In Nigeria, as in many other countries, public relations (PR) is an essential aspect of brand management and business success. Effective PR strategies help businesses establish a strong presence in the market, build trust with customers and stakeholders, and maintain a positive image. However, not investing in PR can lead to several disadvantages, which can adversely affect a brand’s growth and reputation in the long run.

In a recent interview with Olanrewaju Alaka, a seasoned public relations expert who manages multiple brands like Poshglowskincare, he shared his thoughts on the importance of public relations for businesses and urged brands to embrace PR as a crucial element in their overall strategy. He emphasized that while generating revenue is important, companies must not neglect the impact of maintaining a strong public image and engaging with their stakeholders effectively.

Olanrewaju pointed out that many brands mistakenly believe that public relations is limited to press releases or interviews, when in reality, it encompasses much more. “Public relations involves strategically managing a brand’s reputation and communication with its stakeholders. It’s about nurturing relationships, conveying the right messages, and ensuring that a brand’s image remains positive, even during times of crisis,” he explained.

He went on to highlight the importance of a good reputation, regardless of a brand’s size. “Brands are doing well in their marketing efforts, but they need to start embracing PR and doing it well. It’s not just about hiring expensive PR agencies; brands can make daily conscious efforts to complement their marketing efforts with PR. Essentially, it’s about how they relate with their stakeholders and how they want their audience to perceive them.”

Laerryblue stressed that brands should prioritize their audience and make them feel important. “The people come first, and brands need to invest in them through PR. How a brand communicates matters, and that’s where PR comes in. If brands can truly understand that the people come first, it will shape their messaging tone and make them more inclined to carry their audience along.”

In conclusion, Olanrewaju advises businesses to invest in public relations and make it an integral part of their overall strategy. “Good PR begins with your communications and your brand platforms. Start by focusing on nurturing relationships with your stakeholders and consistently conveying positive messages. In doing so, you’ll build a strong reputation, a loyal fan base, and ultimately, a more successful brand.”

This insightful interview with Olanrewaju serves as an encouraging call to action for brands to start prioritizing public relations. By taking his professional advice, companies can strengthen their reputation and overall success, making PR an invaluable investment.