Public Relations Gets A Bigger Portion of Marketing Budgets

Companies are cutting back spending due to unsettling economic news. Marketing departments are under pressure to do more with less. Many marketers are turning to public relations as a way to increase brand awareness and generate product sales. Larger portions of traditional advertising budgets are being allocated to public relations activities. Marketing in a recession forces companies to re-evaluate their marketing strategy and tactics.

“It only makes sense that smart marketers are making public relations a top priority,” said Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity‘s owner. “With limited budgets, you can achieve great reach and frequency with public relations.” Emery points out that high quality or premium products have a better chance of being included in a publication’s editorial content.

“Selecting an experienced public relations professional increases your odds of getting ink,” Emery recently told fishing manufacturers at the ICAST trade show in Las Vegas. She advised companies to seek out pr firms with established relationships with publishers, editors and writers.

Firefly Publicity has seen in increase in phone calls from companies marketing hunting products. “Hunting products can really benefit from public relations. Hunting publications often field test products and publish the results, ” advised Emery. “Companies are getting ready for SHOT Show and finalizing their marketing plans for their new products.”

Emery also reminded decision makers not to abandon advertising. “Advertising allows companies to control their brand image and determine what’s communicated about their products and where consumers see the message,” said Emery. “Public relations and advertising complement each other. Both are important elements of a marketing plan. I’d never advise anyone to stop advertising and divert all their budget to public relations.”

About Firefly Publicity

Firefly Publicity works closely with writers and editors to place products in media like magazines, newspapers, on-line content, radio and television. Public relations is a cost effective way for companies to maximize their marketing or advertising budget. Firefly Publicity is a results-oriented pr firm located in Red Wing, Minnesota. If you’re interested in gaining exposure for your company’s products, please contact Kim Emery at Firefly Publicity. Visit www.fireflypublicity.com for more information.