Most franchisors know that in order to grow, they have to evaluate their plans and implement good systems.
But if you’re not reaching a wider audience that is receptive to joining your franchise family, all the internal improvements aren’t enough.
And, while marketing and advertising are certainly good ways to reach a target audience, they aren’t always the most trusted forms of engagement.
Studies consistently show that more consumers trust third-party, or earned, media far more than any advertising you can buy.
But in order to have consistent media outreach, you need a targeted franchise public relations strategy.
Increase your Exposure
It can be difficult to recruit new franchisees, even if people have heard about your brand. Now imagine how challenging it is if no one knows you exist.
That’s why you need a media outreach strategy to get your name in front of reporters. Most journalists like to hear from knowledgeable sources.
A media relations expert knows what types of stories news reporters are interested in pursuing or the new trends trade magazines are covering. With this knowledge, a media relations expert also knows how to pitch your franchise as an industry trailblazer or you as a thought leader on certain topics.
By appearing regularly in outlets potential franchisees visit, you’ll get your name out to a much wider audience than advertising alone.
Honing the Pitch
Baseball pitchers practice for hours to develop the right grip to toss a fastball. Pitching topics to the media is no different.
You may be the expert on your franchise business model. But that doesn’t make you an expert in how to get reporters interested in covering your company.
For that, you need the right plan, demeanor and contacts. That’s hard to develop when you’re also running a business.
But that’s all a PR media relations professional does for the majority of their working life. Having the best business model may be great, but no one will hear about it if you can’t sell it to reporters, first.
That’s why you should contact the media relations experts at Ripley PR to help pitch your unique attributes. As an Entrepreneur Magazine top franchise public relations agency for six consecutive years, Ripley understands franchising.
And, as former journalists, news editors and communicators, our team understands how to tell your story to the reporters who’ll spread the word to their listeners, readers and viewers.
Call us at (865) 977-1973 or contact us online to get the media talking about your franchise.
