What's Your PR Plan?

You notice, I didn't ask if you have a PR plan, I asked what it is. What?!  You don't have one?  Neither do I, but I'm putting one together. First of all, you have to identify your goals. Then you can figure out what kind of publicity would help you reach them.  PR doesn't really involve as much time and effort as you might think, and the beauty of it is, it costs less than many types of marketing.

Melanie Rembrandt at Startup Nation offers some questions you need to answer when putting together your PR plan. She recommends that you guide your actions by your specific goals and ask yourself:

1. Why is your business unique?
2. What benefits do you offer customers?
3. When people hear the name of your company, what do they think about?
4. What can you do to help your audiences think about your company in a positive way? 
5. What do you want media members to say about your business?
6. What do you specifically hope to accomplish through your public-relations efforts?

Melanie continues, "What do you need to do promote your message and unique benefits?  You can write articles, give presentations at local organizations, call appropriate reporters directly, send out press releases, provide newsletters, blogs, videos, and e-reports, and much more...Keep it simple and focus on your target market."

Figure out what you can do best.  If you're uncomfortable presenting, offer your expertise through articles and find ways to get them in front of your preferred audience.

Don't wait! If you don't already have a plan already, start one now.