Public Relations FAQs

Why do I need PR? I already have a Marketing plan under way.
There are two good reasons to add Public Relations to your advertising plan. First, it is a very cost-effective way to obtain publicity in the various media outlets to supplement or even replace paid advertising. For example, a PR rep pitching ideas about your organization in the San Diego Union-Tribune may result in a story and photo about you that will attract a lot of attention. This is a much better return on investment than what it would have cost you to buy an ad of comparable size and prominence.

Second, PR gives you coverage in the news which validates your efforts and adds prestige and weight paid advertising cannot. The same reader who might flip by quarter-page ads, or change channels when your TV ad comes on, will not only pay attention to a feature story about you, but he will also be impressed that your organization was important and interesting enough to warrant a story. Editorial content carries more weight than advertising because you did not create it yourself or pay for it to be included in the media.

I can't afford PR in addition to paying for the rest of my Marketing efforts.
On the contrary -- you can't afford not to include PR as part of your marketing plan. The first mistake companies of any size make in an uncertain economy is to cut PR efforts to reduce costs. Communicating your activities and achievements to the public is essential to the success of any organization, and there is no more cost-effective way to do so than with PR. Especially if you cannot afford your own internal PR department, hiring an independent PR expert is the solution for you.

Can't I just make a call to my ad rep at the newspaper or TV station?
The quickest way to annoy the editors who decide what stories to cover is to have your ad rep pester them on your behalf. Buying advertising in the newspaper or on television won't guarantee you editorial coverage, and your ad rep can even make things worse for you by pleading your case to the news side. At STPR we have long-term relationships built up with the editors of leading publications and media outlets in San Diego and Southern California. They know they can trust us when we approach them with a story idea. We will put that confidence to work for you.

I really only need some coverage for an upcoming special event. Do I have to invest in a long-term PR plan?
Although integrating PR into your marketing plan is the ideal way to go, STPR can also work with you to achieve your publicity goals for a specific short-term project or special event.

Why should I go with STPR?
STPR has the experience and media contacts to help you achieve your communications goals. In STPR you have a partner who is flexible and responsive to your needs, delivering the maximum return on your investment.

How do I get started?
Call or email us today to arrange a consultation.