By Kehinde Ajose
Public Relations (PR) is an important aspect of the showbiz industry because it involves managing and maintaining a positive public image for individuals or organizations in the industry.
No matter how gifted you are , if your image isn’t well managed and your works aren’t well promoted, you will soon be forgotten. So what are the 5 PR mistakes Nigerian entertainers make?
Mistake 1: Insensitive comments
Like the Bible says, you will be judged by your words.The same statement is applicable to you as an entertainer. The just concluded elections saw different entertainers making unfathomable insensitive comments which got them bad PR. Some entertainers have been caught making insensitive comments or engaging in insensitive actions that have resulted in backlash from fans and the general public.
Mistake 2
Lack of consistency
For you to be remembered, you need to stay consistent.Consistency is crucial in building a brand. Unfortunately, some Nigerian entertainers lack consistency in their PR strategies. They post frequently on social media and then go MIA for a while, leaving their fans and followers confused, unengaged and bothered. Consistency wears out resistance.
Mistake 3:Lack of transparency
In the past, some entertainers have faked their own death, lied about their age, claim what doesn’t belong to them and even lie about their streaming numbers.Lack of transparency can lead to mistrust and can harm your brand’s reputation.
There is no persuasiveness more effectual than the transparency of a single heart, of a sincere life.” –Joseph Barber Lightfoot.
Mistake 4: Lack of professionalism
Professionalism is crucial to your success if you desire to be relevant for a long time. I and a colleague once had an interview with Late Sound Sultan. The way the iconic artiste comported himself, arriving early to the venue indicated that he was a core professional.How you conduct yourself off stage and on stage is pertinent to your success.
Mistake 5: Underestimating the power of social media
Social media is a powerful tool for building and managing a brand. It is also a tool for connecting with your fans. I have met entertainers who still think social media is not a big deal. Social media marketing is an easy way for you to promote your work and build buzz around their latest projects. The likes of Portable, Teni, Mayorkun, Boyspyce got discovered via social media.
Now that these mistakes have been highlighted, what you must do is to avoid them and autograph your work with excellence.
Kehinde Ajose is a journalist and lead strategist at Visibility Solutions Media, a media relations and communications agency in Lagos
