This article outlines how small and medium enterprises can leverage fractional public relations services without the need to deploy a full-time team, making professional PR accessible and scalable for growing businesses.
Startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face a unique set of challenges when it comes to public relations (PR). Generating publicity may get you noticed by your customers, potential employees, and even investors.
However, in a world crowded with traditional and online media, KOLs, creators, and social media, getting publicity can be hard without a PR agency.
Traditional PR models often require long-term commitments that may not be workable for smaller businesses with limited resources; particularly in this current economic climate.
Yet there is a model gaining more popularity and that's fractional PR.
Fractional PR Defined
Fractional public relations is a flexible, cost-effective model that enables businesses to access seasoned PR experts either as a standalone solution or as an extension of their existing in-house or external marketing and communications function.
Fractional Vs Freelance
Fractional PR isn't just a posh way of saying freelance PR. There are distinct differences.
For example, PR freelancers typically offer specialised, à la carte services, such as media outreach, content creation, or event planning, and are tasked with that specific job.
In contrast, fractional PR professionals provide a more strategic and ongoing PR function on a standalone basis or acting as an extension of the client's in-house marketing or communications team.
Key Benefits
Cost Savings
Fractional PR is a cost-effective solution compared to hiring a full-time in-house or external PR team and at a rate that is substantially lower than the cost of a full-time PR professional.
Scalable Budgeting
Businesses can adjust their PR budget based on their growth stage, campaign requirements, and funds.
Improved ROI
By tapping into the specialized expertise of a fractional PR director, startups and SMEs can see a higher return. This is due to the extensive industry knowledge, media relationships, how to overcome challenges, and proven strategies to build the brand, coverage, and lead generation.
Avoid Hiring Costs
The process of recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding a full-time PR agency can be time-consuming and costly. Fractional PR eliminates these hiring-related expenses, allowing businesses to access top-tier PR talent with no associated costs.
Agency Knowledge
When the startup or SME is on an upward growth trajectory, then the fractional communications director can play a role in providing a recommended shortlist of agencies they know will be a perfect fit. This may even involve the RFP, interview, and selection process.
These are just a few of the many benefits a fractional chief communications officer can bring to a startup and SMEs and also to larger organisations seeking to build a division, promote a product segment, or looking to experiment with a different model.
Overall, the fractional public relations model offers startups and SMEs a compelling value proposition, allowing them to access professional PR services while enjoying the flexibility, scalability, and improved return on investment that this approach provides.
Contact Us
If you are a startup, SME, or international organisation looking for fractional PR services, Eight PR can help. Whether you're seeking an English or Chinese (bilingual and trilingual) fractional corporate communications lead, PR director, or digital manager or other, we can help. Email us at Hello@Eightpr.com
About Eight PR (www.eightpr.com)
Eight Public Relations is a leading Hong Kong public relations firm specializing in legal, technology, and financial services PR. We develop tailored, innovative strategies to build client reputations, drive growth opportunities, and establish brands through strategic media relations, executive profiling, compelling content, and leveraging an extensive global B2B network.