

Small Business PR
Gloria Chou
For any small business owner or entrepreneur who wants to get more visibility and brand recognition without any PR experiences, the Small Business PR podcast is the place for you. With untraditional yet proven strategies to help you hack your own PR and marketing without ads or agencies, this podcast will give you a roadmap to go from unknown to legendary, regardless of how "early" or "small" your business is. Join us every week as our host, Gloria Chou, award-winning small business PR expert to thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide, helps you uncover your roadblocks, find your press-worthy angle, and unlock your greatest potential as the purpose-driven leader you already are. With interviews with top-tier journalists, diverse founders, and purpose-driven subject experts, this podcast will be your rocket fuel to getting your brand in front of thousands of customers who like and trust you. The best part? You don't need to have any "industry connections" or a huge budget to position yourself as the sought-after industry authority you know you are! Join us for the #1 PR Masterclass to learn the 3 step method to landing media features in 30 days at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 11, 2025 • 39min
How to Get Featured in Gift Guides and Magazines as a Product Owner w/ Kim Bezhadi
In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, I sit down with Kim Behzadi, founder of Read It & Eat—a purpose-driven food and book subscription box that fights hunger with every purchase.Launched from her bedroom after losing her job during the pandemic, Kim bootstrapped her business with no investors, no PR background, and no big-name endorsements. Today, she’s been featured in Women’s Day, local magazines, and podcasts—without spending thousands on PR retainers or flooding the media with free samples.If you’re a product-based founder who wants consistent, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint.How Kim Built a PR System That Delivers Year-Round FeaturesAfter joining the PR Starter Pack, Kim learned to:Pitch with purpose, not desperationBuild relationships with journalists through LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TwitterAdapt pitches for national vs. local media to maximize relevancePlant PR “seeds” months in advance to secure Q4 gift guide placementsHer Women’s Day feature led to:A 40% increase in website trafficLocal partnerships like a Buffalo book club and tea shop collaborationInvitations to vend at book fairs and community eventsA direct connection with a Harlequin author for a special edition boxWhy Serving (Not Selling) Gets You FeaturedKim stopped leading with “Here’s my product” and started pitching with “Here’s a story your audience will love.” This value-first approach helped her:Land coverage without sending dozens of samplesGet invited to collaborate with brands and authors she once thought were “out of reach”Build a press system she can run in just two dedicated nights per weekKim’s PR Tools & StrategiesLinkedIn & Instagram to find and connect with journalistsEmail + social media follow-ups to stay top-of-mind without spammingSeasonal pitching calendar to target: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Back-to-School, Holidays, and themed brand roundupsThe CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to craft irresistible pitchesCommon PR Mistakes Kim AvoidedOverspending on product samples before confirming interestWaiting for the “perfect” moment to start pitchingRelying solely on social media for visibilityFinal TakeawayYou don’t need an expensive PR firm—or a massive marketing budget—to land in national gift guides. What you do need is: ✅ A clear, value-driven message ✅ A repeatable system ✅ The courage to hit “send”If Kim can build Read It & Eat from her bedroom and land Women’s Day, so can you.

Aug 6, 2025 • 23min
How to Get Your Product into Retail Stores and Wholesale Accounts w/ Katie Hunt
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Katie Hunt, founder and CEO of Proof to Product and host of the Proof to Product Podcast. Katie has helped tens of thousands of product-based business owners land wholesale deals with retailers like Anthropologie, Target, and The Container Store—without relying on paid ads or flashy trade shows.Whether you’re selling candles on Etsy or bath and body products from your kitchen, this episode is your go-to guide for getting started with wholesale.How to Know If You’re Ready for WholesaleKatie breaks down what really makes a product “wholesale-ready”—from pricing and inventory to minimum order quantities and production methods. Spoiler: You don’t need 15,000 units in stock to get started.Pricing for Profit (Not Panic)Katie shares why underpricing is a red flag to buyers and what the term “keystone pricing” really means. If you’ve ever been confused about wholesale vs. retail margins, this part is a must-listen.The Pitch Process That Gets Buyers to Say YES Pitching wholesale buyers is a lot like pitching the media. Katie walks us through:How to find the right buyers (hint: use LinkedIn, social, and direct mail)Why cold pitching still works—and what to sayWhat not to do (like showing up unannounced at a shop!)Why PR and Social Proof Still Matter in Wholesale While emotional storytelling matters more in DTC, wholesale buyers still look for credibility. Katie explains how PR features, retail testimonials, and even just having your ducks in a row can help build buyer trust.Real Talk: It Can Take Time—But It's Worth It Katie shares how one wholesale buyer took four years to finally place an order—and why persistence, visibility, and relationship-building paid off.Success Story Spotlight: Alex from Shake On The A Katie highlights the journey of a client who went from making greeting cards on her kitchen table to building a multi-million-dollar brand in 3,500+ stores.Final Takeaway Don’t let fear or lack of knowledge stop you from going after wholesale. As Katie says, “If you don’t go to the tryout, you’re telling yourself no.”✅ Know your pricing✅ Build relationships✅ Use systems (Katie teaches them!)✅ Hit send—even if you’re scaredIf you want to see your products on store shelves, this episode is your first step.

Jul 28, 2025 • 24min
Recession-Proof Retail: What’s Actually Working in 2025 w/ Cathy Donovan
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Cathy Wagner—retail industry veteran, founder of RETAILMavens, and host of The Richer Retailer Podcast. With nearly 30 years of experience in independent retail, Cathy has seen it all: running her own brick-and-mortar stores, navigating bankruptcy, and building back stronger to now help small retail businesses scale to 7-figure revenue.If you’re an independent retailer or product-based business owner struggling to adapt to inflation, tariffs, AI in retail, and shifting consumer behavior, this episode is your wake-up call—and your roadmap to survive and thrive in today’s economy.Why Retailers Fail (and What the 7-Figure Ones Do Differently)According to Cathy, retail isn’t dead—but staying stagnant is. The top-performing retail businesses embrace change, silence self-doubt, and make data-driven decisions, not emotional ones. She unpacks the four traits that successful retail founders share:Kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)Reframe fear as excitementFocus on what you can controlKnow and use your numbers for better retail sales growthReal Tactics You Can Use Right Now to Grow Retail SalesForget the hype. Cathy breaks down real, proven strategies that help retail store owners boost profits:Adjust your retail pricing strategy to reflect actual cost increasesUse email marketing for retail (minimum 2x/week) as your most profitable channelCurate tighter product assortments to reduce overwhelm and increase conversionsHost low-cost retail events focused on connection and communityBuild brand trust by leading with your core business valuesAI for Non-Techie Retailers: A Simple Hack That WorksNo need to master tech. Cathy shares how small retail business owners can use ChatGPT to gain customer insights from top-performing content. Just copy and paste your best emails or product pages into AI and ask:Who is my best customer?Who is NOT my customer?What messaging drives purchase behavior?This simple AI habit has delivered surprising clarity and results for Cathy’s clients—and it can for you too.Why Neutrality Is No Longer a Strategy in Retail BrandingYou don’t need to be political—but you do need to be personal. Cathy makes a compelling case for ditching generic, faceless branding and embracing authenticity. Whether you’re selling confidence, comfort, or community, your brand story and values should shine through every retail marketing email, event, and conversation.Final TakeawayYou don’t need to show up everywhere or master every tech tool. What independent retail business owners do need:✅ A clear brand stance ✅ Consistent and authentic communication ✅ A community-first mindset ✅ Courage to evolve with market changesWhether you’re struggling to compete or trying to grow a small retail business in a noisy digital world, this episode reminds you: you’re not alone—and the best is still ahead.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10

Jul 21, 2025 • 21min
The End of the ‘Online Expert’ Era?
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I share the three massive shifts shaking up the online business world—especially in the age of AI, content saturation, and consumer fatigue. If you’re a coach, service provider, or expert selling digital products, this episode is your wake-up call.Why the “Information Business” Is on Life SupportAI has made information ubiquitous. The era of selling access to templates, funnels, and plug-and-play “secret formulas” is over. People are tired of cookie-cutter advice. They want real results and real connection. In this episode, I break down why thought leaders clinging to old tactics are struggling—and what’s working instead.Why Pain Point Marketing Is Dead—and What to Do InsteadThe “I help” bio. The pain, agitate, solve framework. The fear-based FOMO countdowns. All of it? Losing its impact. I explain why today’s buyers are more discerning than ever—and how I’ve pivoted my messaging from fixing people to illuminating their power.How Community Is Outperforming Celebrity in the New Digital EconomySpoiler alert: solo “gurus” are out. Shared connection and community-driven growth is in. From handwritten notes in gift bags to DMs that turn into Forbes features, I share how building actual relationships—not just followers—has helped our small business community thrive.This Episode Is For You If: ✅ You’re exhausted by outdated marketing tactics ✅ You’re wondering why your funnel isn't converting like it used to ✅ You want to market with integrity and actually enjoy your business again ✅ You believe in service over sleaze, and connection over clicksKey Shifts We Cover:Why consumers now spot inauthentic marketing in 5 seconds flatHow to personalize and humanize your offers—without scaling burnoutWhat happens when you follow up years later just to help (and how that builds brand trust)Final Takeaway:We’re in a new era of business. Fast, big, and automated isn’t better—it’s broken. If you want to stay relevant, profitable, and aligned, this episode is your must-listen roadmap.If you're building content to sell and not to influence, this is your tactical blueprint.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

Jul 14, 2025 • 11min
STOP Making Content 24/7. Do THIS instead
In this solo episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, Gloria breaks down the three golden rules of high-ROI content creation—designed specifically for small business heroes who want more sales, not more likes.If you’re tired of the content hamster wheel, this episode gives you a clear, stress-free roadmap to create long-lasting, sales-driven content without chasing trends or relying on Instagram Lives.Why Content ROI > Content Quantity Gloria shares why content should be repurposable, strategic, and aligned with your business goals. From her podcast workflow to skipping Instagram Lives altogether, she shares what actually works when you’re building a business—not trying to be an influencer.The 3 Golden Rules for Smarter, Sales-Driven Content:Lifespan + ROI: Don’t make content that dies in 24 hours. Gloria explains how to maximize each piece by repurposing it into emails, blogs, carousels, and more.Start with Long-Form: Why every high-leverage content plan begins with one long-form asset—like a podcast, blog, or newsletter—and how to use it to fill your content calendar with ease.Boost Shareability: Gloria walks through how to leverage co-creation and strategic tagging to get others to promote your content—without paying for reach.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why she skips Instagram Lives and what she does insteadHow to create 20+ pieces of content from one podcast episodeA smarter way to pitch co-hosted content that builds relationshipsHow to get on the radar of “out of reach” experts and influencersThe real reason your content should convert, not just entertainFinal Takeaway: You don’t need to go viral or hire a content agency to get results. You just need: ✅ One long-form content asset ✅ A smart repurposing system ✅ A share-first mindsetIf you're building content to sell and not to influence, this is your tactical blueprint.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

Jul 7, 2025 • 22min
Selling on Etsy in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Dylan Jahraus—host of the #1 Etsy podcast and founder of the Ultimate Etsy Course—to unpack the biggest Etsy updates of 2025 and exactly how to set up your shop for long-term success.From SEO and pricing to AI tools and post-purchase wow moments, Dylan shares actionable tips that product-based founders can implement right now to stand out on Etsy—even without a big budget or paid ads.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your store, this episode is your crash course in the new Etsy algorithm and the real reasons why some shops rise to the top.What’s New on Etsy in 2025—and How to Take AdvantageDylan breaks down Etsy’s newest policies, creative standards, and how AI is now being used to verify sellers and product listings. Learn how to stay compliant and take advantage of underutilized categories like “Handpicked by Seller.”How to Actually Get Seen on Etsy (Without Paying for Ads)Why your SEO and product photos matter more than everHow pricing affects conversion rate and search rankingWhy fewer options = higher conversionsHow to spot and ride trends before they hit EtsyThe New Strategy for Competing with BestsellersWant to compete with top-performing Etsy shops even if you're brand new?Dylan walks through how to:Use AI product photos to elevate your listingsCurate trendy, seasonal mockupsBuild a value-forward product experience that stands out in searchPost-Purchase Strategy: How to Wow Customers and Get Repeat BuyersLearn how to deliver a premium customer experience after the sale—including automated messages, helpful content, and how to get customers from Etsy to your Instagram and email list (without breaking Etsy’s rules).Tools to Make Etsy Work for YouetSEO: Dylan’s custom AI tool for optimized, mobile-friendly, customer-centric listingsVela: Mass-update tool for syncing Shopify and Etsy listingsInstagram + TikTok: Dylan’s secret to growing her audience from 0 to 50k in 2 monthsFinal Takeaway You don’t need to pay thousands for ads or offer deep discounts to succeed on Etsy in 2025.What you do need is: ✅ Trend-savvy product listings ✅ Smart SEO and pricing strategies ✅ A memorable customer experienceIf Dylan can help thousands grow profitable Etsy shops, you can too.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Connect with Dylan Jahraus:Instagram:

Jun 30, 2025 • 27min
Want To Get Booked on Podcasts? DO THIS!
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I walk you through the exact, step-by-step process to pitch yourself and land podcast interviews—even if you’re just starting out, don’t have a website, or have never pitched before.If you're a founder, expert, coach, or service-based entrepreneur looking to grow your visibility, authority, and leads—this episode is your roadmap to getting booked on podcasts without sounding self-promotional.The Three-Step Podcast Pitching Strategy That Works Most people overthink podcast pitching or believe they’re not “ready.” I’m here to show you how to start today using a simple, proven process:Build your podcast media listWrite your pitch using the CPR MethodRepurpose and share your interview for months of contentWhy You Don’t Need Fancy Credentials to Land Podcast Interviews You don’t need: ❌ A massive following ❌ A polished website ❌ Insider connectionsWhat you do need: ✅ A unique story ✅ Clear speaking topics ✅ A value-driven pitch that centers the host’s audienceHow to Use the CPR Method to Pitch With Confidence CPR = C: Credibility (who you are + your story) P: Point of View (your unique insight or prediction) R: Relevance (why now + why this podcast)This is the exact method that helped me (and hundreds of entrepreneurs) get featured on 30+ podcasts—and it’s the same framework I teach inside my PR Starter Pack.Avoid These Common Podcast Pitching Mistakes 🚫 Including “pitch,” your name, or company name in the subject line 🚫 Writing long-winded, me-focused emails 🚫 Pitching to shows that recently interviewed someone in your niche 🚫 Forgetting to follow upPodcast Outreach Tips That Actually Work ✅ Leave a 5-star review before you pitch ✅ Reference a specific episode (not just “I love your show”) ✅ Use email tracking to see when your message is opened ✅ Follow up once a week via email and DMHow to Repurpose Your Interview for Maximum Visibility Don’t just do the interview and disappear. I share ways to turn one podcast feature into weeks of content, including:Audiograms for Instagram + TikTokBlog posts for SEONewsletter contentShort clips for LinkedIn and YouTubeFinal Takeaway Getting featured on podcasts is one of the most powerful ways to build visibility, credibility, and connection—without ads or algorithms.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

Jun 23, 2025 • 21min
How to Nail Your Elevator Pitch and Show Up Confidently on Camera w/ Kim Rittberg
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Kim Rittberg—award-winning TV producer, media expert, and video coach—to talk about how small business owners can finally show up confidently on camera without sounding robotic or overly rehearsed.Kim has produced for Us Weekly, Netflix, and launched video units for major media outlets, but she swears by one thing: anyone can be good on camera with the right mindset, skill set, and practice. If you’ve ever frozen up during a Reel, dreaded pitching yourself on video, or wondered what to say in your elevator pitch—this episode is for you.Mindset Shifts to Overcome Camera Shyness Kim debunks the myth that only extroverts or TV-ready personalities can be confident on camera. Her framework helps you shift from “supermodel mode” (focused on appearance) to “teacher mode” (focused on message)—so you stop worrying about how you look and start focusing on what you’re saying.Her 4S Framework to Shine on Video You’ll learn Kim’s powerful 4S method: ✅ Soothe your nervous system through breathwork ✅ Strengthen your voice and posture ✅ Get Silly to shake off stiffness ✅ Smile to connect instantly with your audienceThe ABCs of a Killer Elevator Pitch Gloria and Kim break down the A-B-C method for crafting an unforgettable pitch:Accomplishments: What makes you credible?Business: What do you actually do (in plain English)?Confidence: Say it like you mean it—then practice it until it flows.Kim’s Top Tools and Resources ✅ Freebie: 10 Tips to Make Amazing Videos ✅ $37 On-Camera Challenge: Get confident fast with low-stakes practice ✅ Podcast: The Exit Interview with Kim RittbergFinal TakeawayConfidence isn’t reserved for celebrities or influencers—it’s built. If you want more visibility, clients, and impact, learning how to own your voice on camera is non-negotiable. You don’t need a fancy setup or a viral script—just clarity, practice, and your authentic self.Listen now and start showing up like the expert you already are.Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/gr

Jun 16, 2025 • 26min
Build an AI Assistant That Sounds Just Like YOU w/ Kinsey Soderberg
In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Kinsey Soderberg—founder of Authentic AI and host of the Authentic AI Podcast—to reveal how small business owners can create and train their own AI assistant to sound exactly like their brand voice.If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI for content creation, social media, or email marketing—but felt overwhelmed by prompts or disappointed with generic-sounding outputs—this episode is your go-to guide for building a custom AI workflow that feels human.Why You Don’t Need Perfect Prompts to Use AI for Your BusinessKinsey introduces the concept of “Procrasta-Prompting”—getting stuck trying to perfect prompts instead of just starting.Her solution? A human-first approach. Brain-dump your raw, unfiltered thoughts into your AI tool like you’re talking to a real assistant or coach. The more human and natural your input, the better AI can mirror your brand’s tone.How to Train Your AI Assistant on Your Brand VoiceOne of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is expecting AI to “get it” without any training. Kinsey breaks down a repeatable process for building a branded AI system using her AI Brand Blueprint.She shows how to train ChatGPT (or any AI tool) with your brand’s:Mission, vision, and core valuesIdeal customer personas (beyond demographics)Signature brand tone, humor, and writing styleFavorite content formats, emojis, and real-world examplesOnce trained, your AI assistant can produce content that sounds like you in seconds.What to Include in Your AI Brand BlueprintTo get AI content that feels aligned and authentic, Kinsey recommends including:Core Identity – Your mission, vision, beliefs, and positioningCustomer Clarity – Pain points, desires, and specific psychographicsBrand Voice – Your tone, humor, formatting style, and writing preferencesScreenshots + Samples – IG captions, emails, or posts you admireBonus Personality Layer – Add Human Design, Myers-Briggs, or astrology traits to guide toneThis document becomes your AI’s “user manual”—saving hours each week while ensuring brand consistency.How to Use AI in Your Small Business Right NowKinsey shares practical ways to implement AI today—without overhauling your entire business:Treat ChatGPT like a business coach or VAUse voice memos to capture ideas on the goUpload client call MP3s or brainstorming transcriptsScreenshot IG posts for style inspirationFeed in your customer journey or brand strategyTop AI Tools for Entrepreneurs and Content CreatorsChatGPT – Best for creative copywriting and tone alignmentPerplexity – Real-time web research and content inspirationGoogle Docs – To create and store your AI Brand BlueprintAI Note-Takers – For fast transcription and team meeting summariesAI Strategy Tips: What to Do (and Avoid) When Using AI for ContentDO start small—like captions or emailsDO experiment with a human-first mindsetDO edit and personalize all AI outputs before publishingDON’T try to automate your entire business overnightDON’T rely on random generic promptsDON’T skip brand training before assigning tasksFinal TakeawayLearning how to train AI on your brand voice doesn’t require a tech background or hours of prompting practice. With the right system, you can save time, write content faster, and finally feel like your AI assistant “gets you.”What you need is: A strong brand foundationA reusable AI Brand BlueprintA human-first, strategic mindset

Jun 9, 2025 • 22min
Why I Am Being Unapologetic AF in My Content This Year
In this deeply personal solo episode, PR strategist and podcast host Gloria Chou shares the story of how she rebuilt her brand by ditching outdated marketing templates in favor of authentic messaging, values-driven branding, and emotionally resonant content.You’ll learn how Gloria’s radical shift in content strategy—fueled by personal healing, political clarity, and business burnout—transformed not just her marketing, but her entire business model. This episode is packed with insights for small business owners, thought leaders, and online creators who want to connect more deeply with their audience and grow a sustainable, purpose-led brand in 2025 and beyond.Why Authentic, Values-Driven Messaging Outperforms Templates, Authority, and Approval-Seeking in 2025Why template marketing strategies don’t work anymore in the saturated digital landscapeHow to shift from approval-seeking content to a values-first marketing approachWhy emotional resonance and identity alignment matter more than credentialsHow to use your personal story and brand values to attract ideal clientsWhy rejection and unsubscribes are signs of strong messaging, not failureHow personal healing and self-awareness can fuel powerful brand positioningThe difference between authority-based PR and values-aligned visibilityIn a digital world overflowing with templates, quick hacks, and bro-marketing playbooks, the brands that rise above the noise are the ones that lead with authenticity, emotional connection, and clear values. As Gloria Chou shared in this episode, sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing followers or authority—it comes from remembering who you are, speaking your truth, and letting your brand be an extension of your personal evolution.Whether you're a small business owner, coach, or creative, the future of ethical PR, personal branding, and values-based marketing lies in showing up unapologetically and creating resonant content that feels as good as it converts.Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass. Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941