PR IS HERE TO STAY
While the PTE team is turning sweet 17, our expertise and combined experience spans decades. We’ve seen it all – from the resurgence of old fashion trends, evolving technology, social platforms from YouTube to TikTok, to a worldwide pandemic. We’ve seen seismic shifts in our lifetime and no matter how the tides change or what is thrown our way, one thing is clear – PR is here to stay.
Was it going away to begin with? Not necessarily. Public relations is always evolving and is constantly adapting to what is relevant today. While some statements about the ever-changing world of media are rooted in truth, this blog post covers some of the myths about the “impending doom” of PR and why now more than ever, partnering with a PR agency is essential to stay relevant with the marketing shifts we see today.
MYTH 1: EVERYTHING IS DIGITAL – PRINT IS DEAD
It’s true. We’ve been in a digital world. The internet and social media undoubtedly have made an impact on how we consume and read information and news. This increase and domination of digital media consumption makes it easy to assume that print media is at risk for extinction, especially during a time where many are conscious about our footprint and the planet. But Print IS here to stay and having a trusted PR agency with expertise in print media is handy to have for back pocket strategy moves.
Print is still a highly regarded and trusted news source. Renowned and well-established news publications are considered more credible and filter through the noise of digital media where just about anyone can have a voice and it may be difficult to distinguish between fact or opinion.
Print creates nostalgia. There’s a reason why vinyl records are making a resurgence, or the flip phone is making a comeback. People find joy in the novelty. Flipping the page of a magazine or book gives more satisfaction than a scroll. Additionally, people are finding more connection with disconnection from technology and print allows a consumer to grasp at something tangible.
MYTH 2: AFFILIATE MARKETING IS KING
As we’ve learned in our recent blog post, Affiliate Marketing is essential for any marketing campaign. The surge of screen time and online browsing increased during the pandemic which led to an affiliate marketing boom. Everywhere you read, the affiliate disclaimer is footnoted and there’s no doubt that it is currently riding the digital wave. Many can easily suggest to any brand to abandon their PR agency and put your investment dollars straight into affiliate strategies. This should not be the case!
While many assume publishers are after profits and bottom lines – putting all your eggs in the affiliate basket doesn’t tell a story, specifically yours. Sure, they can add a link and convert to sales, but the narrative and essence gets lost. This is where integrating PR with affiliate strategies allows publicists to pitch angles around the stories publishers want to tell. When a PR agency gets a full 360 view and understanding of who you are and what you want to tell the world, they can tap that to the editors from trusted publications.
The same goes for affiliates in the influencer space. Providing a link and commission will get people talking about the result of your product, but they won’t understand the essence of you. When you partner with a PR agency who gets you, they can tap into the influencers they know and trust that will align with your same message.
MYTH 3: THE WORLD OF MEDIA IS THE SAME EVERYWHERE
While it may seem like every PR strategy is copy-pasted into a playbook, not many understand the curation that it takes to make a brand stand out. Now more than ever, PR has had to evolve with the socio, political, economic shifts and PR is the ticket that has the insight of what’s out there in a global lens.
Act local, think global. The way we consume media is one way in the United States, but experts who understand how it’s viewed in other key markets and worldwide media stages is key. A PR partner with global connections, publications can get your brand beyond your field of vision. This is especially true now more than ever as representation and diversity are paramount. PR for POC, LGBTQIA and female-founded brands require a unique and curated approach that will draw attention and connection to their purpose and story.
PUSH THE ENVELOPE BUSTS THESE MYTHS
There’s no impending doom with PR. In fact, at Push the Envelope PR, we’re just getting started. We’ve got over 17 years of experience building brands from the ground up, proving time and again that our print, digital, affiliate and influencer marketing strategies secure worldwide coverage in a variety of outlets. We have dozens of diverse brands within our portfolio and countless testimonials and successes with gaining global recognition. If you’re interested in learning how we can work together, contact us today.