While press releases, thought leadership articles and feature mentions are crucial elements in your PR playbook, there are other key elements to consider when creating a well-rounded and effective PR strategy for public sector tech audiences. 

Have you thought about your own podcast?  

The podcast industry has grown significantly in recent years. This is in part due to the pandemic, with listenership in the UK increasing year on year, reaching an estimated 21.2 million listeners in 2022. UK podcast listeners spend an average of five hours and 27 minutes listening each week.  

Podcasts are a popular marketing strategy, are used for educational learning and teaching, and offer a unique and highly engaging platform that allows you to build deeper connections with your audience while enhancing your brand’s authority, visibility, and reputation. 

Hosting a podcast gives you the opportunity to share industry insights, expertise, and unique perspectives. Over time, this positions your brand and your team as thought leaders in your niche. 

Inviting industry experts to your podcast not only provides valuable content for your audience but it also strengthens your professional network, and podcasting could lead to collaborations with other brands or thought leaders, further enhancing your credibility and reach.  

To get some inspiration, why not take a listen to our very own podcast, Tech To Transform, featuring experts who supporting digital change within the public sector – from NHS to social care, local to central government. Guests discuss major developments taking place, and the challenges still being faced, in harnessing tech to make digital transformation a reality. 

How can you humanise your brand?  

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives help humanise your brand, making it more relatable. By addressing societal issues or supporting causes, companies can build stronger emotional connections with consumers. CSR can also help to set your brand apart by showcasing your commitment to ethical practices.  

CSR should not be seen as a “nice-to-have” element; but a vital aspect of a modern PR strategy. It is particularly important in the public sector as departments are always looking to strengthen public trust, and crucially, meet the requirements of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 (commonly referred to as the Social Value Act.)   

The primary objective of the Social Value Act is to ensure that public spending leads to broader benefits for society.  

The Act marked a significant shift in the UK’s public procurement landscape by embedding the concept of social value into the purchasing decisions of public bodies. It highlights the importance of not just focusing on the price of contracts but also considering how these contracts can deliver long-lasting benefits to communities. 

CSR initiatives help humanise your brand, making it more relatable. By addressing societal issues or supporting causes, companies can build stronger emotional connections with its audiences. CSR can also help to set your brand apart by showcasing your commitment to ethical practices.  

Are you a regular on the event circuit? 

Event sponsorship and attendance offers direct access to targeted audiences, enhance brand visibility, and provide opportunities to build credibility and new relationships. In the public sector, there is no shortage of fantastic events to try. 

Whether it’s a conference, trade show, or community event, your company gains exposure to your target audience. Many sponsorship packages include speaking engagements or panel spots, allowing you to showcase your expertise and leadership. 

In the age of virtual meetings, face-to-face interactions remain invaluable for building stronger, more personal relationships. Events provide a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections and deepen relationships with existing clients or partners.  

Mantis has a proven record of increasing visibility of technology providers and driving engagement within the public sector. If you would like to speak to us about your PR and comms strategy, including any of the key components mentioned above, contact: salesandmarketing@mantispr.co.uk