Given the enormous benefits that can be reaped from it, a vital element of any business is bringing it to people’s notice. The key to doing this is by fine-tuning your target — just like you would do to attract a new client. This concept is colloquially termed as PR (Public Relations). This is one of the challenges any entrepreneur goes through. The issue of advertising becomes a matter of concern especially when it comes to paying for it. We think twice; is it worth spending the money or is it just a waste? Spending money is always connected to worth.
In some way or the other, we want to profit off of the money we spend. But in a world, where competition is plenty, we feel the best solution to advertising a business, is to spend tons of money on it. But that’s not a necessity. Here are a few suggestions that will help generate publicity at a shoestring budget or no cost at all:
- Attend & Participate In Award Functions
There are a lot of awards being held as a publicity stunt. Some of them are free and all it requires is your participation. You may hold back because you see the competition and think you will fail. But that’s not always the situation. The best suggestion would be to give it a shot because more often than not if you don’t win, you will at least get nominated. It doesn’t matter what awards you’re applying for. The award can be industry-related, media sponsored, local or national. But once you get nominated, you are presented with a nomination certificate which you can then publicize. In this way, you have achieved a goal of recognition and recognition is one of the key steps to credibility.
- Release Related Content To The Public
For publicity, another score would be writing. Introduce ideas and thoughts that you feel would be resourceful to people. When it comes to your product or your company, try to relate it to how it’s relevant to them. Make sure that when people read about your company or profile, not only are they getting to know about you and your company, but they develop an interest in finding out more. You become a hot topic of discussion which will build slow interest. The use of op-eds and thought leadership to increase your profile is a must for boosting your reader’s interest.
- Connect With Influencers & Business Groups
Elected officials and community stakeholders are profitable targets when it comes to introducing your business. Plan meetings with them and make sure you use the time only to get them to understand your business. Build a relationship with them, ask them what you can do for them. This will, in turn, build their interest towards you and that will even result in further interactions and most probably an opportunity to host events, come on TV or even an offer to be advertised on local publications. Alternatively, you could arrange events yourself. This will establish stronger connections and will also seem to others as a golden opportunity to join and work with you. Most likely, this will also catch the attention of congressional delegates or community officials, who in turn will reward you with more publicity.
- Reeling In The Press
If there’s some company accomplishment you want to get out there, then another way to do it is by approaching the press. Write them a precise email and if they refuse, then use your media pages to publicize it. You don’t necessarily have to spend money on a press release. Social Media has become one of the easiest tools for any sort of advertising and has made itself an easily accessible asset. Post photos, your latest accomplishments or a hiring opportunity (if there is any, that is). Social Media is free. Use it to its fullest. You never know what wonders it can work!
So these are the few tips mentioned on publicizing at no cost. Take your chances. Leave no opportunity. Learn to benefit without spending. Progress will catch up with you sooner than you think.