null

Avoid these five common PR mistakes

by | Sep 16, 2024 | Publicity

Frustrated man working on his computer with hands on his head.

New clients often wonder why our Strategically Aimed Marketing (SAM 6®) onboarding process begins with such a strong emphasis on basic marketing details. It’s no secret that when agencies don’t give this step the attention it deserves, the result can be costly PR mistakes. We’re simply not going to allow these all-too-common mistakes to happen!

What are five of the most common PR mistakes? 

After more than 35 years of helping clients share their stories through the media, we know how to structure a PR campaign for the highest likelihood of success. That means avoiding these five common errors. 

  1. Not defining your target audience. While you may believe that “everyone” will want your product, trying to appeal to everyone can result in a lackluster, generic story. It’s essential to focus your campaign on those most likely to buy. We help clients build out their customer personas so we can create messaging that resonates with, and motivates, the strongest potential buyers. 
  2. Not clearly differentiating your product from your competition. Great PR campaigns make people feel smart about choosing to buy a specific product, even if it is higher priced. We invest time to identify your product’s value points and understand how it’s different from other options, so your publicity can guide people to make the desired decision.  
  3. Not having sufficiently broad media parameters. It’s a big mistake to pursue only highly targeted media. If they aren’t immediately interested, your campaign stops before it even begins. Using SAM 6, we identify a broader range of media outlets to pursue. This often means your story has greater reach and frequency. It also increases the likelihood of your story being syndicated and picked up by the media you desire most.  
  4. Not tailoring your PR campaign. Your story can probably be told from multiple angles. We pay close attention to such parameters as the media’s location, audience, editorial calendars and the overall marketing environment. We are also aware that some reporters may want to approach your story from a specific perspective, and we collaborate with them to make that happen. Overlooking these details may harm your chances of getting effective coverage. 
  5. Not effectively resharing your media coverage. Media stories are powerful. Resharing them can dramatically increase their impact. Our SAM 6 strategies involve preplanning how to maximize audience exposure to, and engagement with, your media coverage. We may suggest using an optimized mix of blogs, emails, social media and digital advertising. 

Have you ever wondered why some agencies only offer digital marketing services? It’s because PR campaigns are challenging! Our processes are based on arranging tens of thousands of media stories over the last 35+ years. Stacking the odds in your favor requires a depth of experience that other agencies may not have. 

When you’re ready to launch a smart and effective PR campaign, call us at 952-697-5269 or use this form to get started.

Written by Heather Champine

Written by Heather Champine

Heather is a multi-faceted leader. She’s part marketing strategist, part consumer psychologist and part motivational cheerleader. “I love understanding what drives people to take action, especially when it involves getting the media to run stories about our clients,” she says. With more than 25 years of experience, she has the keen understanding and insight to know how to run an integrated campaign and what it takes for our clients’ stories to become the news. She enjoys leading campaigns for complex industries such as medical devices and technologies, as well as fun industries such as hair salons. She thrives on pursuing creative ways to educate consumers about clients’ products, and ultimately inspiring them to buy. “I appreciate becoming a part of each client’s marketing team. I cherish the long-lasting relationships, and successful marketing programs we have created together.” Heather also finds joy in her daily collaborations as part of our creative team. “I am grateful to work with publicists, writers, designers and other marketing experts, all enjoying what they do because they are using their God-given strengths. Our publicists have great instincts because they all have media backgrounds. When things get hectic, it’s often Heather who cracks the first joke. “We encourage people to be a little goofy and unique. Some of the best ideas and solutions emerge because we know how to have fun,” she grins. “I may say something like, “Remember this is PR not the ER. Now, lighten up and go book a great story idea with the media!”

Search

What We Do

  • Publicity

  • Website

  • Advertising

  • Social Media

  • Creative

Contact Us

If you want your product to become famous.
952-697-5269

Recent Posts

Article teaches readers to ask for client’s product

An educational approach to PR can make people feel smart about buying whatever you are selling. People love to tell others all the facts supporting their buying decision! For years Californians were told that artificial lawns were good for the environment. Then it...

Have you prepared your company’s story?

Successful businesses document their companies’ stories in writing so they can react quickly to media requests and other promotional opportunities. I know for certain that having a current, well-written company story — ready to go on a moment’s notice — can make the...

Limited spots: Get your pro 🎥 videos done now!

If you’ve considered using professional quality videos to market your company, here’s a rare opportunity. Media Relations Agency has immediate video production openings for businesses in the Twin Cities area. The filming date is fast approaching and there are only 15...

Categories

Pin It on Pinterest