Use Less Stuff, Do More PR: How Small Businesses Can Boost Visibility Without Spending More

This Use Less Stuff Day (20th November)  got me thinking, not just about the things we consume, but also how small businesses can use what they already have more effectively. The same principle applies to PR. You don’t need a huge budget, endless content, or expensive tools to get noticed. Sometimes, clarity and strategy are all it takes.

Stop Over Complicating PR

Many small business owners tell me: "I don’t have time or money for PR, maybe later."

The truth is, PR isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing smarter. A few small, focused actions can have a much bigger impact than scattering effort across every possible channel.

Start With What You Already Have

Here are three ways to “use less” and still make your PR count:

1. Audit your current assets Look at your existing content, social posts, customer testimonials, and media mentions. Can they be repurposed into stories or press angles? Often, your most powerful PR material is already sitting under your nose.

2. Focus on a few key stories Don’t try to cover everything. Pick 2–3 angles that highlight your brand’s unique strengths, successes, or impact, and craft them into concise stories that journalists, bloggers, or local media can pick up.

3. Target wisely Instead of emailing hundreds of journalists, identify the outlets that reach your ideal audience. Even a handful of well-chosen targets can yield far better results than a scatter gun approach.

Make PR Work for You

This is exactly the approach behind my PR Power and PR Strategy packages; these are a focused, actionable starting point for SMEs and charities. They help you understand where your brand currently stands, uncover story angles, and create a simple plan that works for your time and budget.

PR doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By using less and focusing on what really matters, you can raise your profile, attract the right attention, and make your story heard.

If you’d like to explore how to make PR work for your small business without extra spend, drop me a message or check out my PR Power package. Let’s turn what you already have into your next big opportunity.