5 ways PR can generate buzz for your business

Learn the importance of this elusive tactic and how you can get it

When you hear buzzing around a beehive, you know something exciting is going on. You can say the same for business. People tend to gather around wherever things are happening. That’s why it’s vital to generate buzz for your business – and public relations can help.

To increase brand awareness, you must do two things: build a loyal following and get people talking. Creating buzz around your brand is a good place to start, and using a PR firm is the best way to go about it.

What PR can do to put your company in the spotlight:

Show you it’s OK to brag.

No one will know about your good deeds unless you tell them. A PR firm will help to craft your story in the best possible light. They’ll show you what to highlight and how to get the attention of your target audience. For instance, if you’re trying to attract the best and brightest job candidates, find creative ways to showcase your unique office culture or corporate social responsibility efforts.

Make sure you have something interesting to say.

While consistency is great, it’s not exciting. To develop buzz, you have to shake things up. This could be taking an interesting angle on a subject in a media interview, being outspoken on an issue or posting provocative comments on social media. This will help to build credibility and establish you as a thought-leader in your industry. You can also tell a good story to help bring your company to life. The right PR agency will help you discover all the things that make your company stand out and find ways to capitalize on them.

Get your customers to sing your praises.

Your happiest customers can serve as your biggest brand ambassadors. Although it’s fine for you to say you’re great, the message carries more weight when your customers confirm it. With help from a good PR team, eventually you won’t have to run around bragging that you’re the greatest; customers and fans will do it for you. They can do this through online review sites, referrals and talking to the media on your behalf. When they do, be sure to thank them with something special, such as equipment upgrades, discounts or helping them promote their businesses.

Help connect your name to something spectacular.

Everyone is interested in the newest and most up-to-the-minute information, and your company can be the one to give it to them. For example, you can develop or sponsor a study related to your industry or apply for (and win) industry awards, as this lets people know your company is something special. You can also offer something unique and coveted, such as a free college education to the children of long-term employees or on-site health services. In other words, when you do something wonderful, people notice.

Put all available tools at your disposal.

There is no shortage of ways to bring attention to your business. Podcasts, product demos, videos, community initiatives and special contests are just a few of the methods you can use to get people talking. These tools bring your message and product directly to your target audience without having to rely on media coverage.

Creating buzz is not just a catchphrase; it delivers real-world tangible benefits and increases your bottom line. Implementing the best PR strategies to generate buzz for your company takes patience, planning and expertise. It takes a PR agency.

Axia Public Relations will help you build the kind of buzz that brings customers in and keeps them coming back. To learn more, contact us or download our e-book Maximizing Your Public Relations Investment today.

Lisa Goldsberry is a senior blogger for Axia Public Relations with more than 15 years of public relations experience. She specializes in business and technology PR. Lisa has worked for Axia since December 2013. Learn more about Lisa Goldsberry. Connect with Axia on Twitter @axiapr or tell us what you think in the comments below.