Do you yearn to see your product reviewed in a glossy magazine? Or are you keen to catch the attention of a popular vlogger?
Whether growing your customer base or giving momentum to a product launch, PR is a powerful tool. But you sometimes need skill and experience in this area to make an impact. As media trainer and PR expert Janet Murray explains: “It takes time to develop expertise in media relations, so try not to take knockbacks personally.”
If you are taking a DIY approach, there are a number of avenues to explore. A savvy social media strategy could grow your brand name quickly, while becoming a pro at pitching to journalists could turn your business from an unknown to a recognisable name.
Or perhaps you’d like to hone your press release style? If your PR budget is zero, then what free publicity tricks are out there to try? And remember to be wary of PR mishaps – if your communications go amiss or a mistake within your business becomes public, how do you handle the fallout?
Whether you’ve just started up or you’re an old hand who’s come across a PR conundrum, our expert panel will be there to help.
Put your questions to them during this live Q&A from 1–2pm on Thursday 25 February. Taking part is simple: just register to comment. Once you’ve signed up, you can post your questions in the comments thread below this article. Alternatively, tweet @GdnSmallBiz with your questions, or email them to smallbusinessnetwork@theguardian.com and we’ll put them to the panel for you. Comments are currently open and we welcome questions in advance.
Our panel
Janet Murray is a journalist and PR coach who helps businesses tell their story in the media.
Claire Shiels is a Northumberland-based PR adviser who has secured national publicity for her small business clients across the UK.
Antonia Taylor launched her own PR consultancy to focus on startups and SMEs in tech and professional services. She previously held senior positions at global and regional agencies.
Steve Kitson is the director of communications at Kia.
Ed Grattan is head of PR for startup Pact Coffee. He previously worked at a number of PR agencies.
Irene McAleese is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of See.Sense, winner of Excellence in Marketing and PR at the Guardian Small Business Showcase Awards last year.
Taylor Kelly is the content marketing manager at Frame, a fitness business with studios across London which has quickly grown its profile.
Katy Pollard is the founder of Listening Pig, a PR consultancy.
Vivien Wong is the co-founder of food brands Little Moons and Tsuki Mochi.
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