5 Mistakes to Avoid When Picking a PR Firm

Public relations is an essential pillar for any interior designer. With PR, interior designers can focus their brand and portray it in the best possible light. PR demands a lot of strategic and tactical planning to ensure that you maintain your brand reputation. Most interior designers prefer to outsource their public relations because of the time and effort necessary to manage PR campaigns, which can keep designers from working on other important tasks.

Outsourcing your public relations can help build trust and authority for your brand. While this is all great, hiring the wrong PR firm can become a nightmare. These outsourcing mistakes range from minor issues to major hiring pitfalls that can be costly to your business. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when picking a PR firm.

1. Choosing an Interior Design PR Agency Without a Defined Plan

Mistake No. 1 is entering a contract with a public relations firm without clear goals. You want to be sure your plans and objectives are realistic. Why do you need PR? What are your goals, objectives, and target audience? Which members of the press will you target? What's the best method to reach out to them? Answering these questions may prevent you from signing up for services that you do not need and will also better enable you to monitor the success of your PR program.

2. Disregarding a PR Firm's Experience

When disaster strikes for your brand, you want to be sure you have a PR firm that has the experience to navigate the storm. Public relations can take years to master, and the right PR firm can help you take control of the narrative. You need to pick a PR firm with a proven track record. Do they specialize in interior design? Specialized experts may have insights that can be key in dictating your PR strategies. Rookie mistakes, no matter how small, can be problematic.

3. Confusing PR Firms with Advertising

Many companies view public relations as advertising. The difference between PR and advertising is that ads create brand awareness through paid channels. PR for interior designers involves strategic communication that builds a relationship between your interior design company and your target audience. Some firms offer hybrid solutions that cut across both industries.

4. Not Flagging Non-Disclosure or Dishonesty

Some PR firms create unrealistic expectations through 'shiny' proposals as they pitch their services. Be wary of companies selling 'secret sauce' pitches without any real solutions to your business. You may also need to be upfront with the company you hire about the skeletons in your closet. It allows the PR firm to actively manage your online reputation as well as prepare for a response plan if the worst-case scenario happens.

5. Ignoring References

Testimonials from current and previous clients can reveal vital information on an individual PR firms' strengths and weaknesses. Look at past press placements they have landed for their clients to make sure they have relationships with the top 5 publications you’d like to be published in.

Outsourcing PR for interior designers is an excellent way to build your brand. Avoiding the five pitfalls above makes it easier to find a company that will push your business to greater heights. A Design Partnership is ready to discuss your PR goals to expand your presence in the interior design space.

We have years of experience and have built strong relationships with editors in the shelter industry to help our clients get their story out and finally see their name in their favorite magazines. Click here to schedule a Complimentary Brand Consultation.