What Is Public Relations (aka PR)?
Public relations and media are always changing, and it can be overwhelming for brands to keep up. If you've ever wondered, "What exactly is PR, and how does it help my brand?", you're not alone! At Rani Public Relations, it's one of the most common questions we hear. So let's break it down in a way that's easy to understand.
What is public relations?
At its core, public relations (PR) is a strategic way to build brand awareness. It’s how you introduce your brand to the world and connect with new audiences. Whether it’s getting featured in a magazine, partnering with influencers or hosting a launch event, PR creates opportunities for people to discover and fall in love with your brand.
PR can take many forms, and every brand’s strategy looks a little different. For example:
Media relations shares your brand story through the press. Think interviews, product spotlights or a full-length feature in a media outlet your customers trust.
Influencer partnerships introduce your brand to new audiences on social media by collaborating with influencers, creators and tastemakers who genuinely connect with your message.
Thought leadership positions you as the go-to expert in your field, whether it’s through speaking engagements, awards or sharing your insights in the media.
Branded events and activations create memorable experiences that bring your audience closer, like launch parties, pop-up shops or grand openings.
All of these strategies work together to build a strong foundation for your brand awareness.
Why do brands need PR?
Let’s think about the journey a customer takes before they click “buy.” PR is what plants the seed of awareness in their mind. Maybe they saw your product featured in a magazine, heard about your brand on a podcast or discovered you through their favorite influencer. These moments spark interest and help customers take the next step toward becoming loyal fans.
But PR isn’t just about getting on someone’s radar. It also keeps your audience engaged. For example, a beauty lover who saw your skincare line in Allure might follow you on Instagram but needs a little nudge to make their first purchase. A collaboration with a well-known beauty influencer might be the gentle push they need.
PR can even rekindle relationships with past customers. Let’s say someone bought your best-selling wellness supplement last year but hasn’t shopped with you since. Seeing your newest product featured in a TikTok creator’s wellness routine might remind them how much they love your products and inspire them to shop with you again.
How can brands make the most of PR?
While public relations is a powerful tool, it’s most effective when part of a larger marketing strategy. Think of PR as the spark that builds excitement and credibility, while digital marketing and ads turn that spark into action. Sharing your media coverage on social media, creating ads that highlight your latest media mentions and promoting your press hits in email campaigns can turn brand awareness into a sales tool.
Final thoughts
Public relations is all about storytelling and sharing your brand's message in a way that engages, inspires and connects with people. When it's included in your overall marketing strategy, PR can turn your brand into a true powerhouse.
At Rani Public Relations, we’ve seen the impact that a thoughtful PR strategy can have for lifestyle and CPG brands. If you’re ready to grow your business and explore PR, let's chat!
