R Public Relations Firm
R Mid-Year PR Regroup Tips
We've passed the half-year point and if your business hasn't gained the awareness and interest you want, it’s time to regroup. Many small businesses initially try to tackle PR themselves and quickly find out it’s not as easy as it seemed initially. But that doesn’t mean you have to shell out the big bucks to a large PR agency to find success. Here are some quick PR regroup tips to get your business going in the right direction as we start the last half of the year.
1. Start by asking questions
Look at the goals you made at the start of the year. Specifically, PR goals, but it’s worth looking at other business goals as well in case there are ways for PR to help you achieve them going forward that you didn’t consider before. Measure how far off-track you may be and why. For example, was it that your PR attempts just didn’t work, or did you get too busy and let them fall off? In the case of the former, consider what might have gone wrong and how you might improve. For the latter, you might consider whether a lack of PR will end up costing you more than what it might take to get some help in this area.
2. Keep your social media on point
Yes, this takes a lot of time, but small businesses should consider social media the low-hanging fruit so to speak. It’s a PR tool that’s more easily in reach to you and it’s a way you can go directly to your audience to build interest and awareness. Consider your audience and make sure you’re active on the platforms which they frequent. The caveat: you have to be interesting and relevant to get their attention. Give them a reason to share, and do it often!
3. Stalk your competition
Not really, well maybe. If PR is not in your wheelhouse, one way to spark ideas is to look at what your competition has done that’s been successful in this area, and where they’ve failed. Note where they pop up, what they promote, who’s talking about them, and what they are saying. Then figure out how those tactics might be of use for your small business. And, don’t just stop at competitors, consider other small businesses that are in your local area, or even better that complement you. Reach out to them, maybe you can partner on some collective PR or at the very least get some ideas on what’s worked for them. Entrepreneurs love to help other entrepreneurs succeed; they know firsthand how hard it can be out there!
Go from PR Regroup to Launch
We started out as a small business too and very much understand the need to build awareness and interest, but have a lack of time and money to put towards it. That’s why we created our Launch program for lifestyle brands such as restaurants, hospitality, retail, health and wellness, and non-profits. This 6-month program includes developing a brand identity, PR plan, and campaign for small businesses that qualify.
To learn more about how R Launch program can help your small business, click HERE to schedule a FREE Discovery Call today!
Best Practices for Podcast Interviews
You’ve been invited to be a guest on a podcast, how exciting! Being interviewed on podcasts is a great way to highlight you and your brand in a fun, personal, and interactive way. Podcasts also have engaged and active listeners who may differ from your regular market, so it’s a great way to broaden your reach too! But if you’ve never done podcast interviews before, the experience can be intimidating. So we’ve created a checklist to help ease the process and make you better prepared!
Best Practices for Podcast Interviews
1. The Prep Work:
- Listen to a few episodes of the podcast
- Do your research!
- Listening to the podcast is a great way to learn about the host(s), the show’s format, and the overall tone of the podcast.
- Prepare your pitch
- What makes you unique and interesting to listen to?
- Preparing a pitch allows you to brainstorm your angle and be ready for an insightful conversation.
2. The Day Of:
- Get camera-ready
- Podcasts are often recorded. Make sure you look your best so you feel your best!
- Check your technology
- Make sure all your gear is working properly and allow time to troubleshoot and resolve any issues beforehand. (See the gear checklist below.)
- Minimize distractions
- Silence all notifications (phone, watch, computer, etc).
- Minimize all background noise such as TVs or music.
- Move into a room away from pets, children, significant others, friends, etc.
- Drink water
- Keep a glass of water nearby so you can hydrate throughout the interview.
- Tip: be sure to sip, not chug, so that the noise doesn’t pick up on the microphone.
3. The Gear:
- Microphone/AirPods
- Using AirPods or a microphone can help isolate background noise and ensure sound quality.
- Proper lighting
- Many podcasts are recorded for promotional purposes!
- Bright and clear lighting increases professionalism and makes for a more visually appealing interview. Ring lights or natural lighting work great!
- Your background
- Backgrounds should be simple, clean, and professional. You can show your personality through shelf decor, plants, and artwork.
- Tip: avoid windows in your background as they create a glare. Instead, try sitting toward (looking out) the window for bright, natural light!
