Building a strong public image is an ongoing process, but unlike marketing, it can feel less tangible. However, consistent, positive PR can have lasting benefits for your business.
Here are five actionable habits you can implement daily, weekly, and monthly to ensure effective PR efforts.
- Schedule Updates: Set aside time to communicate with stakeholders, including the media. This can be through a newsletter, updates on your press page, or targeted pitches to journalists. Make sure the content and information on your website is up-to-date. Does it include information about the business and the team? Leverage LinkedIn pages to share these updates and key milestones, as many media professionals use it for research.
- Monitor Social Media Daily: Social media (in its various forms) are increasingly important for us to communicate with our community and should be seen as an additional channel for PR. So don’t just post, dedicate a few minutes each day to respond to comments, messages, and reviews on the social media platforms you are on. This shows your community that you value their feedback.
- Engage in Community Activities: Participate in community events like a charity function, school event, or business conference regularly. This showcases your commitment to the community and provides positive content for social media and press releases.
- Conduct a PR Review: Analyse your PR activities, looking at metrics like media coverage, social media engagement, and response to press releases and events. Adapt your strategies based on what’s working and what isn’t.
- Train Your Team: Regular training sessions on PR best practices are crucial. They are your brand voice for their networks. Ensure that everyone in the team understands how to communicate your brand’s message consistently, how to handle customer service issues publicly, and how to represent the company at events. A well-informed team is your best asset in maintaining a positive public image.
By integrating these routine actions into their regular schedule, business owners can effectively manage their public relations, keeping their brands in favourable standing with both the media and their audience.
