It's Nov. 13, 2008. We are in a financial crisis and companies big and small are trying to increase revenue and cut spending. After having my own PR agency and working with a number of fast-growing companies, PR is still the best way to get the greatest return on investment! Now, in this economy, it’s more important than ever to leverage the power of PR to promote your company.

Below is a list of Top 10 tips for companies of all sizes to expand their influencer network using PR:

1. Create an interactive relationship with your key audiences. Now with the emergence of social media, it’s easier than ever to establish an interactive link with your audience where they can easily access your information and keep you in mind. The goal is you want to maximize the top-of-mind awareness for your company with your audience!
2. Effective public relations, including media relations, is a two-way street. Virtual press rooms and interactive press rooms are a great way for you to update your audience members without being in their face. A number of solutions are FREE and companies should definitely take advantage of them!
3. Utilize your networks and share your expertise. Build your company’s awareness and authority by creating a leadership platform around your company’s unique expertise.
4. Start a blog. If you have the expertise, consider casting yourself as an insider; offering how-to tips or sharing other helpful knowledge about your industry.
5. Think of your PR plan of attack and who you want to target. Successful PR is all about targeting the right reporters/ influencers and having them sing your company's praises. The more targeted you are, the more successful your chances are of getting a reporter to respond to your pitch. Read the rest of this entry »