© copyright, debbie leven, 2013 pr for startups – 12 tips by debbie leven pr coach

© Copyright, Debbie Leven, 2013

PR for Startups – 12 Tips

by Debbie LevenPR Coach


1. PR is just one part

Never forget that PR is just one part of your marketing. It needs to support, and be supported by, your other marketing efforts.


2. Define your objectives

You must define what you want your PR to do. Otherwise, how can you put evaluation in place and assess whether you have been successful?


3. Know your audiences

Research your audiences – where do they go for their news and information? Who influences them?


4. Define your key messages

Your key messages set out the key points you want to get across. You need these to ensure consistency in communication.


5. What’s your story?

Set down the ‘back story’ to your business – why you set it up, your own experience. This is all information that will help to provide background for journalists and will be of interest.


6. Do your research

You need to know who the influencers are in your industry, the key press and media, the bloggers, the important events that take place, relevant forums.


7. Do your preparation

Prepare for speaking to the media. Produce materials, such as your press kit, in advance.


8. Push me, pull me

Push me - be proactive and approach journalists and bloggers.

Pull me - make it easy for them to find you when they want information and comment, get into their contacts books.


9. Develop a calendar

Maintain your profile with activity over the long-term – proactive and reactive.


10. Understand news

If news announcements will play a part in your PR then you must understand what journalists want – human interest, impact, change, the benefits something will bring. A sales pitch won’t get you anywhere.


11. More than press releases

Contributing articles, guest blogging, speaker opportunities, attending and hosting events, exhibitions, social media – they, and more, have a role to play in raising profile, don’t forget them.


Don’t get down-hearted if your press and media efforts don’t get instant results. It can take time. Journalists receive many hundreds of emails and approaches. So, stick with it.

12. Kiss the frogs


Summary 1. PR is just one part2. Define your objectives3. Know your audiences4. Define your key messages5. What’s your story6. Do your research7. Do your preparation8. Push me, pull me9. Develop a calendar10. Understand news11. More than press releases12. Kiss the frogs


For more information and help, see:

• PR for startups: 12 top tips to make your business famous (blog covering points in this presentation in more detail)

• Press release template in word

• PR audit – find out why your PR isn’t working

• 5 top tips for press release success

Connect with me on Twitter: @debbielevenConnect with me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieleven

© copyright, debbie leven, 2013 pr for startups – 12 tips by debbie leven pr coach

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