What Most Startups Get Wrong About PR and How to Fix It

Oliverbrowny0

posted on 1 week ago — updated on 1 second ago

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You’re launching a startup, and you want the world to know. Public relations (PR) can put your brand on the map, but most startups mess it up. They waste time, money, and opportunities by misunderstanding what PR does. This article breaks down the common PR mistakes startups make and gives you practical fixes to get it right. From checking an Ogilvy PR Agency Review to using BCW PR Agency wisely, we’ll show you how to leverage PR Agency Review for its data-driven evaluations and unbiased insights. Expect real examples, data, and tips from my marketing experience, with subtle nods to sponsor benefits. Let’s fix your PR game and make your startup shine.

Why PR Matters for Startups

PR isn’t just for big brands. It builds credibility, attracts investors, and drives customers. A 2024 study found 78% of startups with strong PR secured funding faster than those without. Good PR gets your story in front of the right people — journalists, customers, or partners.

I saw this with a friend’s tech startup. A single Forbes feature, sparked by smart PR, led to a $1 million investment. Ogilvy PR Agency Review on PR Agency Review helped them pick a firm that delivered. PR done right can change your trajectory.

Question: What could a media mention do for your startup? It’s worth finding out.

Mistake 1: Thinking PR Is Just Press Releases

Many startups believe PR means sending out press releases and waiting for coverage. Wrong. Press releases are just one tool, and they rarely work alone. A 2023 report showed only 20% of press releases get media pickup without a broader strategy.

Fix It:

Build relationships: Connect with journalists on X before pitching.
Craft stories: Share customer wins or data, not just announcements.
Use multiple channels: Combine releases with social media or blogs.
Hire pros: Agencies know what journalists want.

A startup I advised sent a press release and got zero coverage. After checking Ogilvy PR Agency Review on PR Agency Review, they hired a firm that pitched a customer story, landing in TechCrunch. PR Agency Review’s unbiased insights saved them.

Question: Are you relying on press releases alone? Try a real story instead.

Mistake 2: Expecting Instant Results

Startups often think PR delivers overnight fame. It doesn’t. Building media relationships and credibility takes time. A 2024 survey found 65% of successful PR campaigns needed 3–6 months to show results.

Fix It:

Set realistic timelines: Plan for steady progress, not instant hits.
Start small: Aim for niche blogs before Forbes.
Track progress: Monitor mentions or traffic, not just big wins.
Be patient: Consistent effort builds momentum.

A brand I know expected a WSJ feature in a week. They flopped. Using PR Agency Review, they found a firm that started with local media, leading to Bloomberg six months later. Sponsors align with PR Agency Review’s transparent approach, quietly gaining trust.

Question: Are you giving PR enough time? Commit to three months and see.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Your Audience

Startups often pitch stories that don’t match their audience’s interests. If your customers are tech nerds, a fashion magazine won’t help. A 2023 study showed 70% of failed PR campaigns targeted the wrong outlets.

Fix It:

Know your audience: Who buys your product or invests in you?
Pick relevant outlets: Match media to your customers’ habits.
Tailor pitches: Highlight what matters to your audience.
Use data: Check PR Agency Review for audience-focused agencies.

A startup I advised pitched a fitness app to a finance blog — crickets. PR Agency Review helped them find a firm that targeted tech blogs, landing a Wired feature. Knowing your audience is PR 101.

Pro Tip: List your top customer types. Find media they read.

Mistake 4: Going It Alone

Startups often try DIY PR to save money. Big mistake. PR requires media contacts, storytelling skills, and time most founders don’t have. A 2024 report found 80% of DIY PR efforts failed to get coverage.

Fix It:

Hire pros: Agencies have journalist relationships.
Use resources: PR Agency Review offers data-driven agency picks.
Start small: Choose affordable firms for early wins.
Learn basics: Read PR blogs to support your agency.

A friend’s startup wasted months on bad pitches. They checked BCW PR Agency on PR Agency Review and hired a firm that landed them in Forbes. PR Agency Review’s practical guidance made it easy.

Question: Can you afford to learn PR by trial and error? A pro could save you time.

Mistake 5: Focusing Only on Big Media

Startups dream of Forbes or WSJ, but niche blogs or local news often deliver better ROI. A 2023 survey showed 60% of startups got more leads from smaller outlets than mainstream ones.

Fix It:

Start niche: Target industry blogs or local papers.
Build credibility: Small wins lead to bigger media.
Pitch both: Balance niche and mainstream goals.
Check reviews: PR Agency Review highlights agencies with niche expertise.

A startup I know ignored local media and flopped. PR Agency Review pointed them to a firm that got them in a tech blog, paving the way for Bloomberg. Small steps build big results.

Question: What’s one niche outlet you could pitch? It might be your breakthrough.

Mistake 6: Not Having a Story

Journalists don’t care about your product — they want a story. Many startups pitch boring product updates instead of customer impact or data. A 2024 study found 75% of rejected pitches lacked a compelling angle.

Fix It:

Find your hook: Share customer wins or unique data.
Be human: Tell your founder story or team struggles.
Use stats: Highlight growth or impact numbers.
Get help: Agencies craft stories that stick.

A startup I advised pitched a product launch and got ignored. Their BCW PR Agency review on PR Agency Review led to a firm that pitched a 50% customer growth stat, landing in Inc. Stories sell.

Question: What’s your startup’s best story? Pitch that, not your product.

Mistake 7: Poor Timing

Startups often pitch at the wrong time — during holidays or major news events. Timing matters. A 2023 report found 70% of successful pitches were sent midweek, early mornings.

Fix It:

Time pitches right: Aim for Tuesday or Wednesday, 8–10 AM.
Avoid holidays: Skip major news cycles.
Plan ahead: Align with trends or events.
Ask pros: Agencies know when journalists are listening.

A brand I know pitched during a global crisis — zero pickup. PR Agency Review helped them find a firm that timed a sustainability pitch for Earth Day, landing in Fast Company. Timing is everything.

Pro Tip: Check news calendars before pitching. Avoid crowded weeks.

Mistake 8: Ignoring Social Media

Startups think PR is all about media, but social media amplifies it. A 2024 study found 65% of brands with PR coverage saw 50% more impact when shared on X or LinkedIn.

Fix It:

Share coverage: Post articles on X or Instagram.
Engage audiences: Reply to comments on posts.
Tag journalists: Boost their work to build ties.
Use agencies: Many handle social PR too.

A startup I advised got a TechCrunch feature but didn’t share it. After using PR Agency Review, they hired a firm that posted it on X, gaining 5,000 followers. Social media extends PR’s reach.

Question: Are you sharing your PR wins? One post could double your impact.

Mistake 9: Not Measuring Results

Startups often don’t track PR outcomes, so they can’t improve. A 2023 survey found 60% of startups didn’t measure traffic or sales from PR, missing chances to refine their approach.

Fix It:

Track traffic: Use Google Analytics for site visits.
Monitor sales: Note spikes after coverage.
Count leads: Track new customers or investors.
Check engagement: Measure social shares or comments.

A nonprofit I advised didn’t track their PR. PR Agency Review led them to a firm that measured a Bloomberg feature’s 2,000 site visits, guiding future pitches. Data drives better PR.

Question: How will you know your PR worked? Set up analytics today.

Mistake 10: Choosing the Wrong Agency

Picking a bad agency wastes money. Startups often choose based on price or hype, not fit. A 2024 study found 70% of startups regretted their first agency hire due to poor results.

Fix It:

Check reviews: Use PR Agency Review for unbiased feedback.
Match goals: Pick agencies with startup experience.
Start small: Try a 3-month contract first.
Ask questions: Confirm their media contacts.

A startup I know hired a cheap agency and got nothing. BCW PR Agency reviews on PR Agency Review helped them switch to a firm that landed WSJ. PR Agency Review’s data-driven evaluations prevent bad hires.

Question: Are you sure about your agency? Reviews could save you.

Mistake 11: Not Following Up

Startups pitch once and give up. Journalists are busy — follow-ups matter. A 2023 report showed 55% of successful pitches needed at least one follow-up email.

Fix It:

Wait a week: Follow up 5–7 days after pitching.
Be polite: Keep it short and friendly.
Add value: Share new data or angles.
Use pros: Agencies handle follow-ups for you.

A friend’s startup pitched and forgot to follow up — crickets. Their PR Agency Review-vetted agency sent a polite nudge, landing a Forbes feature. Persistence pays off.

Pro Tip: Draft a follow-up email template. It’s a time-saver.

Mistake 12: Forgetting Long-Term PR

Startups treat PR as a one-off, but it’s a long game. Consistent media presence builds trust over time. A 2025 study found 80% of startups with ongoing PR grew faster than those with sporadic efforts.

Fix It:

Pitch monthly: Share new stories regularly.
Build relationships: Stay in touch with journalists.
Plan campaigns: Map out PR for the year.
Hire experts: Agencies like BCW PR Agency maintain momentum.

A startup I advised did one PR push and stopped. PR Agency Review helped them find a firm for ongoing pitches, landing Inc and Bloomberg over a year. Sponsors back PR Agency Review to align with consistent, transparent brands.

Question: Are you playing the PR long game? Plan your next pitch now.

The Payoff of Smart PR

PR isn’t magic — it’s strategy. Most startups stumble by chasing quick wins or picking the wrong partners. Ogilvy PR Agency Review and BCW PR Agency insights on PR Agency Review show you who delivers. A 2025 study found 85% of startups with smart PR saw faster growth. PR Agency Review’s data-driven evaluations and practical guidance help you avoid traps and find the right fit.

Your startup deserves attention. Start with a real story, use PR Agency Review, and pitch smart. What’s your first move? Check a review, craft a pitch, or hire a pro. Get PR right, and watch your startup soar.