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If you’re looking for ways to unlock an entirely new level of success for your manufacturing company, public relations is your answer. Understanding and harnessing the power of PR can be the game-changer your business needs.

This article will dive deep into the world of public relations in manufacturing. You’ll find out why it matters and how it can benefit your company. You’ll also learn five effective strategies to boost your manufacturing company’s public relations game. Let’s get started!

Why Public Relations Is Crucial in Manufacturing

Some manufacturing companies seem to be able to attract customers effortlessly. You hear others in the industry talking about them and see important web portals covering the companies’ latest news. That’s the beauty of effective PR. Public relations in manufacturing is not just about crafting press releases again and again. It’s about shaping your brand’s identity, story, and perception.

Here are some of the many benefits of good PR:

  • It helps communicate the company’s value. Do you have a remarkable product but struggle to make people understand why it’s extraordinary? Public relations can bridge that gap. It’s the medium that allows you to communicate your company’s value proposition in a way that resonates with your target audience. Done well, it’s not just about saying, “We make great products,” but about showing how those products solve real-world problems.
  • It helps build a good reputation. In a world filled with choices, people tend to rely on brands they trust. Building a solid reputation takes time, effort, and strategic thinking. Professional PR services can help you craft a narrative that highlights your company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. A sterling reputation created by public relations specialists can become your company’s most valuable asset.
  • It helps boost visibility. Remember this golden rule of PR: Out of sight, out of mind—especially in the digital realm. But how do you stand out in a sea of manufacturing companies? Public relations can position your brand as an industry thought leader. Imagine having your insights quoted in major industry publications or being invited to speak at prestigious conferences. That’s the kind of visibility strategic public relations efforts can bring.
  • It helps create interest. Do you want to be the talk of the industry? PR can make it happen. By leveraging compelling storytelling, intriguing angles, and expertly crafted content, you can pique the interest of your target audience. This interest can translate into leads, partnerships, and collaborations that propel your manufacturing company forward.

Now that you know why PR is a must-have for manufacturing companies, it’s time to learn some practical advice on how to implement these strategies effectively and transform your brand’s presence.

5 Effective Strategies for Boosting a Manufacturing Company’s Public Relations
Having a solid PR strategy is critical for any industrial company. A well-thought-out tactic can shape how the company is perceived, fostering trust and credibility among prospective and current customers as well as partners.Here are five actionable strategies that can take your manufacturing company’s PR efforts to the next level:

1. Get Published in Industry Trade Publications

Have you ever picked up an industry magazine and thought, “I wish my company was featured here”? Well, it’s time to make that wish a reality.
Industry trade publications serve as gateways to your target audience, allowing you to showcase your expertise, insights, and innovations. By contributing valuable content to these publications, you position your manufacturing company as a thought leader while gaining exposure to a highly relevant audience.
Let’s take a look at Axium Process, which specializes in process filtration systems, hygienic engineering design, and manufacturing. They have perfected the art of leveraging industry trade publications to their advantage. Recognizing the power of sharing their technical expertise, they regularly contribute articles to magazines such as Manufacturing Today.
Check out one of the company’s articles:

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The articles typically delve into emerging trends, technological advancements, and best practices in their niche. This strategy helps establish the brand as an expert and sparks curiosity among potential customers and collaborators.

So, what do you do to get published in the first place? Research the most relevant trade publications in your industry. Develop insightful and informative articles that showcase your expertise. Then pitch these articles to publications and watch as your brand gains credibility and exposure.

2. Contribute Articles to Other Related Websites

Don’t just write for industry trade publications. Write for websites that are related to your niche but aren’t necessarily industry publications. For instance, if you specialize in automotive manufacturing, you could contribute an article to a website for racing enthusiasts.

Make sure the website you choose isn’t a competitor. The audience of your chosen website should also be your target audience. This way, you won’t just reap PR benefits in terms of boosting your authority in the field—you can also generate sales. Another good tip is to place links back to your own blog articles that relate to the subject. This way, you can increase traffic to your site.

But to reap all these benefits, you’d need to write well-researched articles that follow your chosen website’s publication guidelines. You can typically find those guidelines on the website, if it accepts guest posts.

To write guest posts that get published, follow these other rules:

  • Provide value; don’t aim to sell.
  • Give advice that’s grounded in experience.

Make sure your copy is flawless before you submit it. You want to give the website editor a good impression. If they see grammar issues or spelling mistakes, they might reject your article outright.

3. Leverage Press Releases

Launching a new product or service? Have groundbreaking company-related news? Don’t keep it a secret! Press releases are your manufacturing company’s megaphone to the world. Crafting an attention-grabbing press release can generate excitement, media coverage, and industry buzz that propel your company to the forefront of your field.

You can publish your press release on your own website. For example, look at this announcement from Routeco, an industrial automation company:

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If your release is newsworthy, it may be picked up by important publications even without you doing anything. The release above, for instance, was used by an industry publication, Manufacturing Digital:

It helps if you promote your press release as well—for example, launching an email outreach to relevant publications.

4. Participate in Trade Shows

Trade shows are golden opportunities for networking and exposure. These gatherings bring together key players, potential clients, and industry experts under one roof. Participating in such events not only showcases your products but also allows you to network, learn, and forge meaningful connections that can shape the trajectory of your business.

Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of the event:

  • Define your goals for the event: Do you want to get potential buyers? Do you prefer to network with other companies that offer complementary products and services? Or both?
  • Design an eye-catching booth.
  • Equip your field staff with in-depth knowledge about your products, services, and the industry.
  • Create a follow-up plan based on your event goals.

In the U.S. or the U.K. , there’s a wealth of trade shows catering to various manufacturing sectors. One notable event is the MachTech Expo. This annual expo, held in New York, focuses on cutting-edge machinery, technologies, and solutions for manufacturing and engineering industries.

Trade shows are prime opportunities to display your manufacturing prowess, gain exposure, and form connections that can translate into lucrative partnerships and collaborations. When considering industry events to participate in, think about the ones that align with your company’s strengths and goals, and seize the chance to stand out among your peers in the manufacturing landscape.

5. Be Active on Social Media

Social media is a PR powerhouse. Create a strong social media presence by sharing valuable content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and success stories.

Let’s look at some social media posts by a plastic container manufacturer, Glasdon Inc.

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Notice the different types of content. But they all aim to highlight the company’s manufacturing excellence and spark curiosity among potential clients looking for high-quality products.

Use your social media platforms, along with your email newsletter and your website, to promote your participation in trade shows as well. Create excitement by giving attendees a glimpse into what they can expect from your booth. This is another excellent way to gain more Instagram likes, Facebook shares, or retweets.

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Social media is all about building genuine connections. Use it to engage with your audience as well. Respond to comments, even if it’s a simple “thanks.” This can help foster a sense of community. By being active on social media platforms, you can cultivate a loyal following and amplify your manufacturing brand’s impact.

In Closing

The manufacturing industry is a competitive field. The good news is, a strong PR strategy can set your company apart.

There are undeniable benefits to using a good public relations strategy in the manufacturing industry. Focus on industry trade publications, contribute articles to other related websites, leverage press releases, and attend industry events. Don’t forget regular and authentic social media engagement.

As you create your brand’s story, remember that PR isn’t just about building a corporate image. It’s about nurturing relationships that propel your manufacturing company toward a brighter future.

So go ahead, embrace the power of PR, and watch your manufacturing brand thrive.

About Chris Norton

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Chris Norton is the  Founder of award-winning B2B PR services Prohibition, host of Socially Unacceptable the top 100 marketing podcast and author of the social media training blog. For tons of digital PR tips, you can follow Chris on Twitter.