As we approach the start of a new year, it’s essential to start planning ahead and taking the time to strategically plan how to elevate your business through effective PR and digital marketing strategies.
We recently hosted a PR and Digital Marketing Taster Session at our Ipswich office. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear from local businesses about the challenges and opportunities they face and provide some guidance and recommendations.
It was a positive discussion full of useful insights. So, here are some of the solutions to the most asked questions we receive to help you get ahead in 2025.
1. Why do I need PR and Digital marketing?
Investing in PR and digital marketing is essential for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Effective PR enhances brand awareness and credibility by building a strong public image and fostering trust among stakeholders. Digital marketing complements this by driving growth through targeted campaigns that reach and engage audiences where they spend their time—online. Together, they allow businesses to communicate their value proposition effectively, generate leads, and convert them into loyal customers. Additionally, staying ahead of evolving digital and industry trends ensures that businesses remain relevant and competitive, adapting to changing consumer behaviours and market demands. By integrating PR and digital marketing strategies, companies can future-proof their brand while achieving measurable results.
2. How to do I maximise return?
To maximise return on investment in PR and digital marketing, make sure you’ve got clearly defined core messages that resonate with your stakeholders and reflects your values and ambition. Take the time to refresh your messaging and to make sure it’s consistent across all your platforms and channels. Businesses must prioritise clear objectives and outcomes from the outset. Setting measurable goals—such as increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or enhancing reputation—ensures every effort is aligned with desired results. Strategic planning is key, focusing on campaigns that resonate with target audiences and deliver tailored messaging across the most effective channels.
Regular performance analysis is equally critical, allowing businesses to assess what is working, refine their approach, and reallocate resources for maximum impact. By combining creativity with data-driven decision-making, businesses can optimise their investment, ensuring each initiative contributes meaningfully to long-term growth and measurable success.
3. I’m finding PR and digital marketing overwhelming?
PR and digital marketing can feel overwhelming, but simplifying the process begins with understanding your target audience and focusing on the most relevant channels.
Start by creating detailed audience profiles to identify their preferences, behaviours, and the platforms they engage with most. This insight enables you to prioritise efforts, ensuring your messaging is tailored and delivered where it will have the greatest impact. By concentrating on a few key channels rather than trying to be everywhere, you can streamline your strategy, maximise efficiency, and reduce unnecessary workload. Regularly evaluating what works and refining your approach will help maintain focus and ensure your efforts remain manageable and effective.
4. Should we still use X (Twitter)?
Deciding whether to use X (formerly Twitter) or switch to Bluesky depends on your organisation’s goals and audience. X remains a powerful platform for connecting with journalists, engaging in real-time discussions, and amplifying messages to a broad audience. Its established user base and advanced features, like lists and trending topics, make it an effective tool for PR campaigns and news dissemination. However, Bluesky, as a newer platform, may offer opportunities to engage with a more niche, forward-thinking audience, particularly if your brand targets early adopters or tech-savvy demographics.
Businesses should evaluate where their audience is most active and consider maintaining a presence on X for media relations while experimenting with Bluesky to stay ahead of emerging digital trends.
Read our blog about getting started on Bluesky.
5. When should I post on social media?
The optimal time for businesses to post on social media varies by platform, industry, and audience behaviour, making it essential to tailor your approach. Platforms like LinkedIn are often most effective during business hours, while Instagram or Facebook may see higher engagement in the evenings or weekends. Similarly, industries catering to professionals might benefit from weekday posts, whereas leisure or retail brands may achieve better results during off-hours or weekends. To determine the best times, businesses should analyse their audience’s online habits and test different posting schedules. Additionally, it’s crucial to have a team in place to respond promptly to comments and messages, ensuring consistent engagement and fostering strong relationships with followers.
Interested in hearing more or attending our events in 2025? Sign up to our newsletter at https://www.plmr.co.uk/genesis-newsletter-signup-form
