Brett Deister and PR whiz Mickey Kennedy kick things off by diving straight into the nitty-gritty of press release marketing, highlighting its crucial role in boosting visibility and credibility for small businesses. Mickey, with a whopping 25 years in the game, spills the tea on how earned media can be a game-changer, especially for startups looking to make a mark without breaking the bank. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and strategic content—turning press releases into a goldmine of opportunities, not just a one-and-done deal. Mickey's insights reveal that the secret sauce lies in crafting relatable narratives that resonate with journalists and audiences alike. This episode is packed with practical tips and tricks that'll have entrepreneurs eager to leverage press releases like pros, ultimately transforming their PR game from zero to hero.

Takeaways:

• Mickey emphasizes that regardless of size, small businesses can snag earned media, catching journalists' attention by focusing on unique stories rather than just corporate achievements.
• He highlights the importance of storytelling in press releases, stating that a compelling narrative can greatly increase media coverage and help businesses stand out in a crowded market.
• Mickey suggests leveraging press releases as ongoing marketing tools by sharing earned media across social media and websites, transforming them into assets that enhance credibility and visibility.
• The episode discusses how small businesses should focus on strategic press releases, aiming for quality over quantity, and ideally producing six to eight per campaign for effective PR efforts.
• Mickey insists on the necessity of understanding what journalists seek: engaging narratives that resonate with their audience, which is crucial for successful press release marketing.
• Lastly, he notes that small businesses shouldn't shy away from PR, as their fresh perspectives and stories can often be more appealing to journalists than established corporations.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Microsoft
• Google
• E Releases
• PR Newswire
• Business Wire

Links referenced in this episode:

• ereleases.com