1851

The climbing popularity of digital platforms has caused businesses to make a change, and the franchising industry is no exception. From social media channels to the 24/7 news cycle, the way franchisors get their messages to consumers is changing. That means the role of PR within franchising is evolving at a rapid rate. It&#8217;s no surprise that digital efforts are becoming more and more powerful as a part of the PR equation. Agencies are shifting their focus to ensure that brands are driving customers back to their websites and mobile apps in order to reach the largest possible audience. But that doesn&#8217;t mean the industry is leaving traditional newspapers, TV stations and radio stations behind&#8212;instead, agencies are thinking of new ways to impact the digital side of public awareness as well. &#8220;15 years ago, when digital and social media weren&#8217;t even on the map yet, journalists controlled the delivery of news. But now that control has shifted to people outside of the news industry,&#8221; said Nick Powills, chief brand strategist at <a href="http://nolimitagency.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-franchisors-need-to-know-about-prs-shifting-role-in-the-franchising-industry-5261" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">No Limit Agency*</a>. &#8220;This means that franchisees are playing an increasingly important role in brands&#8217; public relations efforts. They all have a digital footprint, and it&#8217;s up to brands&#8212;and their agencies&#8212;to make the most of it.&#8221; Making the most of it means thinking multiple steps ahead. Franchising&#8217;s digital landscape often changes at the drop of a hat, meaning brands and agencies need to be prepared to move in a new direction as soon as it&#8217;s financially possible. For example, franchisors who redesigned their website as recently as 18 months ago are most likely already due for another upgrade. Alisa Harrison, senior vice president of communications and marketing and chief of staff for the <a href="http://www.franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-franchisors-need-to-know-about-prs-shifting-role-in-the-franchising-industry-5261" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">International Franchise Association</a> (IFA), says that ability to be flexible is crucial, especially as PR&#8217;s purpose in franchising continues to evolve. &#8220;The role that PR plays in the franchising industry has been shifting for a while. But there are still ways that brands can be smarter about their overall strategies,&#8221; said Harrison. &#8220;It&#8217;s essential for brands to think of the ways they can leverage different digital tools to go beyond what traditional media opportunities offer.&#8221; Beyond digital platforms, the relationships between PR agencies and the brands they represent are also shifting. The expectations that brands have of their PR teams are different now than they have been in the past. But because the franchising and news industries are so competitive, it&#8217;s critical for brands to have a realistic understanding of what&#8217;s actually feasible when it comes to PR opportunities. &#8220;The bottom line is that brands and agencies need to be on the same page. A disconnect or misalignment only leads to disappointment,&#8221; said Powills. &#8220;When brands and agencies work together to brainstorm the best way to tell a powerful story, it gives them both the best shot at success.&#8221; The role that PR plays in franchising has never been more important. Between minimum wage requirements and joint employer standards, the franchising industry is at the center of a lot of national news stories. While there&#8217;s a lot at stake for the future of the industry as a whole, this gives franchisors and their PR agencies the opportunity to tell more potential customers and business owners what franchising brings to the table. &#8220;The franchising industry has a big job to do&#8212;it&#8217;s our responsibility to educate consumers about franchising&#8217;s unique business model. Right now, there are people redefining it for us, and not in a good way,&#8221; said Harrison. &#8220;Whether that message comes from brands or their agencies, it needs to be a part of any PR or marketing campaign.&#8221;

1851 Franchise

The role of PR in the franchising industry is constantly changing, and it’s up to brands and agencies to work together to make the most of media opportunities.


This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

What Franchisors Need to Know About PR’s Shifting Role in the Franchising Industry

what-franchisors-need-to-know-about-prs-shifting-role-in-the-franchising-industry

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

What Franchisors Need to Know About PR’s Shifting Role in the Franchising Industry

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS