In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Michelle Songy, CEO of Presshook, to explore the world of public relations for small businesses. Michelle addresses common misconceptions about PR and emphasizes the importance of preparation and crafting an effective pitch. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding your audience to prevent typical PR blunders and the value of nurturing media relationships while exploring nontraditional media avenues. Michelle shares insights on starting PR efforts for small businesses, focusing on the importance of customer relationships.
Michelle Songy is the Founder and CEO of Press Hook, a media platform that helps small businesses connect directly with journalists, editors, and creators. A serial entrepreneur and former American Express exec, she previously founded and sold her first startup, Cake Technologies. Today, Michelle is on a mission to make PR more accessible, transparent, and effective—especially for underrepresented founders and purpose-driven brands. Her work sits at the intersection of tech, media, and small business growth. https://www.presshook.com
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This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:
Understanding the difference between PR and marketing is crucial for small business owners, as PR focuses on building credibility through third-party validation rather than paid placements.
To successfully pitch to media outlets, it’s essential to research and tailor your pitch specifically to the journalist or platform, avoiding generic and overly promotional language.
Maintaining media relationships after receiving coverage involves expressing gratitude, staying engaged with their content, and providing valuable updates or insights without being overly self-promotional.
Resources Mentioned:
Online Courses: https://SmallBizLadyAcademy.com
Connect with Michelle Songy:
Website: https://www.presshook.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepresshookTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@presshookFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/presshookTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/thepresshookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepresshook
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