Can a PR put me in spotlight?

Dear Biz

I’m trying to raise awareness of my business in the media. A friend said I should use a PR. What is a PR? What do they do and is it expensive to use one? I have a pretty tight budget for marketing. Shirley, by email

Biz Replies

PR stands for public relations and there are freelancers or firms offering services that promote businesses, products and services in print, online, radio and TV.

The amount you pay depends on the firm or person you use, and how much you expect them to deliver.

You can pay them either on results, to work on a particular project, or pay a retainer to work on your behalf going forward.

Take a look at the websites of PR firms in your area, see who they work with and look at the type of coverage they are getting.

Make sure you are totally happy with the service and cost before you sign the dotted line on anything.