PR can help a kasi-based brand improve its reputation and presence within the township as well as reach higher spectrums. Take the popular Soweto Gold beverage, for example, which was originally established in eKasi. It is still currently being brewed in the township of Soweto in order to preserve the vision of a
pure Sowetan beer. A number of brands rising from eKasi fall under small, medium and micro-sized enterprises, which means brands have to utilise their budget wisely — and what better way to do that than to use PR tactics to sell your brand?
Not sure how to start? Well you’re in luck!
media update’s Nakedi Phala is here to break down how kasi brands can reach their goals using PR.
Here are four ways kasi brands can build and grow their brand through PR:
1. Hire a PR agency that understands your brand’s needs
Being a brand based in the township, you’d want to hire a PR firm that understands the business dynamics and culture of your industry in order to reach your goals.
A kasi-based PR company like J Communications can be your first stop, as it is an agency based in the heart of a township with a vast understanding of the township’s communication structure.
J Communications, based in Soweto, offers services that are specifically designed around township business.
The PR company was established by Jabulile Mqoqi, who noticed that brands were struggling to get recognition and brand development. Using a PR firm that understands the kasi culture can help you build a rapport with relevant media contacts or investors. Since a PR company is focused on promoting your brand through communication methods, they’re able to build the desired public perception and brand engagement that can dominate the public domain.
Remember, creating an ideal communications strategy takes time and dedication, so using a kasi-based PR agency can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your brand.
2. Thatha amachance with kasi TV and radio
Some channels a PR agency could look into in order to promote your brand include community radio and TV. Both offer great advantages for kasi brands. For instance, a
community radio station can be streamed on the Internet, which means any discussion about your brand can reach a bigger audience, attracting even those audiences who don’t reside within your township.
PR agencies can help kasi brands get featured on these radio stations by sending a
pitch-perfect press release or interview request to educate audiences about your brand or service.
PR pros have great negotiation skills and they can help you score a mention or interview with radio stations like
Jozi FM, Kasie FM, Sosha FM and Mams FM, just to name a few. These radio stations can help your brand improve and boost its presence in multiple ways.
For example, if your business is hosting an event or part of an event, you can invite the radio station to broadcast live from your venue, giving your brand exclusive coverage.
In terms of
community TV, channels like
Soweto TV and
Tshwane TV, both have programmes that offer township businesses a platform to promote and profile their business. For example, TV shows such as Soweto TV’s
The Big Small Business aims to profile businesses and give tips on how to improve your brand.
Just like with radio stations, if you employ a PR agency, you are giving your brand the opportunity to be featured on one of these TV shows. PR pros have the skills, know-how and contacts to help your brand soar. Just take a look at Soweto Gold.
The previously mentioned kasi brand secured business profiles frequently, allowing the brand to start featuring on prominent TV channels such as eNCA and SABC 3’s
Top Billing. Charity begins at home, and taking advantage of the closely available avenues to promote your brand can help you cement its presence ekasi and open doors for it to be aired on bigger commercial TV channels and radio stations.
3. Be part of kasi events
PR pros can help your brand secure a space at kasi events, specifically those that are designed to help you grow your brand. For example, if your brand is a food chain, a PR pro could design an exclusive pitch that can be used to apply to be part of the famous
Kasi Food and Drink Festival, increasing your brand’s chances of being selected to form part of the event.
Having the services of a PR agency present will promote your brand’s offerings, and PRs can persuade attendees to consider your product or service, which can potentially grow your customer base.
You can also look into initiatives such as the eKasiLabs, which can help your brand discover more opportunities and improve its business activities.
EkasiLabs also offers brands discussion platform, advice on how to be innovative and business development support in case you're a start-up or struggling to break-even.
Being part of an organisation like KasiLabs exposes you to other brands that you can potentially partner up with. PR pros are good negotiators and they can help you create a great proposal that can be used to attract potential partnerships that can lead to a co-marketing relationship or even co-branding partnership.
With a PR agency at their service, kasi brands are bound to reach higher ground. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments section below.
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