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 way for MSPs of all sizes to build their brand’s credibility and gain recognition in a crowded market. By securing third-party validation through media coverage and industry recognition through awards, MSPs can educate their target audience and demonstrate their expertise without relying solely on word of mouth.
Building brand awareness and credibility
For an MSP, simply having a great website and marketing materials is not enough. Potential customers research IT providers before engaging; therefore, seeing a trusted third party mention your MSP in an article or interview can reinforce credibility. For example, in a recent interview with Tubblog, Troy Midwood, Commercial Director for Network Group and CTO of Aabyss shared his thoughts on what makes a modern MSP successful: TubbTalk 157: 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 and regional business press tend to offer both editorial and commercial opportunities to position yourself as a reliable, trusted expert.
For example, an MSP specialising in cybersecurity might be interviewed by a regional business magazine about rising phishing attacks affecting local businesses. In turn, when a local business owner reads that article; they are likely to view your MSP as a knowledgeable and trustworthy provider in the security space.
The same goes for MSPs that specialise in specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, education, or legal services. Being featured in vertical publications can be even more impactful than broad IT coverage. Industry-specific media allows you to speak directly to decision-makers who need your expertise.
Larger MSPs, or those looking to expand their presence in the broader IT industry can benefit from PR in leading MSP, channel and IT publications such as CRN, Channel Pro, Microscope, Channel Futures Europe, IT Europa and Technology Reseller.
For example, if a CEO of an MSP is interviewed by one of the above publications about trends in AI-driven automation for managed services, this provides an opportunity to position the MSP as a forward-thinking leader, increasing visibility among potential partners, investors and clients. In a recent interview with Channel Futures, Peter Strahan, a Network Group member and CEO of Lantech discussed his thoughts on NerdioCon 2024 and how Nerdio Makes Transition to Microsoft Easier.
PR is a highly effective tool for MSPs looking to build credibility, attract new clients, increase trust, and support sales enablement efforts. Whether you are leveraging local press, industry-specific media, or national IT and security publications, the right PR strategy can help you stand out in a competitive market.
For MSPs that have not yet explored PR, now is the time to start. A well written thought leadership article, a well-placed media feature, or an industry interview could be the key to securing your next big client.