Public relations is a complex and ever-changing industry. It can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends, especially if you are just starting in the field. We put together this list of five tips that every PR rep should know before working in the area. Following these tips from Nancy Etz will help you become a more successful PR professional!
Establish Yourself As A Credible Source Of Information
Becoming a successful public relations representative requires more than just having excellent communication skills. To be truly successful, you need to establish yourself as a credible source of information. This means that you must be an expert on your clients and their industries. You should be able to answer reporters’ questions quickly and accurately. You need to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and developments to do this.
Fortunately, there are several ways to stay informed. Reading trade publications and subscribing to industry newsfeeds are both excellent options. In addition, attending industry conferences and networking with other PR professionals can help you stay ahead of the curve. You can position yourself as a go-to source for information about your clients and their industries by taking these steps.
Build Relationships With Reporters And Editors
As a public relations professional, one of your main goals should be to build relationships with reporters and editors. These are the gatekeepers who will ultimately decide whether or not your story gets told. So it’s essential to get to know them and build rapport with them.
Offer them exclusive access to your clients, give them advance notice of upcoming events, and pitch them story ideas relevant to their beat. By taking the time to cultivate these relationships, you’ll increase the chances that your stories will get coverage and further establish yourself as a trusted source of information.
Be Proactive In Pitching Your Stories
As a PR professional, one of your main goals is to get media coverage for your clients. And one of the best ways to do that is to proactively pitch reporters story ideas that you think would be of interest to their readers or viewers. But simply sending out a mass email blast with a list of story ideas is not enough. Nancy Etz says you need to make sure that your pitches are well-written and targeted to the right audience.
Otherwise, you run the risk of them being ignored altogether. And always follow up after you’ve sent a pitch to see if the reporter is interested in pursuing it further. You’ll be much more likely to get the media coverage you’re looking for by taking these steps.
Keep Up With Current Events And Trends
Any successful public relations professional will tell you that one of the most critical skills in the industry is the ability to adapt to change. With the ever-evolving landscape of the internet and social media, what works one day may be outdated the next. Reading trade publications and listening to podcasts are essential to keep up with the latest trends. This will help you identify new opportunities for your clients and stay ahead of the curve.
In addition, attending industry conferences is a great way to network with other professionals and get a pulse on where the industry is headed. By staying informed and flexible, you can set yourself up for success in the ever-changing world of public relations.
Know The Difference Between Earned, Paid, And Owned Media
Understanding the difference between earned, paid, and owned media is essential. Earned media is coverage through traditional media outlets like newspapers and television. Paid media is advertising that you pay for, such as print ads or online banners, says Nancy Etz. And owned media is content that you create and control yourself, like blog posts or social media updates. Knowing the difference between these three media types will help you create a more effective PR strategy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting in public relations, following these tips will help you become a more successful PR professional! Establishing yourself as a credible source of information and building relationships with reporters and editors are essential for telling your story. And being proactive in pitching your stories and staying up-to-date with current events will help you get the media coverage you’re looking for. Finally, understanding the difference between earned, paid, and owned media will help you create a more effective PR strategy. So if you’re looking to start a successful career in PR, make sure to keep these tips in mind!
