Small Business PR

Hosted by Gloria Chou

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Episodes

243

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

For small business owners and product founders who want to land organic PR, gift guide and podcast features, and show up in AI search—without ads or agencies. The brands getting organic media coverage now are the ones that will show up in those AI recommendations, and own AI search visibility and AEO (answer engine optimization) before it gets saturated. Shopify, Etsy, and other shopping sites are continuously being integrated with ChatGPT, and we’re making organic PR and marketing accessible to everyday small business owners, WOC and BIPOC founders, navigating this new era of AI search and SEO. Start pitching gift guide editors, TV and podcast hosts, and journalists all year round—so your products show up when customers search for what you sell. No PR experience, connections, or big budget required. Join us weekly as host Gloria Chou, the #1 small business PR coach, shares untraditional PR and AI visibility strategies with interviews from top-tier journalists, diverse founders, and online business experts. Get her free AI visibility prompts and PR training you won’t find anywhere else. gloriachoupr.com/masterclass

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June 15, 2026Episode 24240 min

How to Get Your Product Into Holiday Gift Guides (Gift Guide Editor Shares What Works)

Want to get your product featured in holiday gift guides, product roundups, and shopping articles without hiring a PR agency?In this episode, Gloria sits down with shopping expert, journalist, and gift guide editor Trae Bodge to discuss exactly how commerce writers choose products, what makes a pitch stand out, and the biggest mistakes founders make when pitching gift guides.Trae has written for MSN, Newsweek, CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, Women's Day, and more. She shares behind-the-scenes insights on how journalists evaluate products, why small brands have an advantage, and what founders need to know about affiliate marketing, samples, pricing, packaging, and holiday gift guide opportunities.In this episode, you'll learn:• How to pitch gift guide editors and commerce writers• What journalists actually look for in product pitches• Whether you need affiliate links, Amazon listings, or a large social media following• How to stand out in crowded categories like beauty, wellness, food, fashion, and home goods• The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching products• Why your packaging, positioning, and brand story matter more than you think• How to build relationships with journalists before you pitch• What makes a product worthy of a holiday gift guide or product roundupWhether you sell skincare, food, fashion, jewelry, wellness products, home decor, or consumer goods, this episode will help you understand how gift guide editors think and how to increase your chances of earning media coverage.Want more people to discover, trust, and buy from your business without spending thousands on ads or a PR agency?In my free AI Visibility Masterclass, I'll show you how small business owners are using PR, media features, and credibility signals to get recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, land press opportunities, and become the obvious choice in their industry.Watch here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #HolidayGiftGuides #ProductRoundups #ProductPR #GiftGuidePitching #MediaPitching #SmallBusinessPR #EcommercePR #AffiliateMarketing #JournalistOutreach #ProductPublicity

June 8, 202611 min

5 PR Pitch Hacks That Get Journalists to Open Your Emails

Want more journalists to actually read your pitches?In this episode, Gloria Chou shares 5 simple but powerful PR strategies that can help increase your email open rates and improve your chances of landing media coverage.You'll learn:• How to write subject lines journalists actually want to open • Why email tracking can change your entire PR strategy • The best days and times to send your pitches • How to use DMs to boost your pitch visibility • Why adding your phone number can increase responsesWhether you're a product-based business, service provider, coach, consultant, or founder, these practical PR tips will help you build relationships with journalists and get more eyes on your pitches.🎧 If you're trying to get featured in podcasts, magazines, TV segments, online publications, or major media outlets, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement today.Want more people to discover, trust, and buy from your business without spending thousands on ads or a PR agency?In my free AI Visibility Masterclass, I'll show you how small business owners are using PR, media features, and credibility signals to get recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, land press opportunities, and become the obvious choice in their industry.Watch here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #AIVisibility #GetFoundOnAI #ChatGPTMarketing #SmallBusinessPR #PRForSmallBusiness #FounderMarketing #ProductBasedBusiness #WomenInBusiness #FemaleFounder #SmallBusinessOwner #BrandVisibility #MediaCoverage #EarnedMedia #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessGrowth #AIForBusiness #PersonalBranding #VisibilityMarketing #ShopifyBusiness #EcommerceFounder

June 1, 2026Episode 24016 min

From Chatbot to Coworker: How Founders Use AI to Get Found and Recommended

Most business owners are still using AI like a chatbot.They ask ChatGPT or Claude to write a caption, draft an email, or brainstorm ideas, then move on to the next task.But that's not where the biggest time savings happen.In this episode, Gloria breaks down the 3 levels of AI adoption and explains how founders can move from using AI as a simple assistant to using it as a true coworker that helps run parts of the business.You'll learn how to connect AI to the tools you already use, automate repetitive tasks, uncover missed opportunities, and free up hours every week to focus on the work that actually grows your business.In This Episode, You'll Learn:• The 3 levels of AI adoption every founder should understand• Why most small business owners are still using AI wrong• The difference between using AI as a chatbot vs. a coworker• How to save 20+ hours a week with AI automations• The easiest way to train AI on your voice, business, and customer conversations• How AI can find missed sales opportunities hiding in your inbox• How to automate follow ups, scheduling, reporting, and content creation• Why AI should handle the $10/hour tasks so you can focus on the $10,000/hour tasks• The tools, connectors, and workflows Gloria uses in her own businessWhether you're a product founder, coach, consultant, service provider, or small business owner, this episode will help you stop treating AI like a tool and start using it like a teammate.Want more people to discover, trust, and buy from your business without spending thousands on ads or a PR agency?In my free AI Visibility Masterclass, I'll show you how small business owners are using PR, media features, and credibility signals to get recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, land press opportunities, and become the obvious choice in their industry.Watch here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #AIVisibility #GetFoundOnAI #ChatGPTMarketing #SmallBusinessPR #PRForSmallBusiness #FounderMarketing #ProductBasedBusiness #WomenInBusiness #FemaleFounder #SmallBusinessOwner #BrandVisibility #MediaCoverage #EarnedMedia #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessGrowth #AIForBusiness #PersonalBranding #VisibilityMarketing #ShopifyBusiness #EcommerceFounder

May 25, 2026Episode 23913 min

Why Most Small Business Owners Stay Invisible in 2026

Most small business owners do not have an information problem anymore.They have a visibility problem.In this episode, Gloria Chou shares the hard truth many founders need to hear in 2026: no amount of consuming content, saving posts, buying courses, or overthinking your messaging will grow your business if you are unwilling to actually show up and be seen.This conversation explores:• why so many founders stay stuck in “learning mode”• the fear of judgment that keeps businesses invisible• why your story matters more than ever in today’s AI driven recommendation economy• how PR starts with self trust and perspective• the difference between consuming information vs building visibility• why pressing “send” is often the real breakthroughIf you have been hiding behind perfectionism, waiting to feel ready, or struggling to consistently show up online, this episode is your reminder that your voice and perspective matter.Because in 2026, visibility is no longer optional.And nobody is coming to save your visibility except you.In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #SmallBusinessPR #EcommerceMarketing #AIForBusiness #ShopifyTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #ChatGPTMarketing #WomenInBusiness #ProductBasedBusiness #BrandTrust #ContentMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #AIContent #FemaleFounder #OnlineBusiness #DigitalMarketing

May 18, 2026Episode 23818 min

5 Toxic AF Marketing Tactics I'm Calling Out

Tired of the fake urgency, manipulative countdown timers, and “buy now or your business will fail” energy?In this re-aired episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou breaks down the toxic marketing tactics hurting small business owners — and what ethical, authentic marketing can look like instead.From fake scarcity and overpriced masterminds to toxic positivity and unrealistic “10X your business” promises, this episode explores how online business culture normalized pressure, fear, and manipulation as “strategy.”If you’re trying to grow your business without feeling sleazy, performative, or disconnected from your values, this episode is for you.✨ In this episode:• Fake scarcity + urgency tactics• Manipulative “buy now” marketing• Toxic positivity in entrepreneurship• Overpriced masterminds with little support• “10X your business” style promises• Ethical marketing for small business owners• Building trust through authentic connection• Human-centered marketing that actually lastsBecause you should not have to lose your soul to sell your offer.In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #SmallBusinessPR #EcommerceMarketing #AIForBusiness #ShopifyTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #ChatGPTMarketing #WomenInBusiness #ProductBasedBusiness #BrandTrust #ContentMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #AIContent #FemaleFounder #OnlineBusiness #DigitalMarketing

May 12, 2026Episode 23715 min

AI for Ecommerce: What’s Actually Working Right Now

What happens when AI makes it easier than ever to start a business… but harder than ever to build trust?In this episode of Small Business PR, Gloria sits down with 7 figure e-commerce founder and Online Store Success podcast host Jodie Minto to talk about what’s actually working for product brands in 2026 — from AI generated content and influencer marketing to trust, messaging, customer connection, and why so many brands are blending together online.This is a grounded, honest conversation for small business owners who feel overwhelmed by AI, exhausted by content creation, or worried that everything online is starting to sound the same.Inside this episode:• how AI is changing e-commerce and online marketing• why “perfect” brands are struggling to connect• the trust crisis happening online right now• how fake AI brands and copycat products are hurting customer trust• what actually makes people buy from small businesses today• how to use ChatGPT and AI tools without sounding robotic• the difference between influencers who drive sales vs creators who make content• why messaging clarity matters more than constantly creating new content• the surprising content trends working right now on Instagram and TikTok• how repetition helps brands get discovered in AI search and ChatGPT• why human connection is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in businessJodie also shares:• the exact mistakes small business owners are making with AI generated content• why audiences are craving more humanity, personality, and emotional connection• how brands can stand out without becoming louder or more “salesy”• what she believes the future of AI and small business looks likeIf you’re a Shopify founder, Etsy seller, creator, coach, product based business owner, or anyone trying to grow a business online without losing your voice in the process — this episode is for you.Want to get featured in media, build credibility, and grow your visibility—without hiring a PR agency?In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou #SmallBusinessPR #EcommerceMarketing #AIForBusiness #ShopifyTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #ChatGPTMarketing #WomenInBusiness #ProductBasedBusiness #BrandTrust #ContentMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #AIContent #FemaleFounder #OnlineBusiness #DigitalMarketing

May 4, 202614 min

How to Pitch Beauty Editors (And Why Most PR Pitches Get Ignored) w/ Aimee Simeon

You’ve probably heard it before:“Make it go viral.” “Jump on trends.” “Say more. Add more. Do more.”But if you’re trying to pitch editors, get featured in magazines, or land PR for your small business, that advice can actually work against you.After sitting down with a beauty editor who’s worked inside Allure, Glamour, and Well+Good… the truth is a lot simpler (and honestly, a little uncomfortable):Most PR pitches don’t get ignored because they’re bad. They get ignored because they’re unclear, overwhelming, or trying too hard.In this episode, we break down how to pitch editors, how to get featured in media, and what actually makes a PR pitch stand out—straight from someone who lives in that inbox every day. Because it’s not about being louder. It’s about being easier to say yes to.💡 In this episode, we cover:• What editors are really looking for right now (and what gets ignored) • The different types of media opportunities you can pitch (commerce, SEO, expert features, founder stories) • Why small businesses can absolutely get featured in top publications • How to write a subject line that actually gets opened (and searched later) • What to include in your media pitch—and what instantly gets skipped • Why being “scannable” matters more than being impressive • The biggest mistake founders make when trying to get PR • How seasonality, trends, and culture impact what gets covered • The right way to follow up with editors without being ignored🔥 The shift most founders miss when it comes to PR:It’s not about proving how amazing everything is. It’s about making it obvious why this matters right now.To the editor. To the reader. To the moment they’re living in.Because when you try to say everything… you end up saying nothing that sticks.And when you focus on the 2–3 things that actually matter? That’s when editors pay attention—and that’s how you get featured.If you’re trying to:• Get featured in magazines, gift guides, or online publications • Learn how to pitch editors the right way • Improve your PR strategy as a small business or product founder • Write a media pitch that actually gets opened and responded toThis episode will help you simplify your message, sharpen your pitch, and finally get seen.Want to get featured in media, build credibility, and grow your visibility—without hiring a PR agency?In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou

April 27, 202614 min

The Business Advice I Refused to Follow (Part 2): What Actually Worked Instead

You’ve heard the advice. Be everywhere. Say yes. Do more.I followed it… until I didn’t.In Part 2, I’m sharing the popular business advice I chose to reject and what actually worked instead — not just for growth, but for building a business that felt aligned.Because the truth is: your problem isn’t a lack of information. It’s a lack of clarity on what success actually looks like for you.And when that’s missing, you end up chasing strategies that look good on paper… but don’t move the needle in your business.💡 In this episode, we cover:Why more offers, more platforms, and more strategies can slow your growthThe power of focusing on one clear, compelling offerWhy traditional “networking” advice is outdated (and what to do instead)How to build real visibility and relationships in a way that feels naturalHonoring different seasons in your business without burning outHow to filter advice so you stop second-guessing yourself🔥 The shift most people are missing:It’s no longer about doing more to be seen. It’s about being clear enough to be chosen.By your customers. By editors. And yes — even by AI.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but something still feels off… this episode will help you trust your own path and build a business that actually works for you.Want to get featured in media, build credibility, and grow your visibility—without hiring a PR agency?In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou

April 20, 202615 min

The Business Advice I Refused to Follow (And What I Did Instead) - Part 1

Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” in your business… and it still doesn’t feel right?You’ve followed the advice. Joined the masterminds. Taken the courses. Tried the strategies everyone swears by. And yet… something feels off.In this episode, I’m sharing the popular business advice I consciously chose to reject—and why walking away from it actually helped me build a more aligned, sustainable, and profitable business.Because the real problem isn’t a lack of information. It’s the pressure to follow advice that was never meant for you in the first place.There’s so much noise in the online business space. “Post less, but make it perfect.” “Delegate everything.” “Protect your ideas.” “Follow this exact blueprint.”But what happens when those rules don’t fit how you think, create, or lead?This episode is your permission slip to question everything—and to start filtering advice through your own lens instead of blindly following what’s labeled as “best practice.”I’m breaking down the exact pieces of advice I rejected, what didn’t sit right, and what I chose to do instead.Inside this episode, we cover: Why “quality over quantity” can actually slow your growth in the early stages—and how consistent output builds momentum faster The truth about visionary leadership and why it’s one of the few things you shouldn’t delegate Why sharing your knowledge freely can position you faster than holding everything back The real limits of delegation—and how to protect your zone of genius without burning out How to experiment quickly, iterate often, and find strategies that actually work for your business Why clarity on your personal definition of success matters more than following someone else’s formula Your business is not meant to look like anyone else’s.And the sooner you stop trying to force strategies that don’t align with you, the sooner things start to click.This episode is about stepping into your role as CEO—not just by taking action, but by deciding what advice is actually worth following.Because at the end of the day, your business is a reflection of you. And it’s your job to lead it in a way that feels true, sustainable, and yours.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, stuck trying to follow someone else’s system, or unsure what actually works for you—this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity.Want to get featured in media, build credibility, and grow your visibility—without hiring a PR agency?In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.Register here: www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou

April 13, 20268 min

How to Rank on Google and AI Search with Press Releases (SEO + GEO Strategy for Small Businesses)

Are press releases still relevant in 2026… or are they the most underrated growth hack for getting your business recommended by AI?In this episode, Gloria Chou breaks down why traditional discovery is changing—and how platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity AI are now driving how customers decide what to buy.If your brand isn’t showing up in AI recommendations, you’re missing one of the biggest visibility opportunities right now.You’ll learn: Why social media reach is declining—and what’s replacing it How AI tools choose which brands to recommend Why press releases are the #1 trust signal for AI visibility and SEO How to use press releases to get backlinks on sites like Yahoo Finance and AP News The exact structure that makes your brand easy for AI to find and rank How to position yourself as the first in your niche (even in saturated markets) Why press releases can also protect your IP and authority This episode is your shortcut to understanding how AI search (GEO) works—and how to create an interconnected web of authority that helps your business get discovered, trusted, and recommended.Because today: 👉 People scroll to browse 👉 But they ask AI to decideIf you want your brand to be the one AI chooses, this is where to start.Resources Mentioned:Get the AI Visibility + PR TrainingGet Found on AI SearchJoin the Small Biz PR Pros Facebook GroupDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychouJoin Gloria Chou's PR Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Additional Resources:Listen On Your Favorite Podcast PlatformFollow the Podcast