The Power of PR in Your Marketing Plan Marie Swift Impact Communications
Jan 04, 2016
The Power of PR in Your Marketing Plan
Marie Swift
Impact Communications
Definition of Public Relations
Managing communications that produce a positive image of you and your organization among your targeted audience and the general public. Generally distributed by the media (newspapers, magazines, TV and radio) and is not paid for. Because this means of image building is not paid for, there is a perception that it is more credible.
Definition of Advertising
A means for producing a positive image of you and your organization among your targeted audience and the general public which is paid for. Because it is paid for, a person or organization can say just about anything they want, therefore creating a less credible perception.
PR does not stand for “press release”
PR Builds Credibility and Visibility
Much more than media relations Community involvement is big
part of PR strategy Includes positioning and
building awareness of your brand
Goal to build reputation and visibility
Generate buzz = Give people reasons to talk about you!
What’s In It For You?
Repeated exposure builds visibility Current clients and strategic partners
are impressed Prospective clients more open to
engaging your firm Improves other marketing efforts Easier to generate referrals People recognize name, see in media
= must be good Perception is that you are highly
credible Perception becomes reality
a Slightly Famous Planner
Everyone wants to work with …
Credibility Audit
Written a book on some aspect personal finance
Produced a special report related to niche concerns
Appeared on television finance show
Host of your own radio show
Published articles under your name
Quoted in magazines or newspapers
Recognized by your peers, have industry awards
Professional credentials and x years experience
Actively support local community causes and events
Yes No
PR reinforces that you are the advisor of choice!
Interacting with the Media
Where Does the Media Fit In?
Pursue media attention as a part your overall marketing strategy
Block out 2-3 hour per week for Media Marketing Keep it simple Seize easy opportunities:
Awards, recognition, conferences, current events Publicize your firm via news releases, newsletter, mailed
and emailed announcements, Web site Leverage the press you receive
Play to your strengths
Marketing and PR SkillsWritingBook author or contributorWhite paper creationBylined and published articlesNews Release contentWeb site contentNewsletter – soft or hard copyClient survey creationGreeting card sentimentsPrint and Yellow pages adsDirect mail (letters, postcards, etc.)
SpeakingRadio or Television appearancesSponsored events / Workplace educationReferral strategyCommunity involvementProfessional and Social networking Advisory boardClient eventsProspecting eventsTrade fairs / Community fairsTelephone campaigns
/ Credibility Factors
Become a Media Resource – 3 Easy Steps Identify your local media outlets
Google News Voyager Clients – what do they watch? PR firm
Read and Feed program Compliment, Gentle Feedback, Dovetail Story Idea
News releases 5 W’s in first paragraph, Strong headline and subhead,
3rd person, quote self mid-release, factual “About xyz firm (or person)” at end
Doing it right
Think about the reader/ viewer’s mindset
Think about the journalist’s needs
How can you aid the journalist?
Provide useful content, e.g. tips, stats, studies
Provide colorful quotes and anecdotes
Learn to speak in sound bytes
Be unique - showcase yourself - not pushy
Refer to an expert if you’re not
Doing it right (cont.) …
Keep an idea file
Keep reference books at hand
Be well prepared
Be readily available
Send a thank you / recap email
Include your full contact information at the bottom of every email communication
Creating Maximum Exposure Email “house list” – In case you
missed this in the recent news Mention in newsletter News Room on Web site Update Bio Spotlight in Brochure Put in Clip Book Order glossy reprints from
publication Mail reprints, use at seminars,
leave in lobby Order lacquered plaque
In the end …
It’s all about building relationships With clients With strategic partners With journalists With community leaders
and industry influentials
Free Resources
www.financial-planning.com - Story archive and discussion boards
www.impactcommunications.org - Article Bank - Advisor Resources Free Ideas page
Marie Swift, PresidentImpact Communications Inc.
2007 West 91st Street, Ste. 201Leawood, KS 66206
Phone: (913) [email protected]
gwww. ImpactCommunications.org
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