For MSPs looking to grow or differentiate, earning trust is just as important as delivering quality IT services. Whether you are a local MSP serving small businesses, a mid-sized MSP expanding into new regions, or a specialist MSP in vertical markets such as healthcare or finance, a public relations (PR) strategy can play a key role in helping you build your brand, attract new clients, and support your sales efforts.
PR isn’t just for big tech companies. It is a strategic wayfor MSPs of all sizes to build their brand’scredibility and gain recognition in a crowded market. By securing third-partyvalidation through media coverage and industry recognition through awards, MSPscan educate their target audience and demonstrate their expertise withoutrelying solely on word of mouth.
Building brand awareness and credibility
For an MSP, simply having a great website and marketingmaterials is not enough. Potential customers research IT providers beforeengaging; therefore, seeing a trusted third party mention your MSP in anarticle or interview can reinforce credibility. For example, in a recentinterview with Tubblog, Troy Midwood, Commercial Director for Network Group andCTO of Aabyss shared his thoughts on what makes a modern MSP successful: TubbTalk157: Looking Into The Mindset Of A Successful, Modern MSP
If your MSP serves businesses in a specific city or region,local media can be a valuable way to gain visibility. Local newspapers andregional business press tend to offer both editorial andcommercial opportunities to position yourself as a reliable, trustedexpert.
For example, an MSP specialising in cybersecuritymight be interviewed by a regional business magazine about rising phishingattacks affecting local businesses. In turn, when a local business owner readsthat article; they are likely to view your MSP as a knowledgeable andtrustworthy provider in the security space.
The same goes for MSPs that specialise in specificindustries, such as healthcare, finance, education, or legal services. Being featuredin vertical publications can be even more impactful than broad ITcoverage. Industry-specific media allows you to speak directly todecision-makers who need your expertise.
Larger MSPs, or those looking to expand their presence inthe broader IT industry can benefit from PR in leading MSP, channel and ITpublications such as CRN, Channel Pro, Microscope, Channel FuturesEurope, IT Europa and Technology Reseller.
For example, if a CEO of an MSP is interviewed by one of theabove publications about trendsin AI-driven automation for managed services, this provides an opportunity toposition the MSP as a forward-thinking leader, increasing visibility amongpotential partners, investors and clients. In a recent interview with ChannelFutures, Peter Strahan, a Network Group member and CEO of Lantech discussed histhoughts on NerdioCon 2024 and how NerdioMakes Transition to Microsoft Easier.
TechComms finalthoughts
PR is a highly effective tool for MSPs looking to buildcredibility, attract new clients, increase trust, and support sales enablementefforts. Whether you are leveraging local press, industry-specific media,or national IT and security publications, the right PR strategy can help youstand out in a competitive market.
For MSPs that have not yet explored PR, now is the time tostart. A well written thought leadership article, a well-placed media feature, oran industry interview could be the key to securing your next big client.
