Beyond Marketing: Ask What PR Can Do For You!

From small start ups to large corporations, everybody knows about marketing. It's likely in fact, that most benefit from some form of marketing, whether it's through the development of a logo, design of a website, production of a brochure, or the creation and placement of an ad. Important as these things are, there's another effective, yet often overlooked tool that can generate another level of awareness for you. It's called public relations (PR), and what many don't realize is that when you include PR, all your marketing efforts become more powerful and a continuous flow of exposure, recognition, and interest is generated for your company or cause.

What Exactly Is PR?
When you have information to share with consumers, voters, the community, and other individuals or groups, PR directs your message to your audiences through the media. Unlike marketing and advertising, with PR you don't pay for the coverage you receive. The media will choose and run your story if they feel it is newsworthy, not because they're obligated by payment for ad space. If the editor or producer selects your story, they will rework your message to suit their particular need and format, and then disseminate it through their powerful media channels.

PR Pays!
By communicating your messages through the news media, PR helps you bring your ideas to new markets and gives you the opportunity to reach a tremendously large audience. Because of this, Public Relations can be very cost effective and far less expensive than if you were to pay for the same amount of exposure through these high-profile and normally high-priced media outlets. Keep in mind, there is a very real perception that unpaid media mentions are less biased and more believable than paid advertising. Interviews, television and radio segments, feature stories, editorials, and strategic alliances and sponsorships are the elements of PR that can work to legitimize your organization. And because the media are always looking for an expert to quote, public relations can also establish you and your company as a knowledgeable source on a given subject, allowing you to provide your two-cents to related stories while you gain additional credibility, exposure, and recognition.

Why Enlist An Expert?
Public Relations involve a well thought strategy, impeccable timing, and reliance on established media relationships. If attempted alone, you end up paying a great deal more than if you partner with a PR pro. When trying to gain favorable media attention, misguided attempts from an industry unknown can cost money, time, and your reputation. And making a bad impression has far-reaching consequences that no business can afford. So how do you get the media and your audiences to hear and trust you? The surest way is with a PR expert on your side.

See what a PR expert can do for you!
 • Target media lists based on market knowledge and your desired goals.
 • Identify key issues and opposition.
 • Develop newsworthy messages and unify your company communications.
 • Pitch professional news stories to appropriate media sources.
 • Draft and distribute Press Releases to viable outlets.
 • Train and coach spokespeople for interviews and adapt important points for
   unique audiences.
 • Plan and conduct news conference.
 • Design comprehensive plans with creative solutions and action calendars.
 • Create and launch special events.
 • Create media schedules and negotiate paid ad placement.
 • Recommend and obtain beneficial partner alliances and sponsorships.
 • Field inquiries and provide immediate responses tailored to audiences, media,
   and opposition.
 • Manage crisis communications.

What To Look For
When you and your company are ready to reap the many benefits of PR, look for a specialist with a reliable list of media contacts and well established relationships within the communities and industries you serve. At Bouchard McElroy Communications Group (BMCG), our PR accomplishments span decades. Our PR specialists are experts in all aspects of this dynamic industry and have gained valuable insight as reporters, news directors, assignment editors, corporate spokespersons, and public information officers. Today BMCG is one of the few agencies where clients can get all the services of a public relations firm, plus the full capabilities of a marketing and design agency under one roof. From community outreach and opposition profiling, to web design and copywriting, we can handle every aspect of your public relations campaign, or provide the specific services needed to supplement your efforts.

Experience The Power Of PR
Enhance your image, educate your audience, and establish loyal customer relationships, all with the help of PR. Gone are the days when PR was a mysterious tool reserved for the successful few. When you partner with the right expert and make Public Relations part of your plan, you and your organization can make a bigger impact and reap greater rewards.