4 Steps To Create A Successful PR Plan For Your Business
Planning a strategy is necessary in every aspect of business, this is equally important when creating a PR plan. Whether looking at the month, quarter or year, there are steps to follow in order to develop a well-structured and carefully thought-through plan.
A PR plan should map out the strategy and activities that will be completed in order to achieve the overall goals. This is a great chance to get ahead of the game and plan campaigns that align with marketing and company objectives.
The ample benefits of planning far outweigh the time it takes to create your plan. Knowing a brief outline of the events and timeline will keep you on track, provide guidance and help you to understand what media outlets might also be focusing on.
Step 1: Write all relevant key dates in the plan
Research Global, Regional, National & Local dates and put them into your calendar of events. From UAE National Day to International Women’s Day, we suggest finding all relevant observances, holidays and days that are celebrated in the region.
Why?
Many publications produce gift guides for occasions, and listings around large events. A good PR plan will find potential angles that focus on key dates. For example, during Fashion Week, Fashion brands might want to consider various angles to contribute to industry discussion, and tailor press releases around street style look.
Step 2: Find a Focus for Each Time Period
Create a monthly focus around a relevant topic or campaign. Once you have decided this, you can make sure that the main press release is tailored towards this subject. To give an example, the month of March celebrates both Mother’s Day in the UAE and International Women’s Day worldwide, therefore, March might be a good month to focus on celebrating female customers and employees.
Why?
The media will also be aware of the monthly dates and key points within the year. This is why planning ahead is so important. This will help you to know what journalists might be looking for when scanning through their inbox. The more on-topic your focus, the more likely it is that your campaigns will be noticed by media. That being said, it is also wise to note that many PR’s will also be doing the same thing, therefore, it is necessary to not over-do it, but create a story that is newsworthy.
Step 3: Think Beyond the Press Release
A PR plan goes well beyond tailoring a press release around a monthly focus. Planning ahead gives a company an opportunity to assess where they can budget for and allocate products to influencer campaigns, radio competitions, television opportunities and more.
Why?
Exposure through print and online media is rewarding and sees ample benefit, however, there have been proven results for influencer marketing and radio campaigns. Diversifying the opportunities and making use of all the platforms available in the region is bound to increase brand awareness and reach the target audience.
Step 4: Always Include a Report
Though a PR plan is not set in stone and elements are likely to change according to circumstances, adding a monthly report into the plan will act as a reminder to maintain consistent media monitoring.
Why?
Account managers will constantly refer to the plan to keep on track with various activities. Therefore, they will also be reminded of the monthly report in which all coverage and activities are shared. In light of this, it is a great idea to write this down as a key activity to act as a motivation to gain coverage and continuously monitor and evaluate the activities.
Is your business in need of a strong PR plan to achieve your company goals? Why not hire a PR agency to support and implement your plans! To discuss this further, send us an email at info@popcomms.ae