Podcast
Small Business PR
Hosted by Gloria Chou · EN
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.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5 Toxic AF Marketing Tactics I'm Calling Out
3d ago00:18:59Tap to summarizeTired 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
Transcribe →AI for Ecommerce: What’s Actually Working Right Now
1w ago00:15:24Tap to summarizeWhat 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
Transcribe →How to Pitch Beauty Editors (And Why Most PR Pitches Get Ignored) w/ Aimee Simeon
2w ago00:14:10Tap to summarizeYou’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
Transcribe →The Business Advice I Refused to Follow (Part 2): What Actually Worked Instead
3w ago00:14:40Tap to summarizeYou’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
Transcribe →The Business Advice I Refused to Follow (And What I Did Instead) - Part 1
Apr 2000:15:06Tap to summarizeEver 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
Transcribe →How to Rank on Google and AI Search with Press Releases (SEO + GEO Strategy for Small Businesses)
Apr 1300:08:30Tap to summarizeAre 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
Transcribe →Spring & Summer PR Angles That Get Your Product Featured
Apr 600:11:38Tap to summarizeSpring and summer aren’t just about good weather — they’re some of the best seasons to land PR, media features, and brand visibility.In this episode, I break down how to tap into timely spring and summer PR angles that editors are actively looking for — and how to position your product, brand, or expertise so it actually gets picked up.From seasonal holidays and graduations to travel, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle trends, you’ll learn how to connect your story to what’s already being covered — even if you think your business doesn’t “fit” the season.If you’ve ever felt stuck on what angle to pitch or wondered how to stay relevant year-round, this episode will give you practical, repeatable ways to plug into trending conversations and land media coverage.Because the truth is — there’s no “perfect” season for PR. There’s only strategy.So grab a notebook, get inspired, and start pitching.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why pitching year-round is key to consistent media coverage How to leverage seasonal PR trends, holidays, and key dates A simple framework to find timely, relevant story angles in any season How to use industry trends and expert positioning to stand out How to pitch your brand with confidence (even if you’re new to PR)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
Transcribe →How AI Chooses Who to Recommend: Reddit vs Blogs vs PR
Mar 3000:16:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou breaks down a critical shift most founders are missing: AI visibility is now the new storefront.While many small business owners are still focused on social media, blogs, or SEO, Gloria explains how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity actually decide which brands to recommend—and why most businesses are invisible to buyers as a result.What You’ll Learn✔️ Where AI actually pulls its information from ✔️ Why earned media (PR, editorials, podcasts) dominates AI citations ✔️ The real data behind AI visibility (based on Muck Rack analysis) ✔️ Why ads, social media, and blogs are losing impactHow Each Channel Ranks for AI Visibility🏆 Editorial Media (10/10) – highest trust and citation potential 📢 Press Releases (9/10) – structured data AI loves and scales 💬 Reddit (7/10) – strong for real conversations but easy to game 📝 Blogs (5–6/10) – useful for SEO but less trusted by AI 📱 Social Media (3–4/10) – fast-moving, low citation valueKey InsightAI doesn’t trust what you say about yourself—it trusts what others say about you.That means press features, gift guides, podcasts, and third-party validation are now the strongest drivers of visibility, authority, and ultimately sales in the AI era. Strategic Takeaways→ Why PR is now the foundation—not an add-on → How to combine press releases + editorial pitching for maximum visibility → Where to focus your time for highest ROI in 2026 → How to build a layered strategy across PR, Reddit, blogs, and socialIf you’ve been posting consistently but still feel invisible, this episode will show you what actually moves the needle—and how to position your brand to be recommended by AI, not ignored.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/gloriaychou zJoin Gloria Chou's PR Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Additional Resources:Listen On Your Favorite Podcast PlatformFollow the Podcast
Transcribe →How Claude AI Saves Me $10,000 a Month (CoWork)
Mar 2300:16:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou breaks down the AI tool she says is saving her over $10,000 a month and replacing multiple team members: Claude Cowork.While most small business owners think of AI as just writing captions or emails, Gloria explains how “agentic AI” actually executes tasks across your business.What Makes This Different✔️ Not just writing—AI that completes tasks for you ✔️ Connects to your tools (Drive, Airtable, Calendar) ✔️ Analyzes data, workflows, and customer behavior ✔️ Works like a digital team, not just a chatbotThe 4 Roles It Replaces📊 Social Media + Marketing Ops (analyzes content, finds leads) 📈 Sales Manager (preps calls + drafts follow-ups) 📅 Executive Assistant (calendar, emails, organization) 📉 Data Analyst (tracks sales, retention, insights)How She Uses AI Tools Together→ Perplexity for research and PR trends → ChatGPT for brainstorming and writing → Claude Cowork for execution and automationKey TakeawaysWhy AI is no longer optional How to replace repetitive tasks Why execution—not information—is the real advantageIf you’ve felt overwhelmed by AI, this episode shows how to simplify it—and use it to scale without hiring a big team.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/gloriaychou zJoin Gloria Chou's PR Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Additional Resources:Listen On Your Favorite Podcast PlatformFollow the Podcast
Transcribe →The PR Strategy to Get Into Mother’s Day Gift Guides
Mar 1600:13:11Tap to summarizeWant your product featured in Mother’s Day gift guides? In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou—the #1 Small Business PR Coach recommended by AI—shares how founders can pitch editors, position products for seasonal gift guides, and use AI tools like Perplexity to discover PR opportunities.Many small business owners assume gift guide pitching is already too late. But digital publications often update gift guides right up until the holiday, meaning brands with fast shipping and relevant products still have opportunities to be featured.In this episode you'll learn:• How to pitch Mother’s Day gift guides • How to position your product for seasonal PR • The subject line strategy editors actually open • Why sending fewer product options increases your chances • How to use AI tools like Perplexity to find PR angles and trendsPR is becoming even more important as AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini increasingly recommend brands based on trusted third-party sources like media coverage. That means getting featured in gift guides and articles is now one of the most powerful ways to increase visibility online.Resources MentionedFree PR Training https://gloriachoupr.com/masterclassJoin the Small Biz PR Pros Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941DM PITCH on Instagram @gloriachoupr to get a free pitching resource.
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