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Mastering the Art of PR with Laura Fryer

Date
  • Andy Blechman
    Andy Blechman

Introduction

Getting press, or Public Relations (PR), is an essential tool in the arsenal of any business looking to expand its reach and influence. In a recent Bottle coffee chat with Laura Fryer of Blue Hominy, we explored the intricacies of effective PR strategies and gained invaluable insights into making PR work for your food and beverage brand. 

The tl;dr:

This was a great chat where we unpacked the often misunderstood world of public relations. With a rich background in hospitality PR and a deep understanding of media relations, Laura shared her journey and practical tips for businesses aiming to harness the power of PR.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Understand Your Audience: Knowing what the media and your customers find interesting is the first step toward effective PR.
  2. Cultivate Media Relationships: Regular interaction with journalists through social media and other channels can make your brand a go-to source when they need a story.
  3. Be Responsive and Reliable: Quick and helpful responses to media inquiries can solidify your reputation as a valuable source.
  4. Leverage Local Opportunities: Don't overlook local media, which can be highly effective in reaching your immediate community.
  5. Think Long-Term: PR is a long game; the relationships you build today can lead to valuable coverage down the road.
  6. Measure and Adapt: Use tools to track the effectiveness of your PR strategies and be prepared to adapt based on what the data tells you.

Core Insights For Elevating Your PR Game:

  • PR Fundamentals: Laura emphasizes that PR is about storytelling and creating buzz around your brand. It's not just sending out press releases; it's about building relationships with the media and being strategic about your communications.
  • Building Relationships: Success in PR often hinges on personal relationships with journalists and media personnel. Laura suggests actively engaging with media professionals, understanding their interests, and providing them with relevant and compelling stories.
  • Strategic Storytelling: Crafting your brand's story in a way that resonates with both media gatekeepers and your audience is crucial. Maintaining a focus on the unique angles of your story that align with current media trends and reader interests is a key strategy. 
  • Measuring PR Success: While challenging, measuring the impact of PR activities is possible through various metrics like media impressions and the more qualitative aspects of brand recognition and credibility in the market.

Conclusion:

While PR can be complex, a strategic approach tailored to your specific business needs can yield significant benefits. From enhancing brand visibility to establishing trust and authority in your market, the right PR strategies are invaluable.

Check out the talk here: