Public relations isn't just for big brands with big budgets. Whether you're a small business owner, a founder, or a freelancer, you are already doing PR—whether you realise it or not.

But here’s the kicker: if you can’t answer these ten questions confidently, there’s a good chance your visibility, messaging, or media strategy needs a rethink.

🤔 1. What do you want to be known for?
This is the heart of your PR. If someone describes your business in a sentence, what should they say?

🎯 2. Who are you trying to reach?
Knowing your audience means you can choose the right platforms, publications, and tone.

🗣️ 3. What three key messages define your brand?
You should be able to summarise what you do, how you do it, and why it matters—in a way that's relevant to your audience.

📰 4. When were you last in the press?
Not just social media—actual press coverage or mentions. If it’s been a while, it might be time to get proactive.

📝 5. Do you have a current press release or media kit?
If a journalist asked you for information today, could you send it immediately?

📷 6. Do you have up-to-date headshots and visuals?
Strong images often make the difference between being featured or skipped.

🕒 7. Do you have stories ready to pitch for the next 3 months?
PR is most effective when it’s forward-planned, not last-minute.

💬 8. Are you being seen as a thought leader?
Are you contributing insights, quotes, or expert commentary to industry discussions?

👂 9. Do you know what journalists and your audience are talking about right now?
Being PR-savvy means being aware of trends and timely topics that intersect with your work.

🎯 10. Is your PR aligned with your business goals?
Everything you do—media coverage, events, content—should support your wider business growth.


PR isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, with the right message. These questions help you check in with where you are, spot the gaps, and refocus your visibility efforts for maximum impact.
Need help answering any of the above?  We’re only an email away.

September marks the start of a new business season. With summer behind us, it’s time to switch gears and plan for some of the biggest opportunities in the PR calendar—from back-to-school campaigns to Christmas press.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a growing team, this simple checklist will help you get ahead of the game—and give your brand the visibility it deserves.

✅ 1. Refresh Your Key Messages
Are your core messages still aligned with your goals, products, and audience? Make sure your “about us,” boilerplate, and key talking points reflect any changes or milestones.
💡 Update your website bio, press kits, and LinkedIn profiles at the same time.

✅ 2. Pitch Early for Christmas Features
Yes, really. Long-lead press (like magazines and national gift guides) start planning in August and September. If you have a product, service, or story that could land in festive content, now’s the time to act.
🎁 Hot tip: Create a festive press release, include high-res images, and make it easy for journalists to cover you.

✅ 3. Identify Awareness Days and Campaign Dates
Autumn is packed with national awareness campaigns—many of which are perfect PR hooks.
🗓️ Some examples:

• Back to School (early Sept)
• World Mental Health Day (10 Oct)
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday (29 Nov / 2 Dec)
• Small Business Saturday (7 Dec)

💡 Plan your content and press angles to coincide with themes that matter to your audience.

✅ 4. Update Your Media List
Journalist roles change constantly. Use September to check your contacts, research new outlets, and refine who you're pitching to.
📍 Tools like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and media databases are useful for keeping track of changes.

✅ 5. Reuse Summer Content Strategically
Did you post summer content that could be repurposed? A blog post could become a guest article. A testimonial could become a case study. A client story might become a media pitch.
♻️ Work smarter—not harder—with content you already have.

✅ 6. Book in Interviews, Q&As, and Thought Leadership
Autumn is a strong time for positioning yourself as an expert. Think podcasts, local radio, trade titles or blog interviews. Reach out now to secure slots before things get busy in Q4.

✅ 7. Audit Your PR Assets
Is your press kit up to date? Do you have recent high-res headshots and brand visuals? Are you showcasing awards or media coverage from earlier this year?
🧰 A well-stocked PR toolkit makes responding to media opportunities so much easier.


With the right planning, autumn can be your most visible, strategic season yet. Use this checklist to get organised, get visible, and make sure your story is being told in the right places.
📩 Need help pitching your autumn campaign or pulling together your press assets? Contact Us - we’re here to help.
#AutumnCampaigns #PRPlanning #SmallBusinessPR #ShrewdPR #MediaReady