6 reasons why public relations are important (+ why you should start PR ASAP)

Is public relations something for party girls and big companies? Wrong, you don’t have to be some sort of it-girl or media genius to enter the world of PR. Especially bloggers, startups and small businesses can use PR to grow their biz and brand fast! If you want to get started head over to my Ultimate Guide To PR & Free Publicity. 6 reasons why public relations are important: 

1. You’re visible. Very visible

You’re not only visible for the readers, but Big Brother aka Google is also watching along. When they see your name or website is mentioned on the website of the magazine, newspaper of the blog – it will rank you higher. Double win! Because we all know how important it is to show up on the first page!

Check out my Crash Course PR & Free Publicity

2. To boost authority in your niche

PR is the best way to communicate to the public what your brand + biz is all about. This is harder to show on social media – even if you have a clear strategy. Telling your story in the media will boost your authority in your niche, you’ll become the go-to person. And bonus, this attracts new media opportunities!

Extra tools to boost authority and grow your business:

• Automate your PR with this strategy (using this surprising tool!)
• Tailwind to easily reach millions of people on Pinterest with this strategy (yes really millions, even if you have a small audience. Automatically loop your Pins to attract more readers to your website with this strategy or schedule your Instagram posts so Tailwind will auto-post them for you.
• Schedule your visual PR with my favorite tool
• Create beautiful PR visuals online (in the cloud!)

3. It’s free!

Okay okay, it does take a good few hours to build relationships and find how it all works, but it’s worth the investment! And yep, social media is free too, but social media is suuuper temporary, how soon will a tweet out of somebody’s timeline? And how lucky do you have to be to show up on somebody’s Facebook feed? If you’re visible in a magazine or featured on a blog, you’re here to stay. Sure people can skip that article, but if you’re featured in a monthly magazine, you’re there all month. No matter how many new magazines are stocked in the shop, you have a fixed place on the page!

4. Generates leads = more sales

If you’re featured in the media, you’re out there. You reach new possible targets, you connect with your audience on a new level, your business establishes credibility and shows people they should get X at yours, instead of your competitor.

Other tools to use to generate more sales

• Use marketing funnels – easily create them with this tool
• Set up an affiliate program (here’s an indepth guide on affiliate marketing and here’s an affiliate course)

5. People will believe you

People are more likely to believe your story if they read it in an establishes newspaper than on your website. Because it’s somebody else telling them you’re amazing. In combination with an interview or quote, this is really powerful! You’ll build credibility overnight! Acquiring PR with the help of companies like Merritt Group is the best way to communicate to the public, and showcase what your brand + biz is all about. This is harder to show on social media – even if you have a clear strategy. Telling your story in the media will boost your authority in your niche, you’ll become the go-to person. And bonus, this attracts new media opportunities!

Check out my press page here! 

6. It will grow your biz overnight

If you’ve ever been published you know how it helps grow your biz. You’ll find yourself from one day to another with a couple of thousands of new followers. People who’re really curious about you, they wanna know everything about you. They followed you after reading about you. So they are potential customers, fans, lovers. Key is: keep them interested! How you do this? Get more media mentions and don’t forget to share your wins.. (scan articles and post to Facebook, tweet links).

Make sure you’re ready to get started with PR, download the checklist here: 

Want to read more about PR and free publicity? Check out:

• 3 Reasons why you need a marketing professional on your side
• Building authority as a start up
• Behind the scenes of a PR agency (+ office tour video on my revamped Youtube channel!)
• Running an online business: skills you’ll need
• An Essential Guide to Growing Your Small Business