11 Jul PR FUTURIST AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS?
Between working as a PR futurist and keynote speaking and consulting for public relations firms, it still surprises me how much organizations don’t know about what communications pros do for a living. Keeping this in mind, I thought we should talk about the topic, and what organizations in the space can do for you. Below, you’ll find a PR futurist’s take on how public relations agencies can help you build and grow your business. In fact, let’s think about why many clients turn to them:
Industry acumen. As PR futurists note, public relations firms have specialized expertise and experience in managing media relations, brand messaging, crisis communication, and more. They can supplement or replace an in-house communications team.
Strategic counsel. Top organizations here provide strategic guidance on how to improve public perception, strengthen brand reputation, navigate challenging issues, and achieve key communication goals… and take an objective, big-picture view.
Media connections and influence. Established PR firms have close relationships with key media outlets and journalists and know how to effectively pitch stories and maximize positive media coverage for clients.
Extra bandwidth. Outside agencies provide extra hands to help with projects like media outreach, event planning, content creation, social media management, and community engagement – bandwidth that helps expand a company’s PR capabilities.
Crisis management. When a crisis hits, like PR futurists remind, professional firms have the experience to help shape the narrative, minimize damage, and rebuild trust. Moreover, many can help augment or take over crisis communication response.
Awareness and engagement. Agencies in the space execute campaigns to raise brand awareness, increase community engagement, and drive meaningful connections with key audiences like customers, investors, partners, and policymakers.
Creativity. Top PR firms approach communication challenges in innovative ways. They conceptualize creative campaigns, messages, media strategies, digital tactics, and brand experiences that cut through the clutter.
Global reach (for global firms). For multinational companies, large agencies provide coordinated PR and communication services across many regions and countries, not to mention understand local markets and cultural nuances.
Reduced long-term costs. Although agency fees can seem high at first, they often reduce expenses for clients in the long run by minimizing the need for additional internal PR staff and resources. Fixed project fees also cap costs.
In summary, as PR futurists have observed, outside agencies tend to deliver valuable expertise, strategic insight, connections, extra capacity and support work that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to build in-house.
