Let’s be honest. Public relations has a reputation for being expensive. Agencies, press kits, media lists, consultants—it can feel out of reach for small businesses, startups, and solopreneurs. But here’s the truth: PR doesn’t always need a budget. It needs a strategy.

You can absolutely get visibility, credibility, and earned media without paying a cent. It takes effort, not money. Creativity, not connections. In this article, we’ll explore how to get free PR—with real, specific actions you can take starting now.

Start with your story—then simplify it

PR begins with a story. Not a slogan, not a feature list, not your “unique selling point” in marketing language. A real story that explains who you are, why you do what you do, and what makes you worth talking about.

Journalists and editors don’t want to promote you. They want a reason to care. So give it to them. What problem are you solving? Why now? Who’s behind the brand? What’s different about your journey?

Once you have a story, simplify it until it fits in one short paragraph. You’ll need this version for cold outreach, interviews, podcasts, and media bios. If you can’t explain your value in plain, human language, your PR won’t stick—paid or free.

The best free PR starts when someone else can tell your story for you. Make it easy for them.

Be findable where media already looks

Most people assume PR means reaching out. But sometimes, the best strategy is to be discoverable, not disruptive. Journalists, bloggers, podcast hosts, and community editors are constantly looking for sources. If you’re in the right places, they’ll find you.

One powerful option is Help A Reporter Out (HARO) or Qwoted. These platforms connect journalists with sources. You get daily emails with real media requests. If you fit the question, you can pitch yourself—directly and for free.

The key is speed and clarity. Respond quickly, answer directly, and include a short quote they can use. If they like it, you’re in. No agency needed.

You can also optimize your LinkedIn and website so that your expertise is visible. Mention that you’re open to interviews, speaking, or comment. Make your email easy to find. Many media mentions happen simply because someone Googled your niche and found you ready.

Pitch small first, then grow

If you want free PR, forget Forbes for now. Start with smaller, local, or niche platforms. They’re easier to reach, more open to new voices, and still offer great credibility. Plus, the big players often monitor the small ones.

Look at local news, industry blogs, event newsletters, or LinkedIn creators in your field. Reach out directly. Say who you are, what you’re doing, and why it might interest their audience. Keep it personal. No templates. No fluff.

Your first win might be a small podcast or a guest article. Don’t underestimate it. Every piece of earned media builds your credibility. Over time, these mentions snowball. Google starts showing your name. People introduce you to others. You slowly earn your way into bigger rooms.

The rule here is simple: show up where others don’t. Most people are chasing the top. The free wins are where fewer people are looking.

Turn your wins into waves

Getting free PR is only half the game. Using it well is what gives it value. One media mention might get 200 clicks. But if you share it right, that same piece can reach 20,000.

When someone features you, don’t just say thanks. Share the link. Tag the outlet. Post a short story on what it means to you. Use it in your bio, your pinned posts, your intro emails.

This isn’t about bragging. It’s about building trust. People are more likely to listen when others have already listened.

You can also build an internal “media” page on your site. Call it “In the Press” or “As Seen On.” Over time, it becomes proof that your brand matters—not because you said so, but because others did.

If you land a podcast, clip a great quote and use it as a hook on LinkedIn. If your guest article performs well, pitch a follow-up piece. Every piece of attention should lead to more. That’s how free PR becomes momentum.

Be consistent even when no one’s watching

The biggest myth in PR is that one article will change your business. It won’t. PR works when it compounds over time. That means showing up, even when nothing’s landed yet.

Keep reaching out. Keep refining your story. Keep pitching ideas, answering questions, commenting on relevant posts, and supporting other voices in your space.

Free PR is a long game. You may get ten no’s before you get a yes. That’s normal. The wins are usually small at first—but they build your network, your reputation, and your confidence.

If you treat free PR like a one-time stunt, you’ll be disappointed. If you treat it like a system you’re slowly building, it will pay off in ways paid ads never can.

Final thoughts: free doesn’t mean easy, but it means possible

Yes, PR can be free. But that doesn’t mean it’s effortless. You’ll need to be persistent, intentional, and a bit scrappy. You’ll need to show up when it’s uncomfortable and pitch yourself when it feels weird.

But here’s the upside: the credibility you build with earned media sticks. It lasts longer than ads, costs less than campaigns, and opens doors you didn’t expect.

And if you keep showing up with value, people will start coming to you. Not because you paid them—but because you earned it.