5WPR
Get in touch

5WPR News · Published May 9, 2024

Ronn Torossian
Founder & Chairman, 5W

From Startups to Industry Icons: Building a Tech Brand with PR

a person in a white shirt holding a microphone
Share:

Navigating the tech industry can feel a lot like stepping onto a battlefield of innovation where cutting-edge ideas vie for supremacy. In this ever-changing territory, a strong brand can serve as armor, shield, and a rallying cry. Public relations is the savvy tool that sharpens brands, catapults them into the limelight, and nurtures trust with the audience. 

Setting goals and defining the audience

Before a company can focus on its PR efforts, it's crucial to define the end game. This is what the company wants to achieve through those PR efforts. Typical goals include amplifying the company's visibility and making the brand a household name in the tech sphere. 

Companies can also work to position themselves as authorities within their niche, shaping industry discussions. Another goal is to drum up enthusiasm and anticipation for the company's newest offerings. Entice potential investors by spotlighting the brand's promise and growth trajectory. 

And boost sales and conversions by reaching a broader audience seeking the company's tech solutions. Once the goals are chalked out, pinpoint the target audience. Recognizing the audience's needs, favored media outlets, and online behaviors is key to formulating targeted and impactful PR strategies. 

Weaving a story and brand identity

Tech can be complicated, and riddled with complex features and jargon. But PR thrives on storytelling. Clarify how the tech tackles everyday issues and enriches lives. Concentrate on the user experience and the beneficial impact the product brings. Spin a clear, concise story that strikes a chord with the audience. 

Emphasize the why behind the technology, the problems the company is solving, and the unique value the solution brings to the table. Pinpoint the brand's core values, such as creativity, security, or user-friendliness. This shapes the brand personality and guides how the company communicates with its audience. 

Media relations

Forge solid relationships with journalists and influencers who cater to the target audience. Pitch captivating stories and press releases about the brand's achievements, innovative features, or industry accolades. 

Content marketing

Emerge as a thought leader by generating valuable content like blogs, white papers, or infographics. This enlightens the audience about the company's expertise, presents the business as a trusted source, and positions it as a frontrunner in the conversation. 

Social media engagement

Stay active on relevant social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums. Share engaging content, industry insights, and updates about the brand. Respond to comments and queries to encourage audience interaction. 

Industry events

Participating in conferences, trade shows, or webinars offers golden chances to connect with prospective customers, industry partners, and media reps. Display the technology, mingle with attendees, and join panel discussions to boost visibility. 

Transparency and authenticity

Be frank and sincere in all communication efforts. Admit to any obstacles the company has encountered and show a commitment to constant growth. Building trust is key to long-term success. 

Long-term commitment

Consistent messaging and ongoing engagement are essential. Regularly churn out valuable content, partake in industry dialogues, and cultivate relationships with media and influencers. 

Measurement and adaptation

Keep tabs on all the PR efforts using analytics tools to gauge performance. Assess what's hitting the mark and what's missing, and tweak the strategies based on the latest findings. This ensures the company's efforts align with its evolving goals and audience preferences.

Ronn Torossian

Written by

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is Founder and Chairman of 5W , the AI Communications Firm. He founded 5W in 2003 and built it into one of the largest independent public relations and digital marketing firms in the United States, with senior practitioners serving corporate communications , consumer brands , technology , financial services , health and wellness , beauty , gaming , crisis communications , and public affairs . Under his leadership, 5W defined AI Communications, building brand authority across ChatGPT , Claude , Perplexity , Gemini , and Google AI Overviews, alongside earned media, digital, GEO, and influencer channels. Industry Recognition 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O’Dwyer’s , Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards , Grand Stevie Most Honored PR Agency, a Ragan Top Place to Work in Communications 2026, Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year, and a PRovoke Top 50 Global PR Agency. Torossian has been recognized with the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year twice, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist nomination, Business Insider Top Crisis Communications Professionals, and Crain’s New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Research Franchise 5W’s research franchise has become an industry reference for measuring brand visibility inside AI-generated answers, including the AI Visibility Index Series , The GEO Reckoning , The Missing Rung Report, and the 5W AI Power User Study , which identified a 99-point AI favorability gap. Crisis Communications Torossian is one of the world’s foremost crisis communications experts. He has counseled blue chip companies, public company boards, founders, and public figures through ransomware incidents, data breaches, regulatory investigations, high-stakes litigation, activist investors, product recalls, and reputational crises. He has taught crisis communications at Harvard University . Media & Commentary Torossian appears on CNN and CNBC . He is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer , and his commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal , Entrepreneur , Adweek , PRWeek , and O’Dwyer’s . Published Work Torossian is the author of For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations , now in its second edition and used in university and graduate communications programs. Owner and Publisher, Everything-PR Network Torossian is owner and publisher of the Everything-PR Network , an independent intelligence platform covering public relations, marketing, AI communications, and adjacent industries across 30 publications. Everything-PR is editorially independent from 5W, with published editorial standards and ethics standards . The network is one of the most-cited sources inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini for PR and marketing queries. He is also an active investor and advisor, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) , and serves on nonprofit boards.

View all articles by Ronn Torossian

Get in touch

Let's build your next chapter.

Tell us what you're working on. A senior strategist will respond within one business day.

Email
info@5wpr.com
Phone
212.999.5585
Offices
New York · HQ469 7th Avenue, Floor 8
New York, NY 10018
Miami100 SE 2nd Street, Floor 38
Miami, FL 33131
Tampa110 South 12th Street
Tampa, FL 33602