Let’s bust a myth right out the gate:

“PR is only for big brands.”

…. Yeah, that’s one of the biggest lies in business.

And if you’re a small business owner who has been operating without a public relations strategy due to this myth, consider this your wake-up call.

PR (public relations) isn’t a luxury; it’s a business growth strategy. It’s how small businesses become known, respected, and sought after without spending thousands on advertising.

With the right approach, PR is a very cost-effective way to build brand awareness, boost credibility, and increase revenue.

The Rise of Modern PR (and Why It Matters)

Public relations has evolved. PR pros are dishing out way more than press releases and hoping for a newspaper mention.

Modern PR is digital, dynamic, and built for visibility.

Think:

• Podcast interviews instead of morning shows
• Strategic collaborations over outdated press clippings
• Content that positions you as a thought leader and expert
• Media coverage that doubles as marketing fuel

But, don’t get it twisted. Each of the items mentioned above is still useful, and today’s PR still relies on the old-school foundations: clear messaging, relationship building, and a strong brand reputation. That blend of traditional PR principles and digital media strategy is what gives modern small businesses their edge.

Why PR Is a Smart Investment for Small Business Owners

When you’re lean on cash, you want every marketing move to count. Public relations gives you:

• Free media coverage in local and national outlets
• Trust-building exposure that turns browsers into buyers
• Expert positioning that elevates your brand in a crowded market
• SEO benefits from backlinks and digital press
• A long-term brand narrative that supports all your other marketing efforts

In short, if you want people to know about your business, believe in it, and buy from it, PR makes that happen.

Learn How to Implement PR Like a Pro (Even If You’re a Team of One)

Catch us this August during Black Business Month at the Bold Moves Only Day Conference, hosted by The Exchange at Beverly Gray. We’ll break it all down in a session specifically designed for small business owners ready to grow their visibility, credibility, and income— and it’s free.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• A step-by-step plan to get press coverage and media mentions
• Strategies to position yourself as a go-to expert in your field
• Tips to turn media wins into marketing content that drives sales
• Insights on using PR to grow your business, even if you don’t have a PR team

Final Word: PR = Visibility + Credibility + Growth

Whether you’re a startup founder, nonprofit leader, service provider, or creative entrepreneur, you can’t afford to sleep on PR. It’s no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s a must-have.

Want to learn how to make PR work for your small business?

Join me in Buffalo, NY, on August 2 at the Bold Moves Only Day Conference hosted by The Exchange at Beverly Gray.