Are you thinking about starting your own business? You’re not alone. According to Enterprise Nation, nearly half of UK adults (47%) are currently considering it.
PR can be a very cost-effective way for startups to grow, helping to position a credible reputation, increase investment and aid growth right from the beginning of your business journey. Here’s how:
Funding
The Chamber of Commerce reports that 78% of startups use their own funds at first, but if you need support, good PR can help with funding. Telling your startup story in your local business press and the national trade and specialist channels will ensure your plans are seen by potential investors and can be used to help support your funding pitches.
Listings
If you’re launching a product and not just selling online, you’ll need targeted trade PR to communicate that product launch to your potential stockists. Talking about how your product came about and how you will help drive sales means buyers will be aware of you from the outset, which can help with your sales strategy.
Customers
Whether your customers are trade or consumer, having quality media coverage will ensure they know about you – and not just through advertising. A journalist endorsement goes a long way when it comes to purchasing power. One piece of coverage I generated for a pillow on the mailonline led to it being completely sold out within hours, while an article I placed in a trade title led to a new business query and appointment within a week for another client. PR works!
Reputation
In a world of social media, everyone has a voice – and things can get muddled. This is why a strategic campaign which includes owned social media and traditional media outreach is important. Positive media coverage ensures your key messages are properly established by an objective voice from the start. If its online, you can share it immediately on your social media to spread the positive message. You can then develop that media coverage and social media platform from a strong launch postition.
Partners and employees
Your business journey will hopefully be a long one, and you’ll need a good team as well as reliable suppliers and partners along the way. Good PR can ensure your company is featured in titles or channels that reach those partners and potential employees, meaning you continue to flourish with the right people working alongside you.
Traffic
The world operates online and quality digital coverage is invaluable for SEO. The articles will not only be read by potential customers, colleagues, investors and stockists, they can sometimes provide quality links back to your website – a very powerful tool in cutting through a crowded market-place.
Starting a business is scary, exciting and very, very busy.
This is why a good PR consultant is so important. Entrepreneurs need to know their reputation is properly established from the outset, and that they are reaching the right people, with the right messages, as they grow – giving their brand and business a better chance of success.
