Knowing where to invest your marketing budget can be tricky, especially if it’s limited. First, you need to identify exactly what your goals and aspirations are. If you’re looking to boost awareness and drive footfall to your website or physical store, our PR agency in Chelmsford could have the answer for you!
What is PR?
Everyone has heard of public relations (PR) but actually, many people don’t truly understand what this process entails. Moreover, the benefits that it can bring to businesses both big and small.
PR is all about utilising existing platforms with established audiences to promote your brand. This could be within the press, on the radio, within podcasts, or even on the TV. Features within popular magazines and newspapers, online and in print, is the most sought-after approach. In doing so, you’re able to reach the wider confines of your target demographic, spreading your message far and wide.
When you work alongside a PR agency in Chelmsford, like VerriBerri, we are responsible for securing exposure within these outlets. Utilising our high-quality connections, we’re able to seek unique opportunities on behalf of our clients. Once these have been confirmed, we’ll then work alongside you to create the necessary materials and manage the process from start to finish.
Here at VerriBerri, we have our own, in-house PR department who help brands within a multitude of niches. Our creatives are able to write on behalf of any industry and are well-connected with journalists from a plethora of local, national, and industry-specific publications.
How can a communications strategy benefit my brand?
Besides exposure alone, PR offers a wide variety of benefits to brands who choose to implement a communications strategy. These include…
Credibility
Credible publications aren’t going to run a story on just anyone and run the risk of tarnishing their reputation. In fact, journalists will typically carry out rigorous research on the brands they are wanting to collaborate with prior to agreeing to run a story. As a result, they’ve been able to build and maintain trust with their audience. When a journalist chooses to give your business exposure on their platform, this means that their credibility will extend to you. Each article our team writes for our clients positions them as an expert in their field, helping you to get ahead within your sector.
New audiences
A wide variety of people read both local and national press. What’s more, these individuals come from all walks of life and span a wide range of different demographics. With this in mind, PR offers brands the chance to venture into unchartered territories. Whilst industry specific publications are helpful, you shouldn’t limit yourselves. In addition, targeting mainstream press is the perfect opportunity to find new customers.
Affordable
Like most digital marketing techniques, PR is incredibly affordable and cost-effective. When you work with our PR agency in Chelmsford, you’re not expected to pay for anything beyond our fees. Utilising our strong reputation, we’re able to secure complimentary press appearances. This makes public relations accessible for all brands, both big and small.
Reputation
Last but by no means least, PR allows brands to show their personality. So often, people feel disconnected from the brands they are purchasing products from. When you’re appearing in the press, however, this adds another layer to your reputation. A strong PR strategy is key for brands who are looking to build their presence, whilst also sharing their story.
Influencer marketing
In addition to traditional and digital press, influencer marketing is also a form of public relations. This process involves utilising popular creators on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and other various platforms. In sharing your products or services with their audience, you’re able to build exposure, raise awareness, and drive sales.
There are thousands of influencers out there who span a plethora of different niches, opening up this technique to a variety of brands. What’s more, there are also lots of different options for businesses looking to utilise this technique…
Gifting
For brands with a smaller budget or those who are looking to implement a mass influencer marketing campaign, gifting is probably going to be the best option. This involves sending out your product(s) to said influencers with the hope that they share this with their audience in the form of a reel, story, or grid post. There is no cost involved in this, besides agency fees and the price of the item(s) you’re sending out. In return, however, you stand the chance of achieving high levels of exposure.
Gifted collaborations are usually only accepted by smaller influencers, typically with under 10k followers. Of course, this will change depending on the value of the items you are offering, the niche you operate within, and many other factors. It is possible to secure these kinds of agreements with larger creators, but these opportunities are few and far between. This being said, micro-influencers usually have a tighter-knit community and better engagement. With this in mind, don’t be put off by their seemingly smaller audiences – this can actually be a really good thing!
Paid collaborations
Paid collaborations are a great way to reach a mass audience using larger influencers. With their audiences being that bit bigger, you really are able to reach a wide variety of individuals. What’s more, you are also able to put a contractual agreement in place to offer your brand maximum protection and peace of mind.
Despite larger influencers typically having a lower engagement rate, they do have a bigger voice than smaller creators. There really are pros and cons to both collaboration options, it is just about finding what is right for your brand. When you work with our PR agency in Chelmsford, we can advise on the best route forward to maximise your ROI.
Contact Us
Want to hear more about working with our PR agency in Chelmsford? Keen to explore our other services and get the ball rolling with your strategy? For more information, get in touch with our specialists today by clicking here. You can also give our office a call directly on 01376 386 850.