How to Get Your Small Business Featured in the Media Without a PR Agency

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, chances are you’ve thought: “How do I get my brand in the news?” Well — you don’t need a fancy PR agency to make that happen.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of PR and show you how to get featured in media outlets, newspapers, podcasts, and blogs — all by yourself.

💡 First: What is PR?

Public Relations (PR) is all about building a positive reputation for your brand. Unlike ads, PR is earned media — meaning someone else (like a journalist or podcast host) talks about you because you’re worth noticing.

It could be:

• A newspaper article about your business journey
• A podcast interview (Podcasting is a powerful way to build your brand and connect with your audience. Whether you're an entrepreneur or content creator, the right studio can make all the difference. We’ve explored some of the best in town—check out our top picks!) 
• A quote in a magazine
• A feature on a TV segment

These placements build trust, authority, and visibility.

✅ Why PR Matters for Small Businesses

• Boosts credibility: People trust media coverage more than ads
• Increases visibility: You reach audiences outside your bubble
• Attracts customers + collaborators: Media placements help you stand out
• Strengthens SEO: Media backlinks boost your website ranking

🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Do Your Own PR

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Story

Journalists don’t want “we just launched a sale” stories.
They want interesting, timely, or helpful narratives.

• Ask yourself:
• What problem do we solve?
• What’s unique about our story, founder, or journey?
• Is there a social impact, innovation, or personal struggle?

📌 Example: “Single mom launches sustainable skincare brand from her kitchen — now exports to 3 countries.”

Step 2: Create a Media Kit or Press Sheet

A one-pager press kit should include:

• Your business name and website
• Founder photo + 2-3 brand images
• Short brand story or mission( This book teaches you how to simplify and clarify your brand message so your customers immediately understand what you offer and why it matters to them. It’s a great guide for creating clear, customer-focused communication that actually drives engagement.) 
• Media mentions (if any)
• Links to social media
• Contact info

👉 You can make it easily on Canva or Notion.

Step 3: Build a Media List

Start small. You don’t need Vogue on Day 1.

Create a list of:

• Local newspapers and magazines
• Niche blogs in your industry
• Regional TV or radio shows
• Podcasts that interview founders
• Journalists who cover small biz/entrepreneurship

🔍 Tip: Use LinkedIn and Instagram to find journalists & hosts — look at their bio for the kind of stories they cover.

Step 4: Craft a Pitch Email

• Don’t write a press release. Write a personal, to-the-point email.
• Structure:
• Catchy subject line: “From home kitchen to global orders – UAE mom builds skincare brand”
• Quick intro: Who you are + why you're writing
• The hook: Why your story is relevant now
• Call to action: Invite them to feature or interview you

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that helps you create, market, and sell online courses, memberships, and digital products — all without needing any tech skills. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to build and grow their online business in one place

Contact details

📧 Keep it under 150 words.

Step 5: Pitch with Relevance + Follow Up

Never mass-send a generic pitch.
Tailor it to each person based on what they usually write or talk about.

✅ Follow up after 5–7 days if you haven’t heard back. Keep it polite, short, and helpful.

📸 Bonus Tips to Get Noticed:

• Share media-friendly photos: Clear, professional images are a must
• Stay active on social: Journalists check your brand online before featuring you
• Use Help A Reporter Out (HARO): A free platform to respond to journalists seeking stories
• Get involved in communities like Homepreneurs Club: Journalists often find stories through networks

✨ Real Talk: It’s About Relationships
Media features are built on connections, consistency, and courage.
Start small. Keep showing up. Keep sharing your story.

And remember: You are newsworthy. You just need to pitch like it.

Want to learn how we help women get visibility?

📩 Join our FREE Power Brief newsletter or attend our next Information Session to see how we support women entrepreneurs in building personal brands that get noticed.

Disclaimer -

 Keeping It Real: Hey, just a heads-up! Some links in this blog are affiliate links, which means if you grab something awesome, we might get a tiny commission—at zero extra cost to you! 🎉 But don’t worry, we only recommend stuff we actually love and use (no shady sales vibes here ). Think of it as helping us fuel our coffee addiction while we keep bringing you top-notch business tips! ☕