Missed opportunities and uphill battles

When communications is an afterthought businesses miss opportunities, slow growth, and face an uphill battle to get noticed.

Small businesses are often focused on delivering great products or services. And rightly so.

So how can you do that and attract attention, build trust, and stand out in competitive markets?

I believe the first step to solving these challenges is understanding them. Whether you’re a founder, solo operator, or growing team, here are some of the most common PR hurdles small businesses face today — and why tackling them head-on is a game-changer.

1. Visibility: you can’t grow if no one knows

“How confident are you that the right people even know your business exists?”

Many small businesses struggle with one thing: obscurity. You’ve built something great, but potential customers, investors, or partners just don’t know about it. Visibility isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about getting in front of the right audience with the right message at the right time.

Strategic PR and thought leadership help you move in the eyes of your ideal clients from hidden gem to go-to name.

2. Too much to do

“Are you doing all your own PR and marketing as well as everything else - and burning out in the process?”

It’s easy to think you need to do it all yourself; write the posts, pitch to media, update the website, keep up with LinkedIn. But without a focused strategy, your time is spread thin and your efforts don’t always connect.

A solid visibility plan saves time and delivers better results by making each action count.

3. Inconsistent messaging = missed connections

“Do people instantly ‘get’ what you do — or are you explaining it over and over?”

When your messaging is unclear or keeps changing, people lose interest quickly. Whether it’s on your website, in interviews, or on social media, your story should feel cohesive and credible.

Strong positioning and brand storytelling help you become memorable.

4. What media opportunities?

“When was the last time your business was featured or quoted in the media?”

Media exposure builds trust and accelerates growth, but most small businesses don’t know how to get it, or think they’re not ready for it. The truth? The right pitch, sent to the right journalist at the right time, can be a breakthrough moment.

You don’t need to wait until you’re bigger. You need to be strategic.

5. Fear of being seen

“Do you ever hesitate to post or pitch because… what if no one cares?”

Visibility comes with vulnerability. Many founders hold back out of fear of being ignored, criticised, or misunderstood. But playing small doesn’t protect you, it just keeps you hidden.

PR isn’t about hype. It’s about showing up with credibility, confidence, and clarity.

6. Reputation building, not firefighting

“Are you building a brand that people trust — or just reacting to what comes your way?”

Reputation isn't just about fixing problems — it’s about shaping how you're seen before issues arise. A consistent, values-driven communication strategy builds long-term goodwill.

The earlier you invest in reputation, the less time you’ll spend managing crises later.

Ready to raise your profile?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it alone.