However, Independence Day—and the American Revolution in general—represent the outcome of one of history’s first, and most successful, PR campaigns.
Let’s look back at our nation’s Founding Fathers.
These men were not only strong leaders with political savvy, they were also pros at using PR tactics to achieve their goals. By employing PR strategies in their fight for independence, our nation’s Founding Fathers united early Americans and led them to victory—without the internet and social platforms to help build their brand or spread their messages.
Here are four lessons from our founding fathers to apply to your PR strategies:
1. Have a plan for the long haul.
The American Revolution lasted eight years. To maintain support for their movement, leading revolutionaries needed to keep the people informed and encouraged.
From the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, to the British surrender at Yorktown and Great Britain’s final recognition of American independence in 1783, the consistent and strategic PR campaign promoting the revolution was a crucial part of America’s success.
There are many factors that contributed to the birth of America as an independent nation, but America’s independence would not have been possible without the application of a well-planned approach to communicating the Founding Fathers’ purpose and messages to the nation’s citizens.
Thanks to this strong PR campaign, America’s early leaders were successful in motivating the colonists to fight for and gain their independence from the British crown—no matter how long it took.
This same concept can be applied to PR today. Plan your PR with a sustained campaign lasting for an extended period of time.
2. Gather your troops.
Hosting events such as the Boston Tea Party was one way that revolutionaries gathered supporters to broadcast their messages. Organizing events for your target audience is one way you can attract media attention to promote your organization.
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Events can be a great way for you or your spokesman to interact with numerous members of the media at once, as well as provide an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality.
Events also provide a forum to discuss industry news and trends, which can spark ideas for future media opportunities. Plus, these in-person meet ups help showcase your status as someone reporters can contact for expert quotes and insights.
3. Hone your message.
“No taxation without representation” is one of the many slogans and key phrases our Founding Fathers used to promote their cause.
In PR, it is important to always remember your core message when pitching reporters, drafting press releases, facilitating interviews and managing your day-to-day communications needs. Keeping on message ensures that your organization’s point of view is communicated in a consistent way by everyone who speaks about it.
Develop your key messages and then stick to them. They can help promote your cause.
4. Keep calm and carry on.
Despite losing 25,000 men in battles over the course of the Revolutionary War, American troops did not back down against their British foes. They persevered.
Perseverance is just as important in your organization’s PR activities.
A pitch that doesn’t receive a positive response or land media coverage on the first try doesn’t mean you should give up. Follow up with reporters and find new ways to position previously unsuccessful pitches. A second or third time might be the charm.
Creativity is a major part of this process, and having an open mind to forging new paths can make tackling your PR that much easier. America’s independence wasn’t won in a day. Keep calm and adhere to the lessons above, and you’ll be a PR powerhouse in no time.
What lessons from the Fourth of July can you apply to your PR practices?
KJ Blattenbauer is the founder of Hearsay PR. A version of this article originally appeared on the agency’s blog.
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