5 PR Tips for Bootstrapped Startups
How Start-up Businesses Can Get PR with a Minimal Budget
(Editor: We are pleased to share an article on some practical tips for bootstrapped startups on PR from invited contributor Cristy Brusoe of Brusoe Communication. Enjoy.)
By Cristy Brusoe, Brusoe Communications
By Small businesses don’t always have the budget to include public relations, yet it is a crucial aspect of success for any business. Even with a budget, oftentimes these start-ups aren’t sure where to turn for PR support. Aligning your business with the right partners is essential in taking the next step and growing the business. Included below is a few helpful tips for those small businesses owners who are searching for a way to increase their brand exposure and bring publicity to their product/service.
Tip 1: Avoid Corporate PR. With a smaller budget, avoid large corporate PR
firms that often ask you to work on a retainer. Search for a local freelancer
or start-up PR firm, who is working just as hard to “make it” in business. You
can identify these folks via LinkedIn, via Google searching, or on freelancing
sites such as www.upwork.com.
Tip 2: Do Your Research. Create a
spreadsheet or database of media contacts you already know or who cover similar
products and services. When you have news or a company announcement, reach out
to these lists of media members. If you are hosting an event, call the local TV
assignment desks – phone numbers are usually listed on the outlet’s website.
Tip 3: Don’t Burn Bridges. Only send
reporters and media members information that is newsworthy. Newsworthy
meaning-announcements, new offerings, a change in business, events, news that
effects more than a niche group of viewers/readers. If you overload a
reporter’s inbox with stories that aren’t newsworthy, you’ll start being
ignored and seen as an unreliable source.
Tip 4: Utilize Cheap/Free Resources.
There are several tools available to everyone that you don’t have to pay for,
or are at a low cost. For example, HARO (help a reporter out) sends daily
newsletters with requests from journalists looking for credible sources. Check
out SCORE (www.score.org), which has hundreds of videos on every
aspect of small business (including PR).
Tip 5: Start in Your Community. If
you’re a new, small business, put value in your local news media and bloggers.
Bloggers have a much stronger influence than many larger businesses realize. A
blogger is an everyday person, with a local audience. More importantly,
bloggers have built a trustworthy relationship with the public and often engage
them in their decision-making.
These
are just a few tips to get your started with your businesses public relations
efforts. Be creative and utilize your resources, because the more you get your
business out there, the more known it becomes. Even the best business in the
world isn’t anything without a presence in this world. Make yours known!
About Cristy
Cristy Brusoe is a Media Relations Specialist and storyteller with 7+ years of experience in the world of public relations. Cristy graduated from UW-River Falls in 2010 with a degree in Journalism and from Winona State in 2017, with a graduate degree in Leadership Education - Sports Management.
Cristy considers her media relations skills as a passion and natural talent that can’t be bottled (although many have tried). With a combination of her drive, persistence, and respectful attitude, she has ensured placements for national and local clients throughout the US. Cristy also has experience covering the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and working for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Connect with her on twitter @BrusoeComm, Facebook, and Instagram @Brusoe_Communications.
About Brusoe Communications:
Brusoe Communications
was formed in 2016 by Minnesota native, Cristy Brusoe. With the goal of
partnering with great organizations run by even better people, Brusoe
Communications gives companies the opportunities and the support they need to
grow and develop a positive brand for themselves. After spending nearly 10
years working in the corporate world, one is left to wonder the true purpose of
public relations. Brusoe Communications is taking back the real meaning of PR,
by working with smaller, start-up organizations, with a purpose and a passion
for their products and services. With the experience of working with everyone
from athletes, to children and products varying from technology to food, there
isn’t a client that Brusoe can’t support in the tricky business of public
relations. Using tools such as social media, company outreach and media
relations, Brusoe Communications is giving companies the boost they need to
reach a wider audience and have their stories crafted and told to target
markets. We do this work because we love it and feel fulfillment in helping YOU
accomplish your goals. If you’re interested in having a conversation: www.brusoecommunications.com
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