From Buzz to Branding in Public Relations: Josh Hatcher’s At It Again!
In modern marketing, the mention of marketing strategies often conjures images of paid advertisements or meticulously curated social media campaigns. But Josh Hatcher, VP of Client Success at Grand River Agency introduces us to a form of marketing that stands in a league of its own: strategic public relations (PR).
Beyond its conventional image, well-crafted and well-coordinated PR has the power to surpass paid advertising and even facilitate organic engagement across all platforms. There’s something to be said for earned media and building brand awareness through engaging in honest community dialog. (Helpful hint: it takes more than churning out press releases alone to build a public relations juggernaut that promotes your organizational mission AND your valued place within the communities you serve.)
(Read Josh’s latest blog for Grand River Agency here.)
Defining the Terms: Publicity & Public Relations
To comprehend the potency of strategic PR, it’s crucial to distinguish between publicity and public relations. Publicity involves grabbing media attention, while public relations centers around maintaining a favorable public image. By integrating these aspects into your marketing strategy, you can create a lasting buzz around your organization, often more impactful and memorable than other pay-to-play marketing avenues.
Harnessing the Power of Publicity
Undoubtedly, advertising has its merits, particularly when we witness the colossal budgets forked out by THE BIG GUYS who inherently enjoy an unfair advantage in influencing hearts and minds. However, for organizations with more modest resources, there lies an opportunity in campaigns that don’t drain the bank account. The solution? Unleash the potential of earned media, a facet of publicity that can significantly amplify your brand without substantial financial investment.
Strategic Public Relations: A Path to Earned Media
Josh Hatcher, a strategic communications expert with over 20 years of experience, offers compelling anecdotes to illustrate the potential of strategic PR in generating earned media. He recounts how a simple press release about a friend’s innovative garage project reached millions of eyes through the Associated Press. The impact of this organic coverage was staggering, demonstrating that a well-crafted story can garner attention far beyond the realms of paid advertising.
