Public relations (PR)

Public relations (PR) means getting people to talk and think about your business in a positive way. It can be an important part of your marketing plan. 

It's a way to get good publicity without advertising. Also if there's ever a problem facing your business it helps you deal effectively with it.

You can use PR to attract and impress people such as customers, suppliers, distributors, banks and other lenders, potential employees and possible business partners.

PR isn't just for big companies using national newspapers or television. Even the smallest business can use publicity opportunities to catch the eye of its local audience and promote itself online to reach a wider customer base.

This guide covers the advantages and disadvantages of public relations, how to develop your public relations plan and dealing with bad publicity.