2. Network
The start of a new year has always been a time for looking back to the year gone and more importantly, forward to the year ahead. It’s a time to reflect on the changes you want to make and make promises to yourself to actually do something about them this year.
So what are your business New Year resolutions? This year (and even this decade) why not introduce or revamp your public relations strategy for your business. Here is our suggestion for your New Year PR resolutions for 2010.
1. Embrace Social Media
There is nothing to be scared about; social media is just another form of communication. Social media allows any business to engage, listen, share and exchange ideas with consumers in ways that have never been done before. Most importantly – it’s free!
When it comes to social media you need to act just like you would at a New Year’s party; you need to listen, respond, provide interesting conversation, monitor what people like, provide what people like and most importantly be yourself and inject a personality.
To embrace social media in 2010 we suggest you start by creating a Facebook page for your business (read tips on creating a Facebook page), creating a Twitter account for your business, creating a LinkedIn account (read recommendations for LinkedIn) and creating a business blog (read tips on blogging).
2. Network
Networking is an important factor that should be implemented to help you progress in your business or your career in 2010.
According to statistics approximately 75 percent of new business is acquired through referrals or relationship building. There is a similar figure for getting that perfect job. Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. There is an extensive amount of networking opportunities out there just waiting for you to join.
3. Write an Article
Writing and distributing media releases is just one way of getting media coverage. You can also write an article and pitch it to a publication.
Many publications are stretched for resources and welcome well written articles. You can write an article that positions you as an industry expert and offers topical, helpful information. Ensure it is written in an objective, informative and entertaining manner.
Make sure your article is free from blatant advertisement or advertorial. Research which publications your potential clients read, or simply pitch to your major industry publications. This will put you on the path to expert status in your industry in 2010.
Read more on writing an article.
4. Update your website
Search engines like Google, like new, valuable content on websites. These newly updated sites are seen to be providing more timely and relevant information to their visitors. Therefore you should make a resolution to update your website regularly in 2010. The more content you add, the fresher your site is and the more chance your site will rank highly in search results.
If you are stuck for ideas on what to add to your website to keep it fresh, think about what has been happening in your business recently. Did you have any great achievements? Write about them! Readers love to read positive things about your business.
5. Get customer testimonials
Including positive customer testimonials on your website or marketing collateral is a very powerful way to portray your business as an expert and often helps to win new business. Potential customers are much more likely to believe a customer testimonial that praises your product or service then they are to believe your self- written sales text.
Set aside some time in 2010 to either ring or email your customers to ask if they would mind writing a brief testimonial. If they are short for time, ask them quickly to explain what they most like about your service or product and offer to write it up for them.
Remember resolutions are only powerful if you make them happen! CP Communications wishes you a very happy and successful 2010.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
