A lot has changed since I last posted to this blog, with the biggest thing being that it’s an entirely different year! One of my top goals for 2022 is to post more frequently here. I’ve learned a lot about creativity in the public relations industry over the last two years (has it really been TWO!?) while we’ve constantly had to adjust to new norms. For those of you embarking on an adventure that includes sharing your work with the world, and/or creating + maintaining your creator brand, I want to make sure I’m offering content that helps you with that. What good is learning something new if you can’t share that knowledge with likeminded individuals?
I’m using this space today to map out PR goals that can help you this year. I’m not a huge fan of the term “resolutions” because for some reason, it feels like there’s a lot of pressure tacked onto the back. I firmly believe that goal-setting should be a fun, motivating way to get where you want to be.
Goal 1: This might seem like a no-brainer, but think outside the box. We’re all dealing with Zoom burnout, uncertainty of going out in public, or maybe just overall exhaustion from current events. It’s important to make your creative projects feel fun again. How can you do that? Through connecting. There are a ton of different ways you can collaborate with people in your niche that will feel fun and fulfilling. Join platforms such as:
Reddit: This is a great tool for community building and getting general feedback. You might think of Reddit as a place where people either argue, or are simply asking questions about trivial matters, which can be the case. But it’s also a great place to engage in productive discussion about something you care about. From a PR standpoint, look for threads that discuss parts of your niche. There are literary fiction threads, author threads, photography threads - you name it. You can build a surprisingly big following through networking on Reddit. Don’t sleep on this one!
Medium: I love Medium. It’s a such a unique platform that allows writers to build their networks + readership, and make extra income along the way. If you’re a writer, there are tons of digital publications on Medium that will help you build your thought leadership and audience. Take a deep dive and see if this is something you can incorporate into your publicity plan.
YouTube: YouTube is the second biggest search engine in. The. World. That fact should be enough to get you exploring. Join YouTube live events, ask questions, “like” pages that fit within your creative niche (i.e. nonfiction writers, landscape photographers). Hey, if you feel comfortable, make your own videos sharing YOUR expertise and work. Optimize your channel page and bring visitors to your website to learn more. This is a great way to show the artist behind the work, add personality to your brand, and create community along the way.
Goal 2: Take a class, or join a group of creatives in your local community. Whether you’re already a part of multiple different groups or not, add another one to the mix. You never know who you will meet in group or classroom settings! Maybe you’ll look to your left and see John Grisham. ;)
Goal 3: Don’t put all your eggs in one promotional basket. With the ever-changing social climate, putting all your efforts into one form of publicity isn’t a smart move. For example, if events is your favorite part of the PR process and that’s the ONLY thing you’re willing to do, you’re going to be disappointed with the outcome of your campaign if that component is no longer a possibility. Keep your mind open to different tactics and opportunities.
A personal goal that I have is to post to my blog 2x monthly. One piece will focus on PR and what’s going on in that part of my world, the other will be some sort of entertainment highlight. Y’all know I love my books and TV….! I’m excited to keep connecting here and cheers to a sparkling, fun 2022!
XX,
H