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How Much Does Reputation (PR) Really Matter

Would desperate first-time buyers actually shy away from a mortgage deal because of the banks’ bad reputation?

When asked how important it is that a company, from which they are considering buying, shows a high degree of social responsibility, around 29 percent of the general population would say it is 'very important'. But among the brand influencers, around 43 percent would find corporate responsibility very important (source: PR Week).

So what about YOU? What does your REPUTATION say about you? Your reputation is key in public relations. When you are out visiting potential customers, your reputation possibly made it to the appointment first!

Public Relations

For PR, firstly we need to identify who our “public” is. Consider the people who we would want to think good things about us and our companies:

• Employees
• Customers
• Prospects
• Investors
• Colleagues
• Suppliers
• The local community

Perhaps it is all of those groups...

It really is very important to remember that PR is not just Customer Relations but encompasses everyone we meet or are involved with. PR is all about the impression our companies give, and remember it’s the people that make a company. This is all about us and our REPUTATON.

Using social media can enhance your profile, your communication and add to your credibility online, and all for a very small budget.

The Difference Between PR and Advertisement

Using social media can enhance your profile, your communication and add to your credibility online, and all for a very small budget.

The aim of PR is to promote your products or services, show off your brand, and make people aware of the good things about you, your business, your company services or products. We all know that business is not a level playing field. Your competitors may use everything in their power to make sure they are seen more than you are, and so you may have no choice but to fight back.

The thing that should make you stand out from the crowd though will be your reputation. You may have the same offering at the same price as Joe Blogs down the road, but you have the experience and the knowledge. You have standards and testimonials; you have YOUR reputation. That’s what makes you special, and that’s what often closes the deal.

Online PR is no different and social media should be considered an integral part of your marketing mix.

This article series will hopefully give you some inspiration and motivation to use social media PR in your own business.