Is PR Worth the Wait? How Playing the Long Game Benefits Brands

Patience is a virtue… But we hate to wait.

In a world where instant gratification is the norm, it’s easy to become impatient when it comes to seeing results from PR efforts.

However, for retail brands looking to boost their brand awareness, PR is a long game that requires persistence, patience and a strategic approach.

So, we’re going to tell you why PR is a long game, how long brands should expect to wait before seeing results, and why it’s worth the wait. Read on!

PR is not a one-and-done deal. It’s a long game that requires a sustained effort over time to build momentum, credibility, reputation and trust with your audience. While it may be tempting to send out a single pitch and hope for a miraculous placement, the myth of overnight success is just that – a myth.

To truly succeed in PR, you need to put in a small amount of effort on a regular basis. Start with just a couple of hours each week to connect with media, update your press centre, share your Flaunter links and respond to callouts. Work smarter not harder and use PR tools (like Flaunter) that help you streamline the process and take charge of your own PR without the need for an agency or consultant.

Why PR is a long game?

Unlike ordering your favourite vino from Jimmy Brings, when it comes to PR you can’t just pick up the phone or send a message and expect coverage to magically appear. Successful PR requires a carefully crafted, long-term strategy that’s tailored to your brand’s specific goals and objectives. This includes consistently building relationships with journalists, identifying compelling story angles and securing media coverage that resonates with your target audience.

It’s not just about getting a single story placed, but rather creating a sustained presence in the media that reinforces your brand’s messaging and builds credibility over time. By taking a patient and persistent approach, you can create a strong and lasting PR foundation that delivers real results for your brand.

How long brands should expect to wait before seeing results?

There’s no exact science to predicting when PR efforts will yield results. With every industry, target audience and news cycle being unique, the possibilities are endless. However, as a general rule of thumb, we see most brands achieving media placements anywhere from a few weeks to a few months into their campaign. So, be prepared to wait at least 6 months to see the impact of your PR efforts.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results – keep pushing forward and stay committed to your PR strategy. With the right approach, you’ll be on your way to building a successful and lasting PR foundation that delivers real results for your brand.

Why it’s worth the wait!

Oh, the waiting game… It may seem like PR is taking forever to show results, but trust us, the wait is totally worth it!

Publicity can be hugely beneficial to your brand – enhancing brand recognition and credibility, establishing a competitive advantage, improving relationships, fostering trust and loyalty and amplifying positive feedback from satisfied customers. And we all know that word-of-mouth is the holy grail of advertising.

But that’s not all. PR can boost your website traffic by up to 88% (Meltwater), and increase your sales by up to 400% (AMEC)! So, sit tight, keep calm and stay committed to your PR efforts.

How to play the long game…

Have you ever trained for a marathon? The PR game can feel like one sometimes – it takes time, effort and a solid game plan.

First, get clear on your brand’s goals and know your target audience like the back of your hand. Then, build genuine relationships with journalists and influencers by showing a real interest in their work (don’t just stalk them on social media). And, don’t forget to stay on top of current events and trends, because if you can tie your brand’s message into the zeitgeist, you’ll be one step ahead of the game.

Remember that PR is not a one-and-done deal – it’s a continual process of building trust and credibility. Lace up those sneakers and get ready for the long haul…your PR marathon starts now!

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If you’re thinking about PR as a quick fix, think again. It’s a long-term game that requires patience, persistence and a strategic approach. Brands that prioritise short-term gains over long-term relationships risk burning bridges and damaging their reputation. So, invest in a good PR strategy, use the right tools that’ll make PR and your life easier and embrace the marathon approach – trust us, it’s worth the wait.