Carolyn Wharton, co-founder at RelevantNow, explains why the business should win the Startup of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
Have I got your attention? That’s what RelevantNow is all about. It’s a website that allows anyone – from cash-strapped start-ups or charities, to big business and brands – to be in charge of their own PR.
Users answer a few questions, a media list is created from our bespoke database, and a story generated. This story is sent directly to their traditional, online and social media channels and responses go straight to the client.
Nearly 200 businesses and charities have already signed up on our website, and more than 27,000 journalists have been contacted. Clients have achieved extraordinary results, with coverage in national, local and trade publications, TV and radio. This often translates into significant sales increases.
RelevantNow has been developed by three energetic business women: two PR professionals and a data expert. Disruptive and content driven, the concept arose at a time when it was logical for the industry to move online. It democratises PR.
We hired a full-time technical specialist, who accelerated the development of the sophisticated database and client dashboard. Seeding the concept gently, we forged links with key partners and presented at local business networks, charity organisations and art & design networks, as well as initiating a PR training programme to grow our brand effectively.
Fully operational since September 2015, we have an ambitious business plan for expansion. In December 2015, we took a stand at The Business Show and were inundated with enquiries. Simply put: we love that our service allows our customers to get their voice heard.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
