PR: the basics

Introduction

PR - or public relations - means getting people to talk and think about your business in a positive way. It can be a vital weapon in your business' armoury.

It's a way to get good publicity without advertising. Also if there's ever a problem facing your business it helps you deal with it effectively.

You can use PR to attract and impress people such as customers, suppliers, distributors, banks and other lenders, potential employees and possible business partners.

PR isn't just for big companies using national newspapers or television. Even the smallest business can use publicity opportunities to catch the eye of its local audience.

This guide will help you generate positive media coverage and identify the media you should target. It will also tell you how you can go about writing a press release and give you tips for dealing with bad publicity.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Identifying your target media
• How to get media coverage
• Building contacts with the media
• Dealing with bad publicity
• Should I use a PR agency?
• Writing an effective press release
• Get coverage for your press release
• Sample press release for a local newspaper
• Non-media PR

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