
Small Business PR
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
Latest episodes

Oct 7, 2024 • 36min
How To Get Into ANY Shopping, Product, Gift Guides w/ Emily Cieslak
Ever wanted to get your product into a magazine like Marie Claire, People, or on shopping guides so you get more sales and brand authority? This episode is a MUST listen for anyone wanting to get their products into their dream outlets organically, without pay to play or having to know the journalist or outlet! Tune in as shopping/commerce writer, Emily Cieslak, talks about all the ways a small business can get their indie brands into these outlets!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Insights on writing buying guides, focusing on SEO, product selection and expert input. How to pitch products for editorial features, including preparation and timing. Common mistakes in pitching, such as irrelevant pitches. Tips on making pitches stand out: uniqueness, inclusivity, sustainability. Effective pitching techniques, from subject lines to follow ups. The impact of strong PR strategies on small brands. Getting into shopping, product or gift guides is all about knowing your audience – and by audience, I mean the editors. Do your homework: tailor each pitch to the publication, highlight your product’s unique angle and align it with current trends like sustainability or inclusivity. Keep it short, sweet and relevant, because editors are like shoppers themselves— they love a good deal, but hate wasting time on irrelevant pitches. Finally, be persistent but not pushy; remember, you’re building relationships, not just getting a feature. 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/428633254951941Follow Emily Cieslak on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilycieslak/?hl=en Visit her website: https://emilycieslak.yourwebsitespace.com/ Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilykcieslak

Sep 30, 2024 • 33min
How To Take a Sabbatical and Not Feel Guilty About It w/ Jereshia Hawk
If you want a refreshing conversation about re-defining success and giving yourself permission to take a break, this episode is for you. We are constantly told in the entrepreneur world to grow at all costs, which can lead to unhealthy and unrealistic expectations of what success looks like. I'm joined by business strategist Jereshia Hawk as she shares her journey of building her business from zero to 1 million+ a year in revenue and why she decided to take a step back by taking a 7 month sabbatical at the height of her business growth.Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Jereshia’s decision to take a planned sabbatical at the height of her career Key themes like internalized capitalism, burnout, and redefining success Jereshia’s business journey and how she planned her seven-month sabbatical The role of money mindset and discovering the concept of “enough” Shifts in business priorities and how personal growth played a role Value of agency, defining success, and healing through business Tips for managing stress, personal boundaries, and self-care as a business owner Taking a sabbatical isn’t stepping away from success; it’s recharging your superpowers. Remember, burnout doesn’t make you a hero— balance does. So ditch the guilt and embrace the break; your best work is waiting on the other side of rest!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/428633254951941Follow Jereshia Hawk on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jereshiahawk/ Visit her website: https://www.jereshiahawk.com/ Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jereshiahawk Listen to her podcast: https://www.jereshiahawk.com/podcast/

Sep 23, 2024 • 41min
Why It's Never Too Late To Pitch Gift Guides w/ Shopping Editor Victoria Giardina
If you make a product that needs to get into the hands of more people, getting featured in a gift guide, product round up, or shopping "best of" lists can be a game changer for your business by skyrocketing you sales, SEO, and authority. Just one feature in Oprah's favorite things or NYTimes can catapult your business into a household name, and the best part is that it is NEVER TOO LATE to pitch for gift guides. Journalists write gift guides ALL YEAR ROUND, even one week before Christmas and even AFTER Christmas, so do not delay and start pitching your product now for gift guides to get the same incredible results as our PR members! Hear it directly from a journalist the who, what, when, where, and how of all things gift guides!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Importance of service journalism in product reviews Planning for seasonal stories and gift guides Insights on pitching products for various occasions like Father’s Day, holidays The significance of SEO and content strategy in commerce reporting Process of curating and updating gift guidesRelevance of small businesses in commerce content Tips on how small businesses can get featured in major publications Role of affiliate programs and partnerships in securing coverageTiming and best practices for pitching products to media outlets Differences between organic coverage and paid placementsSubject line and pitch content advice for successful media outreachJust like last-minute shoppers, editors are always hunting for the perfect pick. Pitching late is like finding the only open spot on Christmas Eve— it might just be the golden ticket. Remember, even Santa takes requests up until the last minute!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/groupsFollow Victoria Giardina on:New York Post: https://nypost.com/author/victoria-giardina/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagiardina/?hl=en

Sep 16, 2024 • 23min
How Product Owners Can Get Featured Year Round With Kim Behzadi
From helping thousands of product businesses get featured in the hottest gift guides and magazines such as Oprah's favorite things, BuzzFeed, Elle and more, this episode with our PR member and product owner Kim who is a first time founder will give you the strategies and confidence to finally make PR a priority in your business. Listen in as she shares how PR not only helped her grow sales and SEO, but also helped her hire staff, open a brick and mortar store and launch a bookfair with the media wins she got through the methods she learned in our program!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Kim’s journey from passion project to impactful businessHow Kim shattered limiting beliefs about PR and business success Achieving national media coverage through PR, including major outlets like Fox News, New York Post and Women’s DayThe role of relevance in successful PR pitches Importance of follow up and building relationships with journalists Leveraging PR skills to grow other areas of business, including partnerships and community events Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence through PR Kim’s upcoming goals: national platform launch, holiday season pitches and book fair preparationsBy mastering the art of relevance and persistence, you can get featured all year long. Just like Kim, don’t limit yourself to big holidays or trending seasons. Follow up, get creative with your pitches, and stay tuned into what’s happening in the world. Remember: It’s not about selling— it’s about being the story the world wants to hear.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/groupsFollow Kimberly Behzadi on:Read It & Eat Bookshop & Boxes: https://www.readitandeatbox.com/ Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kimbehzadi

Sep 9, 2024 • 14min
Why I Hate Bro Marketing and Hustle Culture
As a child of immigrants who was taught to work hard and value money over everything else, I've spent a lifetime unlearning the narratives that lead me to live by other people's definition of success, and measuring my worth through external measures. From burnout to my healing journey with my mom, I have shared very openly my relationship to re-defining my relationship with money, success, self worth, and how I believe our marketing should be a reflection of our core values. Recently, I attended an event that was very bro marketing which not only lacked any diversity at all, but prioritized MORE IS ALWAYS BETTER and this made me want to record an episode on my reflections on this. Although we live in a world where sometimes the loudest voices get heard or valued, may this episode be an invitation to give yourself permission to define success on your own terms.Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Reflection on a $5000 business event experience Diversity issues and lack of representation at the event Focus of the event on selling businesses, not just growthHigh-pressure sales tactics and lack of transparencyPersonal misalignment with extreme capitalist business strategies Value in a more nuanced definition of success Importance of balancing revenue growth with personal well-being and impact Emphasis on bringing humanity back into marketing Encouragement to reflect on personal business goals and valuesAttending a high-cost business event full of aggressive upselling and lacking diversity was a wake up call— authenticity and integrity in business far outweigh any superficial revenue growth. The event’s narrow focus on preparing businesses for sale, while sidelining valuable voices, only solidified my belief that success isn’t about relentless hustle but about genuine connections and meaningful progress. Let’s ditch the cookie-cutter capitalist paradigm and embrace a more nuanced, human-centered approach to business growth. 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

Sep 2, 2024 • 41min
How to get into a gift guide even if you don't have a big following w/ Margaux Lushing (re-air)
It's NEVER too late to pitch for gift guides, even a few days before Christmas there are online articles about last minute gifts, so do not let this stop you from pitching your products year round! Tune in as I interview Forbes writer of gift guides and products, Margaux Lushing, as she shares the PR secrets the agencies will not tell you! From how to pitch, when to pitch, what to write, what samples (if any to send), if a big social media following is required, this episode is a must listen if you make a product and want to get featured in gift guides!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Fun ways to get your products spotlighted in gift guides and top lists.Why being credible in editorial spots beats paid ads any day.When to pitch your products to editors for those seasonal gift guides.How to tailor your pitches to match the vibes of specific writers and publications.Common pitch blunders to dodge, like being too pushy or bland.Why building bonds with writers and editors can score you future wins.Tips for crafting killer, to-the-point email pitches.How sending product samples can boost your media coverage.How to approach influencers vs. journalists differently.Sure, pitching can feel a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it’s totally a skill you can master, and the payoff? Amazing media coverage for your business! By keeping it real, getting super specific, and building true connections, founders can seriously up their chances of landing spots in gift guides and other cool editorial features.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 Follow Margaux Lushing on: Forbes.com https://www.forbes.com/sites/margauxlushing/ & Well + Away https://margaux-lushing.squarespace.com/Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaux-lushing-9505269/

5 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 36min
How to be authentic as f*ck in your marketing w/Sun Yi
Sun Yi, a storyteller and marketing expert, has built an impressive organic following of over 150k on social media. He emphasizes the power of authenticity in marketing, advocating for genuine engagement over mere follower counts. Sun shares strategies for crafting relatable content, simplifying messages, and using storytelling to connect with audiences. He discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, focusing on emotional appeal and the importance of addressing consumer pain points, making it clear that true connection is key in a saturated market.

Aug 19, 2024 • 18min
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Pitching Journalists for PR
From cold pitching thousands of times with zero PR connections, or knowing the journalist beforehand, yet getting a combined 1 Billion organic views on hundreds of top media outlets for small businesses, I am sharing my 5 top lessons and what NOT TO DO, so you can get featured for free and make more sales! Remember: journalists are looking for fresh voices to feature and if you do these simple things, they will thank you for making their job easier when publishing a story--one that can reach millions of potential new customers!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Essential steps before sending a pitch email.Importance of correct spelling, formatting and recipient details.Crafting irresistible subject lines.Verifying journalists’ recent coverage.The CPR Method: Credibility, Point of view, and Relevance.Structuring concise, three-paragraph pitches.Effective calls to action.Enhancing pitch credibility by connecting journalists with experts. Maintaining persistence and resilience in pitching.Before hitting send, remember: sloppy spelling and broken links scream unprofessional; don’t pitch what they just published— no one likes déjà vu; your subject line should be enticing, not clickbait; brevity is the soul of a good pitch— ditch the fluff; and finally, a confident call to action beats desperate pleas every time. 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

Aug 12, 2024 • 31min
Sell More Products Using Video with XayLi Barclay
Got a product or store and can't figure out what to post or how to get it in front of more customers? Or, maybe you are camera shy and a "behind the scenes" founder, who does NOT want to come off as "self-promoting"? Well, this episode is for you, because your business DEPENDS ON YOU to show up and be the face of it. Don't worry though, our camera confidence and video expert Xayli Barclay will show you EXACTLY how to appear natural and authentic on camera so your videos connect with your audience the right way so you can get more sales, while still being you!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Insights from XayLi on overcoming camera shyness and building confidence.How to select the ideal video platforms like Instagram and YouTube based on your marketing goals.Tips on creating compelling behind the scenes clips, how-to videos, and leveraging trends.Being true to yourself on camera.Experimenting with different video styles to find what resonates with your audience.Techniques for hooking viewers in the first few seconds.Using short, looping videos for extended reach. Recommendations for video creation and editing tools such as Ecamm, ChatGPT, Opus Pro and CapCut Pro.Strategies for the camera-shy to maintain a strong video presence.From Camera Shy to Sales Fly: Authenticity is your secret weapon— ditch the lengthy intros and embrace the power of raw, behind-the-scenes content. XayLi Barclay’s masterclass reveals that even a simple demo can skyrocket engagement. Equip yourself with the right tools and watch your sales soar without breaking the bank on ads!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/428633254951941Visit XayLi Barclay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/xaylibarclay Check out her website: https://xaylibarclay.com/ Follow Brave On Video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braveonvideo/&n

Aug 5, 2024 • 38min
Why Your Sales Page Isn't Selling with Marisa Corcoran
WORDS and writing--the basics of communication especially for online businesses, are critical for sales and getting new leads. That's why today I invited my friend and copywriting expert Marisa Corcoran to talk about how to fix your sales page if it's not converting to as many sales as you'd like it to, as well as helping you understand the simple fixes to your copywriting so you can stand out and get more revenue. Marketing and consumer behavior are changing, so this episode is a must listen if you want to not just survive, but THRIVE this year! You'll also learn about the different types of "copy personalities" and find the one style that suits YOU, so you can connect with your customers authentically while growing your sales!Here’s What We Cover In the Episode and More:Common copywriting blunders include getting too stuffy or leaning on tired clichés and how to keep it fresh and fun.Being specific in your messaging is key—it lets your personality sparkle and shine!"Copy stars"—these archetypes help you discover your unique writing voice and make your copy stand out.Building your own "word closet" full of your favorite words and phrases to keep your copy authentic and uniquely you.Strategies for building relationships with customers through personalized copy.The need for diverse content to cater to different buyer personas.The role of AI in copywriting and the importance of maintaining a human touch in writing.Using these game-changing ideas, improve your sales page and increase your income! Discover your own "copy personality," learn simple changes that will make a big impact, and interact with your audience in a very real manner. Being real is absolutely vital as marketing changes quickly. Hit play now to turn your copy into a potent instrument for personal development and deep connections.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/428633254951941Follow Marisa Corcoran on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoni/ and Check out her
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