The Elements of Good PR

As a Franchise Public Relations company heavily immersed in all things communications, we stay current in the world of PR.  We frequently read about the idea of “good public relations” and “bad public relations,” but what really makes public relations “good” and what really makes it “bad?”  How do we really measure or determine what is good or bad?  Is the old adage “All PR is good PR” really true?  Perhaps, but here at All Points Public Relations we certainly have our own beliefs on what makes PR “good PR.”  Here are some of the elements of what we believe is “good” PR:

(1) Is Proactive:  Good PR and PR experts are always a step ahead of the game.  It isn't always about the here and now.  Looking to the future and addressing issues that could eventually crop up are a big part of good PR.  Good PR should anticipate what could happen and have a strategic plan mapped out at all times.

(2) Gives measurable results:  What good would a PR campaign be without measureable results?  No good at all.  Good PR makes a measureable impact.  Every client, whether it’s a small business owner or a franchise PR client, is looking for different results and good PR takes that into account and finds a way to reach goals, no matter how big or small.   

(3) Features strong relationships:  Good PR features strong relationships with influential people that have been built on honesty, good communication and hard earned trust coming from experience.  Again, it’s not just about who you know in PR, it is also about the strength of the relationship.

(4) Builds brand support: Good PR builds and sustains brand support by positively impacting consumer behaviors, opening up a steady stream of communication.  Through communication, good PR tells people what they need to know rather than what they want to know, providing relevance to the story being told. 

(5) Tells a good story:  We’ve talked about the power of a good press releases before and this ties in with good PR in general.  It’s more than just who you know in PR.  It’s also about being able to tell a compelling story that can truly move the masses.  Whether it’s journalists that you are pitching stories to or the people reading the story, good PR needs to keep people reading.  Nothing beats the power of a well-told story.  

What do you think makes PR “good” PR?  Let us know in a comment posted below, or feel free to contact us.