Maximizing PR Impact on a Limited Budget

Alright, listen up. You want to do PR, but you're not exactly swimming in cash. I get it. We've all been there. Well, maybe not all of us, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, here's how you can make a splash without breaking the bank. It's not rocket science, but it's not exactly child's play either. So grab a cup of coffee, or whatever it is you drink to stay sane in this crazy world of public relations, and let's dive in.

Squeezing Every Last Drop Out of Media Coverage

So you got a media mention. Congratulations, you're practically famous. But don't rest on your laurels just yet. Here's what you do:

Content Recycling (It's Not Just for Plastic)

Take that article and turn it into blog posts, newsletter stuff, maybe even one of those fancy infographics the kids are into these days. Just don't copy it word for word, or you'll have the SEO people breathing down your neck. Nobody wants that. It's like having a backseat driver, but for your content. 

Try this: Take the main points from your media coverage and expand on them. Write a blog post that goes deeper into one aspect. Create a "behind the scenes" story about how you got the coverage. The possibilities are endless. Well, not endless, but you get the idea.

Employee Show and Tell

Get your employees to share the news. I know, I know, it sounds like more work for them. But hey, they're on the payroll, might as well put them to use. Give them some pre-written social media posts. It's not like you're asking them to write "War and Peace."

Make it easy for them. Draft a few sample posts, maybe throw in a joke or two. Nothing too wild – we're not trying to go viral here. Just something that says, "Hey, look at this cool thing my company did." And if they happen to add their own personal touch? Even better. It's like free creativity. Who doesn't love free stuff?

Sales Pitch Spice-Up

You've got press coverage? Great. Use it in your sales pitches. It's like a conversation starter, but instead of talking about the weather, you're talking about how great you are. In a tasteful way, of course.

Here's the trick: Weave it into your pitch naturally. Don't just slap them in the face with it. "Oh, by the way, did you see us in the Wall Street Journal?" Smooth. Like butter on a... well, you know. Use it to build credibility. Show them you're not just another face in the crowd. You're a face in the crowd that got noticed by someone important.

Social Media: The Free Buffet of PR

Social media is free. Well, mostly free. Here's how to use it without looking like your uncle trying to be "hip":

Customer Brag Book

Get your happy customers to say nice things about you. You do have happy customers, right? Right? Good. Use their words. It's like having a cheerleading squad, but less peppy and more professional.

Don't just ask for testimonials. Ask for stories. People love stories. It's why we sit through two-hour movies but can't sit still for a five-minute presentation. Get your customers to talk about how your product or service solved a problem. Made their life easier. Saved their cat from a tree. Whatever it is you do.

Glassdoor Gardening

People are going to review you on Glassdoor whether you like it or not. It's like a high school reunion, but online and more judgmental. Try to manage it. Respond to reviews. Show that you're listening. It's not that hard, really.

Here's a pro tip: Don't just respond to the good reviews. That's like only talking to people who agree with you. Boring. Respond to the negative ones too. Be polite, be professional, and for the love of all that is holy, don't get defensive. It's not a courtroom drama. It's a chance to show you can take criticism and maybe even improve. Novel concept, I know.

LinkedIn Thought Leadership (Whatever That Means)

Get your executives on LinkedIn. Have them share "insights." You know, those profound thoughts they have while sipping their morning coffee. It humanizes your brand or something like that.

But here's the kicker: Make sure they actually write it themselves. Or at least sound like they did. Nothing screams "inauthentic" like a CEO post that sounds like it was written by a marketing intern. Which it probably was. But that's beside the point. The goal is to show there are actual humans behind your brand. Quirky, imperfect, coffee-drinking humans.

Your Website: The PR Tool You Forgot About

You have a website. Might as well make it work for you:

The "Look How Great We Are" Page

Put together a press page. Show off your media mentions. It's like a trophy case, but digital and less dusty.

Don't just list your media mentions. That's boring. And we're trying not to be boring here, remember? Instead, create a story around each one. Why was this coverage important? What did it mean for your company? For your customers? Make it interesting. Like a mini-series, but about your PR wins.

Keep It Fresh

Update your press page more than once a millennium. It shows you're still alive and kicking. In the business world, that's half the battle.

Set a reminder if you have to. Every month, look at that press page. Add something new. Remove something old. It's like cleaning out your fridge, but instead of tossing out moldy leftovers, you're keeping your content fresh. And unlike your fridge, people actually want to look at this.

PR on Speed Dial

Can't afford full-time PR?  Here's what you do:

Rent-A-PR-Pro

Get help when you need it. It's like having a superhero on call, but instead of fighting crime, they're fighting bad press. Or generating good press. You know what I mean.

Find a freelancer or a small agency that's willing to work on a project basis. Build a relationship with them. It's like dating, but with less emotional baggage and more press releases. When you need them, they'll be there. 

Crisis Management (Because Stuff Happens)

When something goes wrong (and it will), have someone to call. It's like having a really specific insurance policy.

Here's the thing about crises: They don't schedule appointments. They don't wait until you're ready. They just show up, like that annoying neighbor who always wants to borrow something. Be prepared. Have a plan. Have a person. When the you-know-what hits the fan, you'll be glad you did.

Why Budget PR Isn't the End of the World

Look, PR on a budget isn't easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. Oh wait, everyone is doing it. But now you can do it better. It's not about how much money you have, it's about how creative you can be with the money you do have.

And if all else fails? Well, there's always interpretive dance. I hear it's very expressive. Just make sure someone's filming it. Could be your next viral PR hit. Or a complete disaster. In PR, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.