Playbook for PR: Building Visibility, Trust, and Authority - Mickie Kennedy [Founder]

In this episode of The Smarter Planner Podcast, host Belle Osvath, CFP®, welcomes Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, a company that helps small businesses, authors, and startups build credibility and visibility through strategic press release distribution.

With nearly three decades of experience, Mickie explains what a press release really is and what it isn't. While many advisors assume PR is expensive, outdated, or ineffective, Mickie breaks down how the right story, placed in the right channel, can lead to meaningful media coverage, stronger SEO, and increased trust with prospective clients.

In this conversation, Mickie shares:

• What makes a press release newsworthy (and why most fail)
• Why human-interest stories outperform corporate announcements
• How local media can be one of the most powerful and overlooked channels for advisors
• The role of press releases in SEO and AI-driven search results
• How media coverage builds long-term credibility, improves conversion rates, and reduces client churn

Mickie also discusses why advisors don't need to appear "big" or overly polished to attract media attention and how authenticity, personal stories, and even contrarian viewpoints can help advisors stand out. He outlines practical ways advisors can start exploring PR without a massive budget and why consistency matters more than a single press hit.

Guest Links

Website: https://www.ereleases.com

Free PR Masterclass: https://www.ereleases.com/plan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/

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____________________________________________________________________________The Smarter Planner Podcast is produced by the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter (FPA NCA) for educational purposes only. Belle Osvath and FPA NCA do not endorse specific individuals or services mentioned.