Small Business PR

Gloria Chou

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

  1. 12/22/2025

    Press Releases for Small Business: How Product Brands Get Media Coverage + SEO

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou, the #1 Small Business PR Coach and Expert recommended by AI, breaks down one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—PR tools available to small business founders: press releases. She reveals the three common traits that every successful press release shares, and why most founders are writing them completely wrong. Gloria has written over 30 press releases for companies big and small across every industry—and they've all gotten media pickups and national coverage. In this episode, she shares the exact formula she uses to make press releases concise, compelling, and impossible to ignore, even if you're competing in a saturated market. The 3 Things All Winning Press Releases Have in Common 1. They're Specific Around One Time-Sensitive Event 🎯 Focus on ONE announcement, not 12 months of updates  🎯 Establish why it's important enough to warrant a press release  🎯 Show what's unique about your approach—not just that you're the only one doing it Your headline should state what you're announcing. Your subheadline should explain how it works. 2. They're No Longer Than 4–6 Paragraphs 📝 Journalists give your press release 30 seconds max  📝 Shorter is more attention-grabbing  📝 Mastering concise messaging shows you understand relevance Gloria's rule: If you had 10 seconds in an elevator with Oprah, what would you say? That's your press release. 3. They're Used as Conversation Starters—Not the Final Article 💬 The press release is a tool to get journalists interested  💬 It's your leverage to offer an exclusive before going public  💬 The goal is to get on the phone for deeper coverage Here's the secret: Don't post your press release publicly right away. Give yourself a few weeks to pitch exclusives, then post publicly. Even after posting, you can still get media pickups weeks or months later. Key Takeaways from This Episode Press releases should be 4–6 paragraphs max—journalists give you 30 seconds Focus on ONE specific announcement, not your entire business history Don't post publicly right away—shop it to journalists as an exclusive first Your headline states what you're announcing; your subheadline explains how Skip the fluff in your CEO quote—explain the gap you saw and why you're offering a better way Press releases are conversation starters that lead to interviews and deeper coverage Once one journalist covers you, they'll come back for more—it's a domino effect Final Thoughts Press releases aren't just for big companies—they're one of the most accessible tools small business founders have to build credibility and start media conversations. The key is keeping them specific, concise, and strategic, and using them as leverage to start real relationships with journalists. Once one journalist covers you, there's no limit. They'll come back for more quotes and features because you've proven you're a great communicator. That one domino knocks down so many others. Resources Mentioned: Get the AI Visibility + PR Training Get Found on AI Search Join the Small Biz PR Pros Facebook Group 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.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou  Join Gloria Chou's PR Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

    20 min
  2. 12/15/2025

    How Generational Trauma Impacts Building a Business (and What No One Talks About)

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria, the #1 Small Business PR Coach and Expert recommended by AI, steps into a deeply personal and unfiltered conversation with Michelle Sherrier, host of The Retail Whore Podcast. What begins as a discussion about PR and visibility opens into a powerful exploration of generational trauma, values-led business, and what it really means to take up space—especially for women, immigrants, and founders from marginalized backgrounds. Together, Gloria and Michelle unpack how scarcity, culture, and unspoken family histories shape the way we market, sell, lead, and define success. Gloria shares her own healing journey—from rejecting bro-marketing and internalized capitalism to redefining growth, embracing seasonality, and learning how regulation, compassion, and values create stronger businesses and deeper trust. Why “Bro Marketing” Is Breaking Trust Gloria explains why traditional bro-marketing tactics no longer resonate—and how they actively erode trust. Bro marketing often looks like: 🙅‍♀️ Urgency tactics rooted in fear and pressure 🙅‍♀️ Obsession with revenue as the sole measure of worth 🙅‍♀️ Messaging that ignores humanity, context, and lived experience Instead, Gloria advocates for a more humane, values-forward approach—one that prioritizes service, consent, and genuine connection over constant “more, more, more.” Visibility, Values, and Losing Followers In a world where everyone can create content and claim expertise, values have become the true differentiator. Gloria and Michelle discuss:  💡 Why losing followers can actually strengthen your brand  💡 How values alignment now drives buying decisions  💡 Why staying silent is no longer neutral in business  💡 How becoming clear about who you’re not for builds trust with the people who are Your audience is already making assumptions—this episode explains why naming your values creates clarity instead of division. Generational Trauma and the Business You Build Gloria opens up about growing up as the daughter of a widowed immigrant mother—and how generational trauma shaped her relationship with money, delegation, success, and worth. You’ll hear how:  💭 Scarcity shows up as burnout, control, and over-self-reliance  💭 Healing your nervous system directly impacts how you lead  💭 Compassion changes your responses, not just your reactions  💭 Acknowledging the whole founder creates more sustainable businesses Business doesn’t happen in a vacuum—and neither do we. PR Without Gatekeepers: A More Accessible Way Gloria also breaks down her philosophy on PR and why founders don’t need agencies, insider connections, or massive budgets to get featured. She shares:  📰 Why journalists want to hear directly from founders  📰 How relevance—not connections—drives media coverage  📰 The CPR Pitch Framework: Credibility, Point of View, Relevance  📰 How seasonality and timing shape press opportunities PR, at its core, is about telling the right story to the right person at the right time. Key Takeaways from This Episode:  Why rejecting hustle-driven marketing can rebuild trust with your audienceHow generational trauma quietly shapes pricing, delegation, and growth decisionsWhy values—not follower count—are now the strongest brand differentiatorHow healing your nervous system changes the way you show up in businessWhy PR becomes easier when you focus on relevance instead of gatekeepersFinal Thoughts This episode is a reminder that visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen as you are. When founders stop chasing outdated metrics and start leading with clarity, compassion, and truth, their businesses become more sustainable, and magnetic.

    49 min
  3. 12/08/2025

    How to Get Your Product Featured in Magazines & Gift Guides (with Journalist Joni Sweet)

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria, the #1 Small Business PR Coach and Expert recommended by AI, breaks down one of the most confusing—and most requested—PR topics from small business owners: gift guides. She’s joined by freelance journalist Joni Sweet, whose work has appeared in National Geographic, TIME, Forbes, and more, to explain how gift guides really work and how founders can pitch with confidence, even without connections or a PR agency. Together, Gloria and Joni pull back the curtain on what journalists are actively working on during gift guide season, why digital gift guides still offer real opportunities, and how small business owners can position their products, experiences, or digital offers in a way that actually gets noticed. How Gift Guides Really Work Guide Guides is not: 🙅‍♀️ Only for big brands with PR teams 🙅‍♀️ Just a Q4 or holiday-only opportunity 🙅‍♀️ Limited to physical products that ship fast Joni explains the difference between print and digital gift guides, why print closes months in advance, and how digital gift guides are constantly being updated—even late into the season. What Journalists Are Looking For Instead 🎁 Products that clearly fit a specific gift guide theme 🎁 Pitches that get straight to the point (shorter is better) 🎁 One or two standout products—not an entire catalog 🎁 Easy-to-access images and links without attachments Gloria and Joni walk through exactly how journalists source products, how SEO plays into gift guide creation, and why respecting a journalist’s time is one of the fastest ways to increase your chances of coverage. Key Takeaways from This Episode How digital gift guides work and why they matter more than everWhen it’s too late for print—and why it’s often not too late for digitalHow to use Substack to find journalists working on gift guidesWhat to include (and skip) in your gift guide pitchHow many products to pitch and how to choose the right oneBest practices for images, links, and assets journalists needHow and when to follow up without hurting your chancesThe truth about samples, affiliate links, and media kitsWhy gift guide pitching can be a year-round strategy—not just holidays Final Thoughts Gift guide season is competitive, but it’s not impossible—and it’s definitely not just for big brands. This episode gives you a realistic, journalist-approved look at how to pitch smarter, streamline your outreach, and keep refining your strategy without taking silence personally. 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

    21 min
  4. 12/01/2025

    Is Your Business Ready for the New Year? Do This End-of-Year Audit

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria, the #1 Small Business PR Coach and Expert recommended by AI, breaks down the exact year-end audit every founder should do if they want more clarity, more momentum, and more aligned growth next year. Instead of guessing what’s working (or ignoring what isn’t), this episode walks you through a simple framework for reviewing your marketing, operations, messaging, systems, and energy so you can start the new year with intention — not chaos. If you’re feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus next, this episode is your reset. The 3 Core Areas Every Founder Must Audit Before Year-End 1. Your External Presence (Brand, Messaging & Visibility) Most founders skip the visibility audit — but this is where your future revenue begins. Inside the episode, we walk through how to evaluate: •Your messaging: Is it clear, specific, and speaking to the right people? •Your offers: Are you selling what people actually want right now? •Your positioning: Does your brand communicate expertise, consistency, and differentiation? •Your visibility channels: What’s working? What’s draining you? What needs to be sunset or doubled down on? 2. Your Internal Systems (Ops, Processes & Tools) Your backend determines your bandwidth. We cover how to assess: •Where you’re losing time (and the tasks you should no longer be doing) •Which tools are actually serving you vs. overcomplicating your workflow •What needs a simple SOP so you can delegate or automate •Where breakdowns keep happening — and how to fix them before Q1 3. Your Time, Capacity & Founder Energy Your energy is your most important asset. In this section, we unpack: •Which tasks drain you vs. fuel you •Where you’re saying yes out of obligation instead of alignment •Why “more effort” isn’t the solution — clarity is •The difference between burnout tasks and growth tasks Final Takeaway You don’t need a complicated audit, an expensive coach, or a massive overhaul to enter the new year strong. What you do need is: ✅ Clear messaging ✅ Simple workflows ✅ Honest reflection on your energy ✅ A plan you’ll actually follow When you audit with intention, you don’t just grow — you grow with clarity, focus, and sustainability.

    22 min
  5. 11/24/2025

    Selling on Shopify? The 3 Metrics That Make or Break Your Store

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria sits down with Kurt Elster — e-commerce expert, long-time Shopify insider, and host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast — to break down exactly what founders need to know if they want to hit their first $100K on Shopify. Kurt has helped brands scale from five to eight figures, and today, he’s pulling back the curtain on the real mistakes most founders make… and the simple fixes that can transform your store’s conversions, customer loyalty, and long-term revenue. If you're an e-commerce founder struggling to grow, this episode is your shortcut. The THREE Most Common Mistakes Keeping Founders From Their First $100K Kurt has seen every Shopify setup imaginable — and the same roadblocks show up again and again. In this episode, he unpacks: Obsessing over themes instead of messagingNew founders sink hours into choosing the “perfect” theme — but Kurt shares why: Any theme in the Shopify Theme Store works for any nicheDawn (Shopify’s FREE theme) is the perfect starting pointWhat actually moves the needle is clarity, content, and your story — not fancy templates   2. Ignoring the post-purchase experience Your second, third, and fourth sales are where your profit lives. Kurt breaks down: How to start collecting product reviews (even with zero customers)Why vulnerability helps you get reviews fasterHow to create a simple retention email flow using built-in Shopify EmailWhy follow-up = more revenue than your first sale  3. Being afraid to email your customers Kurt crushes the fear of “bothering” your list and shows: Why plain-text emails outperform heavy designWhy weekly emails lead to fewer unsubscribesHow staying top-of-mind can turn one-time customers into superfansThe mindset shift founders MUST adopt to scaleThe Tools, Features & Strategies Founders Overlook Kurt shares the most underutilized (and free!) Shopify features that boost conversions instantly, including: Shop Pay & Shop Pay InstallmentsFaster checkout = more conversions. Younger buyers especially rely on installments. Customer accounts (passwordless login)Reduce friction and make repeat purchases seamless. The Shop AppA built-in discovery marketplace your brand should absolutely be in. How to Build a Repeatable, Revenue-Driving Customer Journey Kurt walks through simple but powerful workflows like: A 1-day “thank you” email that builds instant loyaltyA 14-day product review request that feels human and authenticA post-purchase upsell email (“complete the set”)A 24-hour “order add-on” coupon that increases AOV with almost no effortFinal Takeaway You don’t need a fancy theme, expensive tools, or complicated funnels to hit your first $100K on Shopify. What you do need is:  ✅ Clear messaging  ✅ A simple, human post-purchase system ✅ A willingness to email consistently ✅ The courage to stay visible If Kurt’s clients can go from zero to multiple six figures, so can you.

    24 min
  6. 11/17/2025

    Is Your Marketing Falling Flat? How to Build an Authentic Brand in the Age of AI with Sarah Ashman

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria dives into why so many small business owners struggle to connect online—and how authentic branding is the secret to attracting your “Hell yes!” clients. She sits down with branding strategist Sarah Ashman, who has worked with Nike, Estee Lauder, and Madonna, to unpack what it really means to show up in alignment, radiate your values, and let your audience feel your energy. Sarah and Gloria break down the subtle cues your audience senses, why “proving energy” can push people away, and practical ways to check in with yourself so your messaging and offerings land authentically—whether you sell a product or a service. What Branding Isn’t — And Why It Matters Branding is not: 🙅‍♀️ Just a logo, website, or Instagram feed 🙅‍♀️ Relying solely on credentials or authority to impress 🙅‍♀️ Following templates or “shoulds” that don’t reflect who you are That’s surface-level branding. Real branding is about alignment, energy, and authenticity—so your audience knows who you are and why they should care. What Branding Actually Is 💡 Being congruent: your words, energy, and actions all match 💡 Showing up relaxed and confident, not trying to prove yourself 💡 Grounded in your values and the story behind your work 💡 A daily practice of checking in with yourself first, then letting that guide your external messaging Gloria and Sarah explain why audiences have “digital Spidey senses” for inauthenticity—and how showing up from your inner truth builds trust, loyalty, and connection. Key Takeaways from This Episode How to notice when your energy and messaging aren’t alignedWhy relaxed, genuine presence lands better than polished authorityThe mindset shift that turns your work into a story people feel, not just hearHow authenticity applies to both service- and product-based businessesWays to use AI to clarify your messaging without losing your personal “heartbeat” Final Thoughts If you’re ready to attract your “Hell yes!” clients and build a brand that feels authentic to you, this episode gives you the tools and mindset shifts to check in with your inner truth, align your messaging, and radiate confidence. It’s never been a better time to stop following old templates and start showing up fully as yourself.

    27 min
  7. 11/13/2025

    Why Being a Podcast Guest Should Be Your #1 Marketing Goal in 2025

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria dives deep into one of the biggest traps small business owners face today — PR scams and pay-to-play “features.” You know the ones: “Get featured in *40 Under 40 Innovative Entrepreneurs—fees apply.” Gloria pulls back the curtain on how to spot these fake “PR opportunities” and why they don’t give you the long-term authority, SEO, or credibility that earned media does. After years of helping thousands of founders get featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Allure, and The New York Times — without paying a dime for placement — Gloria reveals the red flags to watch for and what real PR looks like. What PR Isn’t — And Why It Matters PR is not:  🚫 Paying to get featured in an “exclusive” list or award you’ve never heard of  🚫 Sending dozens of free samples just to get a mention  🚫 Paying contributors or influencers to write about you That’s not earned media — that’s advertising. Real PR is when a journalist or editor chooses to feature you because your story, expertise, or brand serves their audience. What PR Actually Is  ✅ Earned editorial content — the kind that builds SEO, authority, and trust  ✅ Relationship-driven, not transactional  ✅ Long-term visibility, not one-and-done posts Gloria breaks down why journalists want to hear from founders directly (not agencies), and how to craft your pitch using her CPR Method — Credibility, Point of View, Relevance — to stand out in their inbox. Key Takeaways from This Episode How to tell the difference between earned media and pay-to-play “PR” scamsWhy paying for “exclusive” features can hurt your brand credibilityThe exact mindset shift that turns your marketing message into a newsworthy storyHow earned PR compounds over time, bringing more features, backlinks, and authority Final Thoughts If you’re tired of wasting money on ads or “guaranteed” features that don’t move the needle, this episode will teach you how to take control of your PR — and do it the right way.

    19 min
  8. 11/03/2025

    How to Build Visibility and Confidence to Get PR for Your Small Business

    In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria shares the three essential mindsets every founder needs to get featured in top media outlets—without spending thousands on a PR agency or ads. After helping thousands of small business owners successfully pitch themselves to outlets like Forbes, The New York Times, and Marie Claire, Gloria reveals that PR isn’t just about press—it’s about mindset, communication, and consistency. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1️⃣ Why PR Is Cumulative (And Why Every Pitch Counts) Getting featured isn’t a one-time event—it’s a skill that compounds over time. Gloria explains how every pitch, follow-up, and journalist connection builds momentum, even if you don’t get a “yes” right away. 2️⃣ The $10,000-an-Hour Skill Every Founder Must Master Outsourcing design or admin is easy—but you can’t outsource your voice. Learn why mastering your message is the most valuable asset in your business and how to use Gloria’s CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to stand out to editors and producers. 3️⃣ How to Build Relationships That Create Endless Press Opportunities PR isn’t just about features—it’s about relationships. Gloria reveals how to cultivate authentic connections with journalists, become a trusted expert source, and turn one feature into an ongoing media snowball effect. Real Founder Stories Hear how members of the PR Starter Pack community—like Dr. Ross Radusky and Dr. Greta—used Gloria’s system to consistently land press coverage year-round by pitching with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways  ✅ PR success is built through mindset and momentum  ✅ Your story is your most powerful marketing asset  ✅ Consistency > perfection when it comes to pitching  ✅ Everything you want is on the other side of the send button If you’re ready to stop relying on social media algorithms and start getting free, organic press that builds your credibility and SEO, this episode is your roadmap.

    15 min
5
out of 5
276 Ratings

About

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

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