Smart Start

Cost-effective Public Relations & Marketing for small businesses. Phone: 0870 403 6499

Smart Start
Hammerain House
Hookstone Avenue
Harrogate
North Yorkshire HG2 8ER

Phone: 0870 403 6499

Fax: 01423 873 999

Email: Smart Start

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PR is not just for the big boys (and girls).

Growing your business is about building your reputation and making people aware of what you do. Without a good standing and reputation the business is doomed and when two competitors are equal on cost, reputation can provide the critical edge. That’s where PR comes in.

PR can also help tell your potential customers about you, your business and what you can do for them (and it’s much cheaper and often more effective than advertising).

OK, we would say that ... so here’s what others have to say:

"We also scooted to number one (in the market) so silently our profile was raised more by editorial coverage than by paid–for advertising. Apart from being cheaper, this is much more effective, because it carries more of the weight of objective truth than bought space. But in terms of visibility it is less popularising, while being more efficient in selling to those to whom it is exposed, because those prospectively in the market will be drawn to it. One story can generate a groundswell of editorial coverage that gives you the kind of accreditation that advertising never can."

James Dyson, inventor of the Dual Cyclone vacuum system (from his autobiography, Against the Odds)

"If we had to start again, one of the things we would do differently would be to invest in PR and start it earlier. Press coverage has really lifted our profile and allowed us to talk to more companies about our service."

Alistair Turner and Anthony Coates-Smith from Igloo Thermo-Logistics, who secured investment following an appearance on Dragons' Den.

With a crucial responsibility for both the organisation's identity and its reputation, today’s public relations function can be the key agent of change. This might include a critical role in achieving real competitive advantage by reducing barriers to competition, opening new markets, attracting the best recruits and business partners, enhancing access to funding and investors, creating a premium value for products and services and protecting business in times of crisis.

All organisations, big or small, local or international, private or public can benefit from good public relations.

Chartered Institute of Public Relations

And PR isn't just for big companies using national newspapers or television. Even the smallest business can use publicity opportunities to catch the eye of its local audience.

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