Why Even Small Businesses Need PR

As a small PR agency working closely with local businesses, we've witnessed firsthand how strategic public relations can transform even the smallest operations. Our clients often come to us believing PR is only for major corporations, but we've consistently proven that modest PR investments yield substantial returns for businesses of all sizes.

The Media Landscape Has Changed

The way people find information about businesses has fundamentally shifted. In 2024, the internet surpassed television as the UK's primary news source, with 71% of adults getting news online compared to 70% via TV. Social media has become particularly influential, with 52% of UK adults using these platforms for news.

We see similar patterns in the United States, where approximately 54% of adults sometimes obtain news from social media. Facebook remains the dominant platform with 3.065 billion monthly active users worldwide—surpassing Instagram, X, and TikTok. This is where your potential customers are spending their time.

Why Small Businesses Should Care

We've seen the power of media coverage in action. When local music venues we work with received coverage in community publications, they expanded well beyond their typical audience of regular attendees. Their event attendance grew significantly, reaching people who had never previously considered visiting.

This illustrates what we've long known: people trust recommendations and stories from media sources more than direct advertising. What we call "earned media" carries a credibility that paid promotions simply can't match.

Our approach doesn't require massive budgets. We help small businesses build relationships with local journalists, develop compelling stories about their community involvement, and share their expertise through targeted channels. We've helped dozens of local businesses use their social media strategically rather than posting without purpose.

Without a positive media presence, we've seen businesses miss valuable opportunities. Those who work with us find their community connections strengthen as media coverage highlights their local partnerships and involvement—translating directly to increased customer loyalty and growth.

After helping numerous small businesses transform their visibility, we've seen consistently that in today's research-before-buying culture, strategic PR isn't a luxury—it's essential for being noticed and chosen.