When was the last time you picked up a newspaper and really, thoroughly went through it? Do you remember what it’s like to turn the pages, careful not to rip the paper?
Chances are, you may just barely remember it. Nobody really reads newspapers anymore, anyway. Is there still value to be found in it—and in media relations as a whole?
Doubting the value of media relations just because print news is going out of style would be remiss. There’s much more to media than just newspapers, and even then, the broadsheet in particular still carries much weight in the simple act of spreading the word.
Here’s a look into the benefits of media relations, especially for boosting your brand.
1. Brand awareness
How do you expect to reach your target audience if no one is talking about your business? You’re hardly going to make an impact if you aren’t part of the conversation. Not to worry—media relations can help with that.
Getting your brand’s name out there through the media is a surefire way to let people know about you. This is especially true in that media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms, have a wide audience reach.
Through media relations activities such as press releases, interviews, and features, you can showcase your products, services, and expertise to a large audience for enhanced brand recognition and awareness.
2. Thought leadership
Media relations offers opportunities to help you position your brand as a thought leader and expert in your industry.
By providing valuable insights, expert opinions, and analysis on relevant topics, you can establish your business as a go-to source for journalists seeking industry expertise. If you want to be recognized as a pillar for reliable information, then this is especially valuable.
Regularly contributing to media discussions through interviews, articles, and op-eds can enhance your brand’s reputation, increase visibility, and attract potential customers.
3. Generating trust
Media coverage helps build credibility and trust in the eyes of consumers.
When your business is featured or quoted in reputable media outlets in a positive way, it lends credibility to your brand. This is especially important now with scams being more rampant than ever.
In short, media relations help possible customers know that they can trust you, that there are real people working behind the brand.
Real people trust real people, that’s why customers often perceive businesses mentioned by the media as more reliable and trustworthy. Positive media exposure can validate your brand’s expertise, achievements, and industry leadership, influencing customers and the decision-making process.
4. Controlling a crisis
Media relations also play a critical role in managing crisis situations and preserving your brand’s good name.
In the event of a crisis, effective media relations enable you to respond promptly, provide accurate information, and manage public perception. By maintaining open lines of communication with the media, you can immediately address concerns, correct misinformation, and demonstrate transparency.
Building strong relationships with journalists and media professionals ensures that you can present your side of the story during challenging times.
Media relations is a vast landscape that any business should tap into to stay on top. It may be tempting to overlook it in favor of other forms of marketing, but doing so would be ignoring a potentially valuable opportunity.
In short: don’t look away! Tapping into media relations may be better for you more than you think.
M2.0 Communications is a PR agency in the Philippines that has been helping brands tell meaningful, data-driven narratives.
