Why being a member is great for PR

3rd August 2018 / All, Blog

Are you a member of an association, membership body or business organisation? If so, did you know your PR membership could help you secure press coverage, PR opportunities and even more business?

When journalists go looking for businesses to interview around specific issues and trends, or for comment on the back of the publication of reports or statistics, they often go a calling on the likes of the British Chamber of Commerce, FSB, Enterprise Nation and EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, to name a few.

My top #prthatpays tip is to make sure your membership body is aware of you, your story, and knows that you are happy to be interviewed by the press or act as a case study. Build a relationship with its press office and ask to join its mailing list (if they have one) so you get an email when they put the call out for businesses to interview or put themselves forward to provide comment. Don’t forget to follow them on social media – especially Twitter, where they will also post PR opportunities and media requests.

Many of the bigger PR membership bodies and associations also publish their own reports and are frequently interviewed by the press, so they need businesses like yours to provide comment and bring their reports to life.

I’m a firm believer that you get out what you put in, so take the time to pull together a PR membership action plan – contribute, share your knowledge, and seek out opportunities such as awards, guest blogging, speaker slots, offer referral and discount codes for its members, and maybe even run a masterclass or two. The opportunities are there – go get them and sustain your PR for the long-term building your reputation and relationships.

You don’t just have to take my word for it:

“We get numerous requests for case studies from all types of media, from the trades through to the national written and broadcast outlets. They are an invaluable resource by which we get important messages across to the public and policymakers about the importance of manufacturing.

“It’s not only about ensuring our important voice is heard, however. We’re aware of a number of instances where companies have gained valuable business from appearing in the media, so it can be a win win for companies themselves and our sector.”

Mark Swift, Head of Communications, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.

Find out more

PR that Pays is a PR mentoring programme for PR and comms professionals, business leaders and owners. Delivered by Ellen Carroll to help you achieve and demonstrate real PR impact on your business.  For more details, visit PR that Pays, and to access more #PRthatPays tips, sign-up to my newsletter.

Background image from Unsplash.