Justin Belmont, CEO & Founder of Prose, was recently featured in Public Relations Advice, where he shared insights on building genuine connections in local PR and the importance of authenticity during crisis management. This article explores key lessons from PR professionals, highlighting how meaningful relationships and transparent responses can strengthen brand credibility and trust.
Here’s what Justin had to say:
Build genuine connections for stronger local PR
Topic: Establishing authentic relationships enhances local PR success.
Quote: “Local PR isn't just about press releases—it's about relationships. When I first started, I thought getting coverage was all about crafting the perfect pitch. Turns out, it's way more about who you know and how often you show up. If I could go back, I'd tell myself to start building connections early. Go to local events, support community initiatives, and actually engage with journalists before you need something. When they know your name and trust your expertise, your pitch isn't just another email—it's a story they want to tell.”
You can read the full article here.
Stay transparent and human during a PR crisis
Topic: Understanding how authentic responses build trust and credibility during crises
Quote: “Handled a social media PR mess for a client when a bad review went viral. Instead of panicking or deleting comments, we owned it, responded fast, and kept it human. Acknowledged the issue, showed how they were fixing it, and even followed up with the unhappy customer publicly. What did we learn? Silence looks shady, and canned responses make it worse. People want transparency, not corporate-speak. By staying real and proactive, we not only calmed the storm but actually gained trust--and engagement spiked because people respected the way it was handled.”
You can read the full article here.
Why authentic connections in PR matter and how to cultivate them
In today’s fast-moving media landscape, PR is no longer just about coverage—it’s about connection. Building strong, authentic relationships with local journalists, community leaders, and even customers creates a foundation of trust. During a crisis, transparency and human responses foster credibility and show that a brand genuinely cares.
Key strategies for building PR authenticity:
- Engage early and often: Connect with journalists, influencers, and community members before you need coverage.
- Prioritize transparency: During crises, honest and timely communication helps maintain trust.
- Humanize your brand: Use genuine, conversational language instead of overly polished corporate statements.
Bonus feature: Tips for building trust through authentic PR
Effective PR is about fostering genuine relationships and staying transparent during both good times and crises. Here are three actionable tips to help you build trust through authentic PR strategies:
- Be visible in your community: Attend local events, collaborate with other businesses, and actively participate in causes that matter to your audience. Consistent involvement builds familiarity and trust.
- Respond quickly but thoughtfully during crises: Don’t delay when managing PR issues. Acknowledge the problem, outline how you’re addressing it, and keep communication channels open.
- Share behind-the-scenes stories: Let your audience see the people and values behind your brand. Candid, authentic storytelling helps humanize your company and foster deeper connections.
Ready to strengthen your PR strategy?
Prose helps businesses build authentic relationships, manage crises with transparency, and create PR strategies that resonate. Reach out to us today to see how we can elevate your brand’s public presence. Contact us at prosemedia.com.
