands to invest in communications will be as great as ever.
If you would like to know more about Open Comms and the services we offer, why not give us a call on 01924 862477 or contact us here.