If you are a PR enthusiast, names of PR tools should be on your fingertips. Public Relations (PR) is a strategic communication process used by companies and individuals to build mutually beneficial relationships with the public.
Furthermore, PR Pros outlines specialised communication plans and uses media integrated with other direct-indirect mediums for getting a brand’s message out to the audience and to maintain a strong relationship.
In the last decade, face of PR has changed substantially and with technology and communication advancement various PR tools and techniques have evolved.
Media release or a Press release is the oldest and most effective tool of PR. Moreover, PR pros produce captivating news stories covering all the details (5W’s and 1H) and pitch it to the journalists. The entire purpose of a media release is to get media coverage and reach the target audience.
Related: Public Relations & Media Relations
Hosting and participating in special events is relatively not new. However, obtaining PR results out of all the hype in the event is a bit challenging and requires timely preparation and clear PR goals that need to be achieved.
Although sponsorship is one of the strongest PR tools, a well-thought sponsorship is potent to derive free publicity. Funding by the means of products or services or by financially supporting a team, event, etc., not just improves brand visibility but gives an opportunity to demonstrate its values and win the respect of its target audience.
Nearly 3.6 billion people are present on at least one of the social media apps. Building connections with your audience through it is imperative for every business. Furthermore, social media is a crucial tool for audience research. It helps the brand to identify trends, monitor conversation, and respond back to its audience in case of any criticism.
Collaborating with suitable media boosts brand credibility and is a powerful way of positioning. Brand representatives could further, willingly participate in interviews or contribute their views on topics through advertorials etc., to be seen as thought-leaders.
Media Reels is about a 100 years old concept that has now come back in trend. It’s a 2-5 min video that includes a series of clips from past appearances together with the direct messaging to grab the attention of the audience.
(Also read: Tactics and Tools for Public Relations in 2024: Must Read for PR Aspirants)
Publishing regular blogs or blasting newsletters is one great technique to communicate business stories. This keeps the audience’s constant interaction with the brand. Moreover, through blogs, brands could directly reach their audience and deliver messages while keeping the brand narrative.
Similarly, by emailing newsletters a brand can keep its audience informed about all its activities. Or it could announce a new product launch without any hassle.
Although, using annual reports that highlight a brand’s achievements is a way to market a company in front of employees, customers, and media; sending out these creatively drafted reports along with an appreciation letter from the CEO, cheer up employees and strengthen their relationship with the company.
Shifta Alim
Shifta Alim is an alumna of Class of 2020 of the PG Programme in Journalism and Mass Communication at IIS University, Jaipur. She has interned with Zeno Group, Mumbai and has past industrial experience of 10 months in Branding.
People find her to be an upbeat, and a team player. She is passionate about building reputation and stays ready to talk on everything about PR.
