Small Business PR

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solo episode, PR strategist and podcast host Gloria Chou shares the story of how she rebuilt her brand by ditching outdated marketing templates in favor of authentic messaging, values-driven branding, and emotionally resonant content.You’ll learn how Gloria’s radical shift in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

In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, I reveal the top 3 reasons your PR isn’t working—and how to fix them so you can finally get featured in national media like Oprah Daily, BuzzFeed, Vogue, and more.If you’ve ever felt like your pitches are getting ignored, you’re stuck in the PR friend zone, or you’re not sure how to create timely angles that actually get opened—this episode is your roadmap. I break down exactly what holds most small businesses back from landing press and shares the mindset, tools, and repeatable PR strategies you can start using today to get visible without hiring an expensive PR agency.Whether you’re a product-based business owner, service provider, or eCommerce founder doing your own outreach, this episode will help you build a seasonal PR system that gets results.Why Your PR Isn’t Working – 3 Hidden Reasons and How to Fix ThemWhy PR isn’t a one-and-done task – and how to build a repeatable, season PR strategyHow to create relevant pitch angles that align with journalists’ editorial calendars (without changing your product)What to do when you get ghosted—and how follow-up emails can build long-term media relationshipsHow to use the CPR Pitching Method to land media featuresWhy DIY PR often fails—and how to stop guessing and start pitching like a PR proIf you’re a founder trying to get featured in the media but feel stuck, this episode gives you the strategy and clarity you need to get unstuck and start seeing traction.No agency. No ad spend. Just relationship-first pitching that works—especially when paired with a consistent seasonal PR plan and the right media outreach tools (like LinkedIn and email tracking).Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting visible? Tune in now and learn how to pitch smarter, follow up better, and finally land the media coverage your business deserves.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

Think community-building is only for influencers or digital brands? Think again. In this episode of Small Business PR, host Gloria Chou sits down with Madison Page—business growth strategist and host of The Small Business Growth Podcast—to break down exactly how physical product businesses can turn customers into loyal superfans through emotional connection and relationship-first marketing.Whether you're selling candles, skincare, or wellness products, Madison shares three high-impact strategies to help you create a brand community that drives sales, referrals, and long-term retention—without needing a complicated platform or massive team.Build a Loyal Brand Community That Drives Repeat Sales, Customer Referrals, and Emotional Engagement—Without Relying on Ads Why community drives recurring revenue, customer retention, and organic referralsThe difference between transactional vs. relationship marketing—and why younger buyers care3 actionable ways to build a loyal brand community around your physical productHow to use Instagram Stories to foster emotional connection and boost engagementWhy marketing means repeating your brand message a thousand different waysCreative examples like step challenges, polls, and value-based missions that convertIn a crowded marketplace where ads are expensive and attention spans are short, building a loyal customer community isn’t optional—it’s essential. As Madison Page shared, product-based businesses that focus on relationship marketing win in the long run with higher repeat purchase rates, stronger brand advocacy, and sustainable organic growth.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your ecommerce brand, remember: it's not about how many followers you have—it's about how deeply you connect. So start showing up, share your brand values consistently, and create a two-way dialogue that turns buyers into lifelong fans.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 Madison Page :Instagram: @thisismadisonpage

In this powerful episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, we sit down with Marcia Hacker, founder of Sauipe Swim—a sustainable, size-inclusive swimwear brand that has been featured in Oprah Daily (print + online!), BuzzFeed, and Brides.Once skeptical and burned by traditional PR agencies, Marcia reveals how she took control of her media strategy using Gloria’s PR Starter Pack—and landed national press coverage without spending a dime on traditional PR or sending out dozens of free samples.If you’re a product-based business owner, eCommerce founder, or indie brand looking for high-impact, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint for media success.How to Land Free Press by Serving Journalists, Not Selling—The CPR Pitching Method, PR Mistakes to Avoid, and a Year-Round Gift Guide StrategyWhy pitching journalists is about serving their audience—not selling your productHow to use LinkedIn and email tracking tools to build lasting media relationshipsThe CPR pitching method to land both press features and wholesale accountsHow to avoid the most common PR mistakes—like sample overspending or vague pitchesA repeatable, seasonal PR system to land spots in gift guides and holiday roundupsIf you’re a small business or product-based founder, you don’t need a pricey PR agency to get featured in top-tier media. Marcia Hacker’s story proves that strategic, relationship-driven pitching can land major wins—like Oprah, BuzzFeed, and Brides—without ad spend or free samples.Focus on audience relevance, use tools like LinkedIn and email tracking, and apply the CPR method to build lasting media relationships. With a repeatable system, you can land press year-round—especially during high-ROI seasons like holiday gift guides.Start pitching, follow up consistently, and watch your visibility grow.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/428633254951941Connect with Marcia & Sauipe SwimWebsite: https://www.sauipeswim.comInstagram: @sauipeswim<

In this powerful episode of Small Business PR with Gloria Chou, we’re joined by the incredible Yve-Car Momperousse, founder and CEO of Kreyol Essence—the Haitian beauty brand seen on Shark Tank and now sold at Sephora, Ulta, Whole Foods, Amazon, and more.From a personal hair loss crisis to building a $50M clean beauty brand, Yve-Car shares the raw, real story of how she stayed true to her roots, served her community, and used her voice to break barriers in the natural haircare industry.This is a masterclass on mission-driven entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, inclusive leadership, and what it really takes to scale a brand from scratch.Key Lessons on Scaling a $50M Brand: Shark Tank Prep, Community-Led Growth, DEI, and Data-Driven Success for Purpose-Driven EntrepreneursHow Kreyol Essence went from humble beginnings to $50M+ in product salesWhat preparing for Shark Tank really looks like (hint: it took over a year!)The power of community-driven business and grassroots brand buildingWhy knowing your numbers is essential for BIPOC and women entrepreneursHow to measure impact and ROI beyond revenueHow Yve-Car approaches DEI, inclusion, and allyship in her businessWhy storytelling and getting “back to basics” is the future of marketingHow to turn preparation into opportunity—and opportunity into impactYve-Car Momperousse’s journey—from a personal hair loss experience to building Kreyol Essence, a $50M+ natural haircare brand—is a blueprint for mission-driven entrepreneurship rooted in purpose, community, and preparation.This episode reminds us that success isn’t about luck—it’s about being prepared when the opportunity comes. Whether it’s navigating Shark Tank, scaling in the face of supply chain chaos, or advocating for inclusive business practices, Yve-Car proves that knowing your numbers, loving your customers, and staying rooted in your culture are what truly drive sustainable growth.🎯 If you're a founder ready to lead with heart and strategy, let this episode be your reminder: Stay ready, build with intention, and never take your eye off your community.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 Ch

Want to get featured in the media but feel held back by fear, imposter syndrome, or the anxiety of being seen? In this episode of Small Business PR Podcast, I share the 3 powerful PR mindset shifts every small business owner needs to confidently show up, pitch their story, and land media coverage—without second-guessing themselves.Whether you're a founder, solopreneur, or creative struggling with visibility fears, this episode will help you break free from the limiting beliefs keeping your brand in the shadows. Learn how to turn fear into fuel, use your story as a visibility asset, and pitch with purpose—no fancy PR background required.How to Overcome the Fear of Visibility and Get Free Media Coverage for Your Small BusinessThe 3 mindset shifts that helps you stop playing small and start pitching with purposeWhy visibility is non-negotiable for building trust and scaling your impactThe metaphor that will change how you see your role in your industryWhy PR isn’t just visibility—it’s your mission in actionHow consistent, small actions can lead to massive media wins over timeYou don’t need to be famous, polished, or have a PR team to start landing media coverage. By shifting your mindset around visibility and embracing your founder story, you can confidently pitch the media and secure press features that grow your brand. Your voice is the missing puzzle piece in your industry—and PR for small businesses starts with owning that. Visibility isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with purpose, using storytelling to build trust, and taking consistent action. 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

Are you tired of following Instagram formulas, tips, and tricks that no longer work? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.In this episode of Small Business PR Podcast, host Gloria Chou chats with Instagram strategist and content expert Shannon McKinstrie—an Instagram OG with over 270,000 organic followers. Together, they unpack what’s actually working on Instagram in 2025—and what outdated strategies to finally let go of.From embracing authentic storytelling to getting back to basics with commenting and engagement, Shannon shares the real, human-first Instagram growth strategies that are helping product brands, service providers, and creators stand out without burning out.What’s Actually Working on Instagram in 2025 (According to a 270K-Follower Pro)Why “how I” storytelling now beats “how-to” contentShannon’s 4 H’s Content Method: Heard, Helpful, Humor, and HappeningsA simple Instagram Stories hack that instantly boosts viewsHow commenting on popular accounts still drives organic growth in 2025Why your first 3 Stories matter more than everThe truth about how often you really need to postWhy unscripted, raw videos perform better than polished onesHow to combine growth, engagement, and conversion—all in one postThe outdated Instagram content tactics to stop using nowWhether you're a product-based business, personal brand, or service provider, Shannon shares how to simplify your content strategy, boost engagement organically, and make Instagram fun (and profitable) again—without having to post every day.You’ll learn why storytelling, casual videos, and simple Reels are outperforming polished content—and how to use Instagram as a genuine connection tool instead of just another sales platform.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/428633254951941Learn more about Shannon McKinstrie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmckinstrieWebsite: https://shannonmckinstrie.com/LinkedIn: 

Want to land media coverage without hiring a PR agency, paying for ads, or having industry connections? In this episode, PR expert Gloria Chou shares the exact framework that has helped thousands of small business owners get featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Marie Claire, and more—without spending a cent.You’ll discover the 3 C’s of cold pitching—Consideration, Compliment, and Confidence—and how to use them to write pitches that actually get opened, read, and responded to. Whether you're launching a product, pitching a story, or building brand visibility, these tips work—even if you're just starting out.✅ How to Pitch Journalists: Master the 3 C’s to Get Free Press and Stay on TrendHow to use the 3 C’s of pitching: Consideration, Compliment, and ConfidenceHow to find the right journalist for your niche using free PR toolsWhy subject lines matter—and how to write one like a headlineHow to use specific compliments to build journalist relationshipsHow to show up with confidence as a solution—not as someone begging for attention How to pitch seasonally and stay relevant with trending topicsYou don’t need ads, connections, or a blue check to get featured in top media. What you need is a PR strategy rooted in empathy, relevance, and confidence. In this episode, Gloria Chou reveals how to write cold pitches that convert—so you can land press, grow your brand, and get seen as the expert you are.Whether you’re launching a product or scaling a service, this episode gives you the tools to pitch smarter and win media coverage—without paying for PR.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 (https://learn.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassbygloria) .     •  Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass (http://gloriachoupr.com/masterclass?utm_source=small-business-pr&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=&utm_content=masterclass&utm_campaign=masterclass)  to get you featured for free in 30 days  •  Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips  •  Download the 10 ways to get free PR for your small business  •  DM 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.link (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou)  •  CPR Pitch Framework (Credibility, POV, Relevance) https://gloriachoupr.com/1  •  Source of Sources – HARO Alternative https://gloriachoupr.com/1  •  Perplexity AI – Journalist Research Tool http://perplexity.ai

Still guessing that your customers are probably coming from Instagram? You’re not alone—and you might be missing critical insights that could transform your sales.In this value-packed episode, Gloria chats with Kelsey Silver, a licensed therapist turned data strategist, who specializes in making analytics feel empowering (not overwhelming). Kelsey breaks down how to track where your customers actually come from using simple tools like UTM links, QR codes, and even smart social media keywords.This is the episode every product-based business owner needs to finally stop guessing and start tracking what works—even if you’re allergic to spreadsheets.Understand Why Knowing Your Customer's Source Improves Marketing ROI🔗 How to use UTM links to track clicks and conversions from Instagram, podcasts, email & more📍 How to customize QR codes for in-person events like farmers markets and pop-ups📈 Why focusing on buyers, not just traffic, helps you grow profitably💬 Why asking “How did you find me?” can be the most powerful data point in your business🛠 How to keep your tracking simple, intentional, and totally doable (even with ADHD or zero tech skills)Tracking your marketing channels isn’t just for big brands with data teams—it’s a game-changer for small business owners who want to grow strategically. As Kelsey Silver explained, understanding where your customers come from helps you double down on what’s working and ditch what’s not.Before you invest more time in social media, email campaigns, or in-person events, make sure you’re tracking buyer behavior—not just traffic. Whether through UTM links, QR codes, or simple customer questions, having visibility into your customer journey is what separates guessing from growing.🎯 No matter if you’re just starting out or leveling up your ecommerce game, this episode equips you to track smarter, sell better, and optimize every marketing decision.🔗 Resources & Tools Mentioned:Google UTM Builder (Free Tool)Ready to track what really matters in your business? Grab Kelsey Silver’s free guide and discover the 15 key metrics top entrepreneurs use to grow smarter and sell more—without the overwhelm.Connect with Kelsey on Instagram: @kelseyesilver — DM her the word “Gloria” to start a convo and see how she does her own tracking!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.link

In this no-fluff, straight-talking episode of Small Business PR Podcast, host Gloria Chou sits down with seasoned ads expert and agency owner Zach Spuckler of Heart, Soul & Hustle to answer one of the most common (and costly) questions small business owners face:“Should I hire a marketing or ads agency—or do it myself?”With over 10 years of experience, millions spent on ads, and hundreds of clients under his belt, Zach breaks down exactly when it makes sense to hire help—and when it’s a waste of money. From red flags to look for, to knowing your numbers, to building a business that’s sustainable without giving up control, this episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur navigating growth.🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode✅ Why most small businesses shouldn’t hire an agency too early🚩 The biggest red flags to watch for when hiring a marketing agency📊 The difference between traffic, leads, and sales (and why it matters)🔎 How to identify your most profitable, high-ROI tasks🧯 Why “doing all the things” is a dangerous myth in small biz culture💰 How to know if you’re financially ready to outsource your marketing🔁 What it means to build a long-term brand—not just chase viral trendsHiring a marketing or ads agency can be a powerful move—but only if your business is truly ready. As Zach Spuckler shared, the right agency can amplify what’s already working, but the wrong one can drain your time, budget, and momentum.Before you sign any contracts, make sure you have a proven offer, a repeatable sales system, and a clear understanding of your numbers. And if you're not there yet? That’s okay—there’s strength in DIY marketing when it’s done with strategy and intention.🎯 Whether you're scaling up, refining your marketing, or just getting started, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Learn more about Zach Spuckler🌐 Zach’s Website – Heart, Soul & Hustle📲 Follow Zach on Instagram @ZachSpuckler🚀 Join Zach’s Ads BootcampIf 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.link<