8 Public Relations Tactics for Small Businesses

Public Relations (PR) is an essential part of an integrated marketing strategy for any business, large or small. When executed properly, PR activities can create and maintain a good reputation and help the company manage good relationships with customers.     

Although PR activities may seem costly, there are public relations tactics for small businesses that require little cost. These tactics can help small businesses grow on a limited budget.        

8 Public Relations Tactics for Small Businesses 

These are some public relations tactics for small business growth that create trust and credibility: 

1. Tell your Brand's Story 

Every business, even the smallest, has its own origin story. People love stories, especially ones they can relate to. 

So create an engaging narrative that tells the public why and when you started your business, what motivates you to keep going, and anything that is not confidential. Then share it in your blog posts, social media accounts, podcast interviews, etc.    

2. Set Up Google Alerts 

Next, use Google Alerts to notify you whenever keywords of your choice appear online. You can monitor what people are saying about your brand, product, or service. 

This allows you to understand how your business is being perceived by the public. You can then adjust your campaign to increase positive perceptions and/or counteract negative perceptions, if any. 

3. Barter with Influencers

Working with influencers does not always require a large budget. There are many nano (up to 10000 followers) influencers who are willing to do content barter with brands without getting paid.  

You can reach out to influencers through their DMs or contact influencer management to get a bunch of influencers to promote your product or service for free. The only benefit your company gives them is the product or service.   

4. Create a Creative Content  

Instead of creating a hard-selling advertisement, create creative content that can enrich the audience's insight and help them choose the product or service they need. You can create an engaging video or infographic to attract them. 

5. Show Testimonials 

According to a Qualtrics survey, more than 90% of respondents check online reviews before making a purchase. Therefore, ask your customers to give honest testimonials on Google Reviews or social media. Repost them on your brand's social media account to build credibility.  

6. Publish a Press Release 

A press release has always been a great PR tool to reach a wider audience. By publishing a press release, you give the media outlet fresh content and they give you exposure. So it is a win-win situation. 

If this is the first time you are publishing a press release and you do not know any journalist in the media outlet, contact the press release distribution service. You can send them a draft of your press release. Then let them edit and publish it. 

Remember to write and publish a press release at the right time, such as: launching a new product or business, opening a new office, sponsoring a charity, rebranding, etc.  

7. Get Involved in Community Events    

Get involved in community events by attending or sponsoring them. This is a great way to connect face-to-face with a wider audience and demonstrate your product or service. However, make sure you participate in a good event that is related to your business. 

8. Improve Customer Service 

Customer service is a crucial part of maintaining a good relationship with existing customers and creating a good one with potential customers. So make sure to provide good customer service and experience by having a friendly and sincere attitude and also a proper store set (if your business has an offline store).     

PR is a crucial part of engaging with the public and reaching a wider audience for your business. Small businesses can use these PR tactics above to get a wider audience and maintain good relationships with existing customers.