PR Hacks

PR Dos and Don'ts: Avoiding Common Mistakes That Can Hinder Brand Awareness

Kate Sarmiento
PR Coordinator and Writer
8 minutes
April 30, 2024

Picture this: You’ve got a fantastic brand, a dream so bright it outshines the North Star. But here’s the thing – getting the word out feels like shouting into the void, only to hear crickets in return. Frustrating, isn't it? It's like hosting a blockbuster movie premiere and realizing the only attendees are your two aunts and that neighbor who always borrows your lawnmower. We've all been there.

But don’t worry, your journey to the spotlight doesn’t have to be a stairway to nowhere. With a few strategic moves and avoiding some all-too-common missteps, you can amp up your brand’s volume and resonate with your audience.



Do: Wear Your Authenticity Like a Badge of Honor

Let’s kick things off with a universal truth – authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your brand's soul. The thing is, audiences have developed a sixth sense for sniffing out the genuine from the gimmicky. So, when you share your story, let it echo your brand's true persona. It’s about connecting, not just broadcasting.


Don’t: Dive In Without a Plan

Ever seen a detective dive into action without piecing together the clues first? Neither have we. The world of PR works on the same principle. Blind outreach is about as effective as fishing in your swimming pool. Knowing your audience, understanding the media landscape, and tailoring your message is akin to setting up a treasure map where X marks the spot of your brand's success.


Do: Get to Know Your Audience Like Your Best Friend

Understanding your audience isn't rocket science—it's more like being a good friend. Know what they like, dislike, and what gets them excited. Align your PR messages with their interests and needs, and voilà, you're on the right track. Use audience targeting strategy and LinkedIn organic targeting to ensure your message resonates with the right people. According to a HubSpot report, companies that prioritize blogging efforts are 13 times more likely to see positive ROI (Source: Hubspot, 2023).


Don't: Play the "Spray and Pray" Game with Your Content

Quality trumps quantity every time. Instead of bombarding the world with generic content, tailor your messages to resonate with your audience. It's like choosing the right playlist for the mood - it makes all the difference. It's about being in the right places that matter, as highlighted in our successful campaigns with brands featured in Forbes and Time Magazine.



FUN FACT

Did you know that the first press release was created by Ivy Lee in 1906? This was a response to a tragic train wreck in Atlantic City for the Pennsylvania Railroad. The positive media coverage it received set the precedent for modern PR practices.



Do: Bask in the Limelight, Gracefully

Here’s the thing – visibility is great, but how do you handle it? That’s where the magic happens. It’s one thing to get your name out there, and quite another to do it in a way that paints your brand in strokes of respect, admiration, and intrigue. It's your moment in the sun; wear your SPF and let your brand’s personality shine without getting burned.


Don’t: Leave Them Hanging

Imagine your favorite TV show ending on a cliffhanger, and then getting canceled. Ouch! The same goes for PR. Securing great coverage isn’t the end; it’s the beginning. Keep the dialogue flowing, engage with your newfound audience, and turn that fleeting moment of fame into a long-term conversation. It's about keeping the spark alive long after the first fireworks.


Do: Get Creative and Be Strategic

From launching creative public relations campaigns to selecting the top press release distribution services, creativity infused with strategy moves mountains. Break the mold with innovative content that captures imaginations. Yet, always anchor your creativity in strategic thinking, ensuring every campaign drives toward your broader brand awareness and business goals.


Dont: Ignore the Metrics

In the PR world, what gets measured gets managed. From tracking the reach of your brand awareness campaign examples to analyzing the impact of your LinkedIn organic targeting efforts, keeping a close eye on your campaigns' performance enables you to pivot and optimize for better results.


Do: Partner with True Believers

This journey? It’s not for solo travelers. The path to the PR journey is best walked with companions who get it – those who know your destination and have trekked the path before. It’s about finding partners who share your vision, understand your challenges, and embody your brand’s essence as if it were their own.



Wrapping it up…

In conclusion, navigating the PR landscape doesn't have to feel like an uphill battle. By embracing authenticity, crafting a plan, truly understanding your audience, valuing quality over quantity, and engaging with your audience long-term, you set the stage for a PR victory.


Your journey to the top is filled with opportunities to shine if you play your cards right—by avoiding common mistakes and harnessing the power of strategic partnerships and precise metric analyses.




Ready to Stop Being a Little Pitch?


We at Don't Be A Little Pitch are all about making sure your brand's voice doesn't just echo into the void. We understand the ins and outs of connecting with audiences in meaningful ways and crafting PR strategies that don’t just shoot blindly but hit the bull’s eye.


We believe in quality engagements, tailored content, and choosing the right battlefields (ahem, platforms) for your brand's story. With us, it's all about creating that perfect pitch that sticks with your audience and sings your brand's praises.


Tired of blending into the background? Ready to make your brand the talk of the town? Let’s get your brand out of the shadows and into the spotlight it deserves. With Don't Be A Little Pitch, you're not just making noise; you're setting the stage for lasting brand resonance.


Book a call with us and watch the magic unfold. Your brand has a story worth hearing. Let's make sure it's told right.


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