subject: How A Pr Firm Can Provide Value Via Social Media? [print this page] PR professionals are using social media extensively to get positive spotlight for their clients and to interact with customers. Twitter, FB, and LinkedIn have quickly become important elements of every PR strategy.
Social media is a great platform for creating a long-lasting impact of PR, especially if aligned with the PR goals and projected ROI for the client.
Social Media Gives an Authentic Touch
Kiran Bedi is one such personality who has embraced social media in a big way. On Twitter, @thekiranbedi has nearly 386,465 followers - perhaps making her more popular than most actors. The former Cop also has a blog from which she shares the information in public interests.
There are huge possibilities from a PR perspective for personalities who use social media.
Building Brand Loyalty
For well-known brands, the goals for public relations are different than with other brands. Working with a very well-liked brand, its both hard and easy to get conversations going.
The approach that works for PR pros in such a case has been figuring out ways to develop brand loyalty and turn customers into fans. One method is utilizing the Twitter account for giveaways and promotions.
A dedicated FB fan page has provided PR pros a simple way to build brand loyalty without investing too much hard work, time and resources.
PR firms are about communication.
Sending the right brand message to the audience. Earlier it was one way but with Social Media PR firms are now utilizing a more powerful medium. From brand reputation management to improved engagement and interaction, PR firms help create effective communication strategies in Social Media.
Tools of the Social Media Trade
Blogging, for instance, is one way the company can share stories apart from press releases. People want to hear what a corporate CEO has to say. Hundreds of thousands of people are following corporate blogs every day.
It isnt about just putting a PR pitch on Twitter or Facebook; its about using the platforms in ways that help clients to connect.
Accessibility:
The customers have a voice now, with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others. As a company, you have access to the same online tools that your customers do. Listening and responding to consumers can have a tremendous impact on future sales.
Monitoring the Interest Zone
PR professionals can keep a tab on the pulse of the latest news about their field or client. PR people regularly monitor all the right blogs, social networks and other forums. They then instruct you to respond, comment, or react on your blog as necessary.
PR firms can leverage the social media for generating awareness about their client's brand or product. Needless to say the PR industry has been revigorized by the challenge of Web 2.0; and they have risen to it.
