THERE is no disputing that PR has changed radically over the last 10 to 20 years. The rise of the internet and demise of local printed press has had a major impact on the industry, but is it a dying sector? Far from it…
As with many other industry sectors, moving with the changes is the only way to succeed.
Nowadays, PR encompasses so much more than getting an article featured in the printed press or negotiating a slot on your local radio station. Whilst those services are still relevant and hugely popular for businesses as part of their PR and marketing plans, PR activity can now include a wide range of digital disciplines, such as blogs, podcasts and social media, and work hand-in-hand with a master marketing plan.
Public relations is all about managing a brand’s reputation through communications and what you say, what you do and what others are saying about you. With companies now having the tools to be self-publishers through their own websites and social media, the potential for a PR crisis has increased. Blogs and social media posts are still articles that are going out to the public and need to be regarded as part of the PR mix and approached with the same caution and planning as a press release or statement.
“Due to the rise of digital communications and the way that people read and digest news now, everything has been turned on its head,” said Emma Speirs of Ballyhoo PR, a PR and copywriting agency based in Corby. “PR professionals now have to work with bloggers and influencers as well as traditional press to generate coverage. They also communicate with journalists via Twitter and LinkedIn as well as email and telephone. When managing the PR for a client, they need to be over the whole communications mix to ensure that messages around certain products and services are consistent and ‘on brand’ and will not open them up to any negative or controversial attention.
“Here at Ballyhoo PR, we work with our retainer clients to carefully review and plan their communications using an editorial calendar, setting monthly activities that are a mixture of blogs, press releases, media opportunities and social media posts to ensure maximum coverage opportunities and consistency across all of their marketing communications.”
To find out more or set up a free, no obligation consultation with Ballyhoo PR contact Emma Speirs on or call 01536 682800.
