PR for small businesses can sometimes seem like a catch 22. You need PR to help generate your reven ue , and y ou need the revenue to invest in PR. So what can you do in the meantime to help increase your funds? PR Consultant Jess Suter, Director of The Change PR Ltd gives her top tips on generating a buzz with a limited budget.

Research is the Key
Research is the key in PR, I believe. You need to know which journalists will be itching to speak with you about your industry, and which ones won’t – there is nothing worse for both you and the journalist than sending the wrong information to the wrong journalist. You also need to keep a watch on your target publications, invest your time wisely. Why approach a publication with a story they have already published?

Take Your PR Online
The internet gives us many opportunities, and some great ones at that! Most businesses these days can boost their revenue through online exposure. Think, when your desired customer types in your company name, what do you want them to see? You want them to see not just your website, but articles and interviews online where they can get a real feel of how you operate, and how you can help them.

This boosts credibility for you, whilst making the customer more inclined to go with you than your competitors with minimal online media coverage. Stand out from the crowd.

Use PR Forums
Get stuck, have a question? Why not take your questions to PR forums, or business forums like; UK Press and BusinessZone.co.uk. There are so many great places to visit online for advice so why not take advantage of the free and helpful advice.

Master Social Media
Social media is one of the best ways to promote your business, don’t overload people with sales messages, but start developing relationships. Offer a ‘tip of the day’, or provide your expert comment on an industry happening. Best of all it is totally free!

Contract a PR Agency
These days you needn’t contract a PR agency for a full-on campaign. You can contract someone to just write and distribute press releases, manage your online PR, manage article placements etc. You can then utilise the skills of an industry professional without having to sign up to a 12 month contract. Research PR consultancies and shortlist a few that you feel will generate the best results for your industry.

Author: Jess Suter is the Director of The Change PR Ltd. She works with her clients on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they get the best out of their PR. For more information please visit: www.thechangepr.com