So you’ve hired a PR firm for your project and you’re about to start the campaign but you’re wondering “what do I need to give to my PR firm to get the most out of my campaign?” Fear not, we are here to help. Listed below is a checklist of a few things you will need to start your campaign with a bang.
Disclosure: As complete as we have tried to make this list, always ask your firm upfront what they need from you to ensure they everything they need to create the best campaign for your project.
Visual collateral
- Images and videos are important to make any news story pop. Make sure you have good publicity images and video that are bright, tell your story and highlight your key messages.
Credit: Apple
Contacts
- This list should have names, titles, areas of expertise, locations, phone numbers, emails, interview availability and a short bio of all those you want to be involved in the campaign. This will allow your firm to make direct contact and avoid back and forth emails trying to find whom to contact. It is also important to include contacts that will respond within a four-hour window in case there is information/action required immediately. PR firms regularly send out press breaks (coverage hits) and providing them with a list of those you want those hits sent to will make sure everyone is informed about how your campaign is running.
Credit: Nick Riley Architect
Availability schedules
- Providing your PR team with a schedule listing those who are available for interviews and when they are available is essential. The last thing you want is to pull out of an interview at the last second because there was a mix up in scheduling. This list ensures that your PR firm can get you coverage with representatives of your campaign and have the interviews go off without a hitch. This list should be a part of your contacts list.
Credit: FVA
Your digital handles
- Provide a list with social media handles (Twitter, Instagram & Facebook) along with your website information so that your team knows who to tag when they promote online. Tagging your team gets the most eyeballs directed towards your project.
Credit: Social Media Examiner
Past media presence
- It is important that your PR firm is “in the know” with your campaign and what has been said about it. Send your PR team past clippings, coverage reports and past press releases. This will make sure they pitch your idea in a new and creative way.
Credit: Faces Places Spaces
Breakdown of what you want public and what you don’t
- This ties into your key messaging. Providing a list of what you want to be publicized and what you don’t will allow your firm to craft their campaign around it.
Credit: The Guardian
List of important events during your launch
- From the beginning, give your PR firm a list of all the events included in your campaign. Your firm regularly interacts with the media and it is important that they can give journalists as much lead time as possible and give them all the information in one place. Journalists will plan their coverage based on your event schedule so make sure you have all events laid out prior to the beginning of the campaign.
Credit: Summit Media
List of any special guests
- Special guests are a large pull for journalists. Giving your PR firm a list of special guests at your events or who are a part of your campaign will ensure they can get the best coverage possible for you.
Credit: TIFF
Looking for more tips? Feel free to contact us for a consultation on how to make a splash for your next project.
