Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded Episode: PR Like a Pro: How to Make Yourself Famous (Even Without a Huge Following) with Katrina Owens
Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction: Welcoming Katrina Owens

In this electrifying episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames welcomes Katrina Owens, a renowned brand expert recognized by MSN.com and the founder of Knockout Directive. Known as the "PR fairy godmother," Katrina has successfully guided numerous brands to secure features in prestigious publications like Vogue and The New York Times. Michelle highlights Katrina's transformative journey, emphasizing that PR isn't exclusively for major brands—a revelation that sets the stage for the episode’s core message.

Debunking PR Myths

Timestamp: [02:05]

Katrina begins by addressing a pervasive misconception among entrepreneurs: "The biggest lie is that you need to be ready to start using PR in your business. And if you wait until you're ready, that time is actually never going to come." She stresses the urgency of integrating PR into business strategies immediately, rather than postponing it indefinitely. According to Katrina, PR is a vital tool for building confidence, establishing expertise, and seizing opportunities that await proactive entrepreneurs.

Katrina’s Journey: From Corporate to PR Expert

Timestamp: [03:08]

Katrina shares her inspiring transition from a decade-long corporate career to entrepreneurship. After leaving a part-time marketing director role due to burnout, she dove headfirst into her own business. Just two months later, an unexpected speaking gig landed in her lap, a pivotal moment that reshaped her perception of PR. This opportunity revealed to her that PR is fundamentally about relationship building—a chance encounter that underscored the importance of embracing her expertise and stepping into the spotlight.

Blue Ocean Branding: Carving Out Your Unique Space

Timestamp: [05:02]

Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed book Blue Ocean Strategy, Katrina explains the concept of Blue Ocean Branding. She contrasts the "red ocean"—a highly competitive and cutthroat market—with the "blue ocean," representing a serene, opportunity-rich space where a brand can uniquely stand out. Katrina emphasizes that to attract media attention and PR opportunities, entrepreneurs must "become famous for one thing." By honing in on what makes their brand unique and clearly communicating that differentiation, businesses can create their own "blue ocean" and avoid the relentless competition of the red ocean.

The Synergy of PR and Social Media

Timestamp: [07:32]

Katrina dismantles the myth that PR can replace social media, advocating instead for a harmonious relationship between the two. She advises entrepreneurs to "own their social media content and really show up and tell their own stories first." PR then acts as an amplifier, extending the reach of this content to broader audiences. Katrina shares her personal experience, noting that PR has enabled her Instagram following to grow by 100 to 200 aligned followers monthly—followers who engage meaningfully, attend events, and support her ventures. This strategy underscores the value of quality over virality, fostering a dedicated community rather than fleeting popularity.

Quality Over Virality: Embracing Sustainable Growth

Timestamp: [09:09]

Michelle and Katrina engage in a candid discussion about the pitfalls of chasing viral fame. They concur that while going viral can boost visibility, it often brings unwanted negativity and requires managing an influx of attention that many entrepreneurs aren't prepared for. Instead, they advocate for building a sustainable, engaged audience that genuinely supports the brand, aligning with the principle of "quality over quantity." This approach fosters long-term brand loyalty and meaningful connections, setting the foundation for enduring success.

Actionable Steps to PR Success

Timestamp: [10:35]

Katrina provides listeners with a three-step actionable framework to enhance their PR efforts:

1. Podcasting: "There is a podcast out there for every single person to be a guest on. You just need to know where to find them." She recommends leveraging platforms like Facebook groups and Threads to secure podcast appearances, which help in finding one's voice and practicing effective pitching.

2. Speaking Engagements: After gaining confidence through podcasting, Katrina advises entrepreneurs to take on speaking roles—whether through social media videos, webinars, or small in-person events—to further establish their expertise and visibility.

3. Media Features: Building relationships with journalists and exploring opportunities in traditional and online media are crucial. These features amplify the brand's authority and open doors to more significant PR opportunities, creating a synergistic effect that fuels continued growth.

This structured approach ensures that entrepreneurs can systematically build their PR presence, leveraging each step to support the next.

Leveraging PR Wins for Enhanced Visibility

Timestamp: [13:18]

Katrina highlights a common oversight: the reluctance to share PR accomplishments. She emphasizes the importance of actively promoting any media features across all channels—social media, email marketing, blogs, and media kits. By doing so, entrepreneurs can amplify their visibility, establish authority, and attract more opportunities. "Sharing it on social media, share it in your email marketing, put it on your blog, put it on your media kit," Katrina advises, underscoring that showcasing these wins is pivotal for maximizing their impact and reinforcing the brand’s credibility.

PR as a Lifelong, Transferable Skill

Timestamp: [16:39]

Delving deeper into the essence of PR, Katrina explains that it is fundamentally about relationship building. She encourages entrepreneurs to cultivate genuine relationships with event coordinators, collaborators, and journalists without relying on middlemen or agencies. This direct approach not only fosters trust but also ensures more authentic and fruitful partnerships. Moreover, mastering the art of pitching—whether to media, sales, or brand collaborations—empowers entrepreneurs to consistently secure opportunities. "PR is relationship building at its core," Katrina asserts, highlighting its enduring value and versatility across various business facets.

Lightning Round: Personal Insights from Katrina

Timestamp: [19:33]

In a lively lightning round, Katrina shares personal anecdotes and preferences:

• First Press Feature: "MSN.com," achieved through her initial podcast speaking gigs.
• Dream Podcast: "Lady Gang," a show hosted by celebrities that Katrina aspires to join someday.
• PR Pet Peeve: Cold Pitching. Katrina expresses frustration with unsolicited guest pitches that show a lack of understanding or genuine interest, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building before seeking opportunities.

Closing Thoughts: Everyone Deserves to Feel Famous

Timestamp: [22:27]

Michelle and Katrina conclude the episode with an empowering message: "Every entrepreneur deserves to feel famous." They reiterate that fame doesn't equate to having millions of followers but rather encompasses building authority and visibility in meaningful ways. By implementing the strategies discussed—leveraging PR, maintaining quality social media engagement, and cultivating genuine relationships—entrepreneurs can confidently step into their spotlight and achieve recognized success without the need for massive followings.

Connecting with Katrina Owens

For listeners eager to dive deeper, Katrina can be reached through:

• Instagram & Threads: @KatrinaOwens
• LinkedIn: Katrina Owens
• Podcast: KO Your Brand

Additionally, Katrina offers challenges and resources to help entrepreneurs enhance their PR and personal branding efforts. Details are available in the show notes.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Now with PR: Don't wait to feel ready; integrate PR into your business strategy immediately.
• Blue Ocean Branding: Focus on what makes your brand unique to create distinct market space.
• Synergize PR and Social Media: Use PR to amplify your social media efforts, fostering quality growth.
• Actionable Steps: Engage in podcasting, seek speaking opportunities, and pursue media features systematically.
• Leverage and Share Wins: Actively promote your PR achievements to build authority and attract more opportunities.
• Build Transferable PR Skills: Cultivate genuine relationships and master the art of pitching to sustain long-term success.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights and expert advice, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands aiming to elevate their visibility and build a profitable, authoritative presence.