In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, Gloria dives deep into one of the biggest traps small business owners face today — PR scams and pay-to-play “features.” You know the ones: “Get featured in *40 Under 40 Innovative Entrepreneurs—fees apply.” Gloria pulls back the curtain on how to spot these fake “PR opportunities” and why they don’t give you the long-term authority, SEO, or credibility that earned media does.
After years of helping thousands of founders get featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Allure, and The New York Times — without paying a dime for placement — Gloria reveals the red flags to watch for and what real PR looks like.
What PR Isn’t — And Why It Matters
PR is not:
🚫 Paying to get featured in an “exclusive” list or award you’ve never heard of
🚫 Sending dozens of free samples just to get a mention
🚫 Paying contributors or influencers to write about you
That’s not earned media — that’s advertising. Real PR is when a journalist or editor chooses to feature you because your story, expertise, or brand serves their audience.
What PR Actually Is
✅ Earned editorial content — the kind that builds SEO, authority, and trust
✅ Relationship-driven, not transactional
✅ Long-term visibility, not one-and-done posts
Gloria breaks down why journalists want to hear from founders directly (not agencies), and how to craft your pitch using her CPR Method — Credibility, Point of View, Relevance — to stand out in their inbox.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- How to tell the difference between earned media and pay-to-play “PR” scams
- Why paying for “exclusive” features can hurt your brand credibility
- The exact mindset shift that turns your marketing message into a newsworthy story
- How earned PR compounds over time, bringing more features, backlinks, and authority
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of wasting money on ads or “guaranteed” features that don’t move the needle, this episode will teach you how to take control of your PR — and do it the right way.
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