Starting your own business can be exciting, satisfying and daunting all at the same time. Spreading the word about your dream business may seem a little overwhelming with all the other tasks you have at hand, but by employing a few simple strategies, you can create a successful Las Vegas public relations plan.
1. Prime your customer base through social media. These networks are great places to start conversations about your idea and how it will offer something unique, solve a nagging problem or make something easier. By introducing your idea before launch, you can build a great foundation and grow an early following.
2. Get to know key writers. These can be respected blog writers, trade journalists or other editors in your industry niche. By establishing these relationships before your launch, you’ll be laying the groundwork for your media relations campaign.
3. Share useful information. Although it’s acceptable to announce news in an old fashioned press release, it can be more helpful to writers to provide educated sources or contribute to a current article. If you can help these writers do their jobs, they may be more likely to help you do yours.
4. Spread the positive vibe. As you begin the conversation about your great idea, keep an eye on what others are saying and writing about it. Make it your job to spread the good news to key media contacts and other potential shareholders in your company to create excitement and anticipation.
5. Collect e-mail information. Be sure to create a one-stop landing page where interested parties can share their contact information. This is the beginning of not only your potential customer list but also the framework of a network that could serve you well for years to come.
6. Tighten your product or service. Be sure to test your product over and over again. Put it through the paces to get all the problems and potential issues resolved before the launch. You want to make sure you capitalize on the initial interest you’ve generated.
7. Get some help online. Several crowd-funding sites exist to not only provide potential money and investors but also to increase publicity for interesting ideas. Check these out to see if any of them may be a partner in product testing, pre-launch announcements, or funding.
8. Be part of a community. Find others who are interested in what you’re doing and form relationships online. These people may not necessarily be customers, but they may be great promoters, partners or suppliers down the road.
9. Get to know the important people. Every industry has well-respected leaders who have been a big part of the industry for decades. Find out who they are and get to know them. Ask them to share their wisdom and get their thoughts and opinions. Through these conversations, you can learn a lot and build some great long-term support.
10. Find a peak time for launch. Once you have a solid product, generate some initial interest and build good relationships, hit the launch button and deliver what you promise. Follow through is key in keeping the public relations momentum moving.
GYC Vegas is a great starting place for Las Vegas public relations advice. Gina Yager brings years of experience to each customer relationship, and has helped many start-ups launch successful businesses.