Why Faith-Based Organizations Need PR
Benefits of public relations for nonprofits and faith-based organizations
In July 2021, the Forbes Communications Council explained why hiring a public relations (PR) firm for a midsize company was beneficial. Members of the council shared thoughts on how a PR firm can help set the right tone for all communications, create broad and credible brand awareness, enhance marketing, leverage media relationships, prepare for a PR crisis, gain outside perspective on the brand, clarify your messages and help your organization grow.
Specialized PR for faith-based organizations
In this hyper-divisive cultural season, and as our nation becomes less friendly to Christian ideals and policies, Christian organizations must be prepared to communicate quickly, confidently and thoughtfully. A strong public relations strategy can help guard against potential issues, and prepare organizations to adapt and communicate well when they do. This is crucial, because often an organization’s reputation is its most valuable asset and must be protected. Without a credible and respected reputation, no one will follow you or listen to your message about Jesus.
“Christian organizations must be prepared to communicate quickly, confidently and thoughtfully.”
The benefits the Forbes Communication Council described above are not exclusive to for-profit or midsize companies. In our 150 years of collective experience, we know this applies to nonprofit and faith-based organizations as well, if not more so.
The benefits of public relations for nonprofits and ministries
Public relations can help increase the reach of your message, and as the adage goes, “the best defense is a good offense.” An effective PR agency can:
Objectively tailor your messaging (something that can be hard to do internally, as most staff are too close to it).
Build brand awareness.
Increase the credibility of your organization.
Leverage media relations to improve marketing.
Improve your overall reach through search engine optimization (SEO).
Manage social media effectively.
Prepare your organization in the event of a crisis.
Perhaps most importantly, though, is partnering with a public relations firm that speaks your nonprofit’s or faith-based ministry’s language. A PR firm with this kind of experience understands the nuances of the Christian faith and can translate that well to those who do not understand, such as members of the media.
Faith-based organizations need someone who can stand at the intersection of faith and culture to communicate effectively and winsomely with your audiences, building brand awareness, credibility and loyalty. In this media age and cultural moment, leveraging the right firm to help do all these things is no longer optional for best-in-class nonprofits. Guardian’s experience in working with nonprofits and faith-based organizations, combined with its vast knowledge in public relations and marketing, will help those who need your message of hope see it more often and hear it more clearly.