PR packages, also known as public relations or influencer packages, are a great way to receive free products from brands in exchange for exposure and promotion. In the UK, there is a growing trend of bloggers and influencers receiving PR packages from various brands (both big and small). If you’re interested in getting PR packages yourself, then this beginner’s guide will provide you with all the information you need to know.
It’s a successful marketing strategy for brands to send out PR packages, as we’ve seen that 60% of marketers say influencer-generated posts outperform branded posts.
Using this type of strategy allows them to gain exposure and reach a wider audience through influencers’ social media platforms. It’s not only beneficial for the company/brand though. For bloggers and influencers, receiving PR packages is not only exciting but also an opportunity to try out new products they may not have discovered otherwise.
And sometimes, even receive compensation for it.
What are PR Packages?
Let’s start with the basics though. What are PR packages?
PR packages are essentially a form of brand collaboration where companies send out free products to influencers/bloggers in exchange for exposure and promotion. These packages can include a variety of products, from makeup and skincare to custom branded mugs, accessories, and much more.
The purpose of PR packages is for the brand to reach a wider audience through the influencer’s platform while also generating buzz and excitement around their products.
Why PR Packages Matter
There are 3 main benefits as to why PR packages matter.
- Multiple benefits to the influencer
- Exposure and sales for the business/brand
- Customers get a better look at products they are interested in by influencers they trust
As a blogger or influencer, receiving PR packages can be highly beneficial for your career. It shows that brands are interested in working with you and value your influence and audience.
Not only does it give you the opportunity to try out new products, but it also allows you to create content around them. This can help attract more followers and engagement on your social media platforms, leading to potential collaborations with other brands in the future.
Additionally, PR packages can also help establish your credibility as an influencer. As you create content around the products you receive, it showcases your knowledge and expertise in that particular niche or industry. This can lead to more opportunities for partnerships and brand collaborations.
For the brand, PR packages are a great way to generate buzz and increase sales for their products. By sending out packages to influencers who have a following and loyal audience, they can reach a wider range of potential customers and boost brand visibility. Influencers also tend to have a personal connection with their followers, making them more likely to trust and try out the products recommended by the influencer.
Finally, for customers, PR packages provide a more personal and authentic look at the products they may be interested in. Instead of just relying on advertisements and sponsored content from the brand itself, they get to see real people using and reviewing the products. This can ultimately help them make a more informed decision when it comes to purchasing.
How to Get PR Packages in the UK
Now that we understand the importance and benefits of PR packages, let’s dive into how to get PR packages in the UK.
Build a Strong Online Presence
Brands are more likely to work with influencers who have a large following and high engagement on their social media platforms. Focus on creating quality content and growing your audience through consistent posting and engaging with your followers. This will make you more appealing to brands for potential collaborations.
This doesn’t mean paying for a bunch of spam followers though. A brand can spot that a mile away. It’s about having active engagement with your followers.
Engage with Brands on Social Media
Follow and engage with the brands you’re interested in working with on social media. Like, comment, and share their posts to show your support for their products. This can help get you noticed by the brand and put you on their radar for potential collaborations.
It’s important to note that this should really only be with brands that:
- You’re truly interested in.
- That follows your profile niche.
- Products that your followers might be interested in as well.
Reach Out to Brands Directly
Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands directly via email or their website’s contact page. Many brands have already gone through the process of creating a PR package and are ready to work with influencers.
Introduce yourself, your platform, and express why you’d be interested in collaborating with them.
What’s the worst that can happen?
They say no. That’s it.
Make sure to also include your media kit, which showcases your statistics and audience demographics. This will give the brand a better understanding of your online presence and influence.
Don’t just jump straight to the stars either by sending messages to only big brands. Small local businesses are always looking for bloggers/influencers to collaborate with. Plus, they probably have a higher chance of saying yes.
Join Influencer Marketing Platforms
There are also various influencer marketing platforms that connect brands with influencers. These platforms often require you to have a certain number of followers and engagement rate in order to join. Some popular platforms in the UK include Affable.ai, Traackr, and IZEA.
These platforms can help you find and connect with relevant brands for potential collaborations. They also provide a secure payment system and help track your campaigns’ success.
Platforms such as TikTok also have their own influencer section once you meet their qualifications. It’s worth checking into.
Work On Quailty Content
Brands don’t want to work with influencers who just post random content without any thought behind it. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that aligns with your niche and the brands you want to collaborate with.
This means taking quality photos, writing well-thought-out captions, and showcasing the products in a creative way. Brands are much more likely to work with influencers who put effort into their content creation process.
Now with that being said, you also want to make sure that the content you make is authentic and not driven soley behind marketing stratgies. Content that is natual and authentic always does better with engagment.
Be Patient and Persistent
Getting PR packages and collaborations takes time, patience, and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a response from a brand or if they decline your collaboration request. Keep working on growing your online presence, engaging with brands, and creating quality content. Eventually, the right opportunities will come your way.
Remember, it’s not all about the free stuff. Building genuine relationships with brands and creating authentic content is the key to long-term success as an influencer.
What to Know About PR Packages
Now that you have some ideas on how to get PR packages here in the UK, let’s talk about some things to know and commonly asked questions about PR packages.
Are PR Packages Free?
Yes, PR packages are usually sent to influencers for free. Brands send out these packages in hopes of getting exposure and promotion from the influencer. However, keep in mind that as an influencer receiving a PR package, you are expected to create content and promote the products in some way.
In some cases, you can get paid from the comany/brand. It all just depends.
How Many Followers Do You Need?
This varies from brand to brand. Some may require a minimum of 10,000 followers while others may work with micro-influencers who have a smaller following. It’s more about your engagement rate and the quality of your content rather than just the number of followers.
According to Statista, on average, micro-influencers have an engagement rate of 12.4% and nano-influencers have 15.2%. This should give you a starting point to strive toward.
Generally speaking though, you can start to see brands working with influencers with as little as 1000 followers. It all depends on what you bring to the table.
Do PR Packages Guarantee Collabs?
Receiving a PR package does not guarantee collaborations in the future, but it can definitely open up that possibility. Brands use PR packages as a way to introduce their products and get influencers interested in working with them.
If you receive a PR package from a brand, make sure to follow up with them and express your interest in potentially collaborating in the future. This can help turn a one-time PR package into a long-term partnership.
Keep an Eye Out For Scams
While PR packages are generally legitimate, there have been instances where influencers have received fake or overpriced products in exchange for promotion. Make sure to research the brand before accepting a PR package and always ask for more information if you’re unsure.
Also, keep an eye out for scammers that may request payment from you in order to receive a PR package. This is not common practice and should be a red flag.
Unlocking the Path to Influencer Success With PR Packages
Receiving PR packages can be a stepping stone to bigger and better collaborations with brands. By engaging with brands on social media, reaching out directly, joining influencer marketing platforms, creating quality content, and being patient and persistent, you can unlock the path to influencer success.
Remember to stay true to yourself and your niche, as authenticity is key in building genuine partnerships with brands. PR packages are just the beginning – it’s up to you to make the most of them and turn them into long-term collaborations.
By following these strategies you can significantly increase your chances of getting PR packages and securing valuable collaborations.
If you’re a company here in the UK looking to work with influencers, make sure to check out our guide on how to create a PR package.
How do you reach out to skincare brands