When we hear the word “media relations what do you imagine? If you’ve watched a lot of television shows, you may believe it’s part of the police force to talk with the media about instances. If you’re a business owner and you think that it’s the same as PR. Perhaps you’ve been introduced to the term in conversation, but you don’t exactly what it is. Be assured that everyone began somewhere, which is why media relations can be a specific aspect of marketing that many companies don’t think about in the beginning of their lives. What exactly is media relations and does it really matter if your business actually requires?
What is ‘Media Relations’??
From an outside perspective media relations and public relations may appear to be alike. However, if we examine what media relations is actually defined the reason for doing it suddenly is much more clear:
Media collaboration to inform the general public about an organization’s goals, policies and practices in an efficient, consistent and reliable way.’
Media relations are about establishing and maintaining these close relationships with the media, as well as making use of them to advertise your business. Your company could use a variety of media outlets to present your story, ranging from television to magazines as well as radio and newspapers. Through harnessing the power and influence of the media, you will be able to gain more influence and increase confidence with prospective customers.
You might be wondering if this is different than PR?’ which is understandable and, thankfully, simple to explain. The reason is that while the basic function is identical that they handle the relationship between your business and a third party , the goal is different. In PR you’re dealing with the public as well as your public directly. If your company provides information intended to influence individual’s behavior, such as encouraging them to purchase something or visit your store and so on, then you’re carrying out Public Relations, also known as PR. However, media relations focuses on the interactions of your business with the media. As such, it’s not as a result of the actual audience, however it could have a lot than an impact. In essence media relations is focused on getting your message (and YOUR ROAR) heard to the maximum number of people possible via the media.
What are the advantages from Media Relations to Business?
Like any other marketing strategy media relations can prove very successful and profitable for your company when you’re willing to put your time and energy to it in a proper manner. Finding media coverage for your business could be quite revolutionary, particularly when you’re a young company that is struggling to get into the market. Incorporating media relations into marketing can bring your company many various benefits. The best part is that your strategy is able to be tailored to your goals for business. But, here are a few of the most significant benefits a company can reap by using media relations:
Building Brand Anonymity
The first and most important thing will be the reality that putting your name and brand name featured in the media can dramatically boost your brand’s visibility. Media relations can help you to get your company’s name to the general public and provides you with an opportunity to inform people about your business and why you’re doing it, as well as the reasons you’re the best at your job.
Increase Credibility
Customers expect a business to boast about their accomplishments and proclaim that they are the best. It’s something that is expected in marketing. That’s why having any kind of third-party endorsement will go a long ways in converting potential customers who are on the fence. Third-party endorsements are an excellent method to establish your credibility within the marketplace and to build trust in your customers before they purchase and is a an integral part of getting media coverage. The media will only publish stories that they believe that their readers will find interesting which adds a great deal in credibility and trust to your company immediately.
Create Traffic
Like all forms or method of advertising, all routes must lead towards your site. Any kind of press coverage typically leads to a substantial rise in the number of searches branded by Google people seeking your business name. This is not surprising because people want to know more about your company when they see your name in the news. Additionally, you’ll likely also see an increase in your social media followers. A good press release will result in a massive influx of visitors to your site as well as grow your social media following and improve your SEO ranking simultaneously.
Cost savings
A well-planned PR strategy will help businesses reduce the cost of labour and other expenses, since properly trained employees will be more productive, and the business will not need to spend more on marketing and advertising.
Naturally, the winning formula is a mix of excellent PR and excellent media relations. If you reach out to your targeted market, both directly and via the media, you’re effectively increasing your odds of impressing them and converting potential customers into customers. Media relationships can be a significant element in establishing the brand’s reputation, increasing trust and authenticity, and more importantly , establishing relationships with prospective customers.