Why It’s Important to Invest in PR as a Start-Up

As a scaling start-up, you're likely juggling everything from product development to hiring and operations. But there’s one powerful growth tool that you shouldn’t overlook: public relations. Public relations, also known as PR, is the strategic practice of managing how a brand, individual, or organisation is perceived by the public. It involves building and maintaining a positive reputation through earned media coverage, storytelling, and relationship-building with journalists, influencers, and audiences. Unlike advertising, PR focuses on gaining trust through third-party validation, such as press features, expert commentary, and thought leadership. Many believe PR is something to invest in only after achieving scale. But in truth, the earlier you start, the better your results.

In the words of Bill Gates, “If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.” If one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs believes PR is essential, it’s worth paying attention.

1. Build Brand Awareness and Shape Your Reputation

You’ve crafted your branding and mission, now it’s time to share it. But how do you make sure the right people are seeing and trusting your brand?

PR helps shape a startup’s brand image through storytelling and targeted media coverage. Strategic PR campaigns ensure your brand is seen in trusted publications your audience already reads, listens to, or watches. By securing media placements early, startups can influence how they’re perceived and avoid being misunderstood or overlooked.

Instead of waiting for public perception to form on its own, PR allows you to own your narrative and align your image with your business goals from the outset.

2. Support Your SEO Strategy and Drive Website Traffic

Having a beautifully designed website is crucial, but it’s meaningless if no one visits it. That’s where PR and search engine optimisation (SEO) work hand-in-hand.

Through backlinks from high-authority media websites, PR improves your search engine rankings and drives long-term organic traffic. These links act as signals to Google that your site is reputable, helping push it higher in search results.

What’s more, AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Search Generative Experience increasingly use credible online content, including digital magazine articles and news sites, to inform their responses. So when your brand is featured in trusted media, it doesn't just boost SEO. It can also shape how your business is represented in AI-generated answers, FAQs, and search snippets, making visibility through PR more valuable than ever.

After just a few months of PR support, one of our clients, TII Brands, saw a 565% increase in followed external links, and their domain authority doubled, significantly boosting online visibility and sales.

3. Get an ‘Always-On’ Expert Team Without Hiring Internally

Consistency is critical to effective PR, but as a busy founder, staying on top of journalist deadlines and news opportunities isn’t easy.

That’s where an external PR agency becomes your secret weapon. Acting as an extension of your team, a PR agency helps maintain momentum by pitching regularly to media outlets, monitoring trends, and seizing real-time opportunities to get you featured.

Instead of hiring a junior in-house marketer for a similar cost, you gain access to a team of specialists with established media relationships and deep industry expertise.

4. Boost Sales, Sign-Ups and Customer Trust

PR delivers something that advertising can’t: credibility. While paid ads push a brand’s message directly, earned media, like reviews, interviews, and round-ups, offer third-party validation that consumers inherently trust.

And the results speak for themselves.

Take our clients Peter Fealey and Amy Briggs, for example. Initially, they had to convince their team that PR was worth the investment. But after pausing all paid advertising, PR alone drove their biggest sales week ever.

Here’s what happened:

• 1515% increase in sales following key PR coverage

• 100% of sales attributed to PR

• 851% surge in website traffic

• 1,250% growth in domain authority

All this impact came from earning media coverage, not paying for it — a powerful reminder that trust and visibility go hand-in-hand. Their feedback?

“The Lem-uhn PR team are exceptional! Knowledgeable, creative, and innovative ideas, which deliver valuable coverage. Service is excellent, and the team are great to work with. Highly recommended!” — Peter Fealey

Strategic PR secures placements in the right places — gift guides, expert columns, podcast features — reaching audiences who are already primed to take action. It not only builds awareness but turns interest into measurable growth across sales, sign-ups, and brand loyalty.

Common PR Myths for Start-Ups — Debunked

Myth 1: “We need to wait until we’re bigger.”Truth: Starting PR early helps define your brand before others do. It positions you as credible from day one.

Myth 2: “PR is too expensive for small businesses.”Truth: With tailored campaigns, one-off projects and PR training, PR is accessible and often more cost-effective than paid ads.

Myth 3: “We can just do it ourselves when we have time.”Truth: Journalist deadlines are fast. Without a consistent, expert-led PR strategy, you risk missing valuable opportunities.

FAQs: PR for Start-Ups

When should a start-up invest in PR?Ideally, from the moment you’re ready to grow your visibility. If you’ve nailed your branding, have a clear offering, and want to build awareness, PR can help.

What’s the ROI of PR for early-stage companies?Results vary, but measurable outcomes include: increased website traffic, stronger SEO rankings, social proof, investor interest, and higher conversions from media exposure.

What kind of coverage can PR secure for a start-up?Depending on your goals, this can include product features, founder interviews, thought leadership, expert commentary, and inclusion in round-ups or gift guides.

Final Thoughts

Start-up PR is not just about press coverage — it’s a growth strategy. From improving SEO to driving conversions and increasing credibility, investing in public relations early gives you a competitive edge.

Looking to increase your visibility, build brand trust, and drive sustainable growth? Let’s talk about how PR can help your startup stand out.