PR Made Simple – Details, episodes & analysis

Trust has bottomed out. People have been burned by gurus, courses that didn't deliver and "experts" who were making it up as they went along. The old ways of doing things aren't working in the same way anymore - you can't just post on Instagram and expect clients to roll in.

But here's the thing: while everyone else is panicking about the trust recession, you can be building real, earned trust. And that's your biggest competitive advantage right now.

In this episode, I break down:

Why we're in a trust recession:

• The guru era fallout and why people have been burned
• The post-2020 shift and what's changed economically and culturally
• Why the traditional business growth tactics of the past 5 years are dying
• The AI factor making it harder to know what's real

The four ways PR builds trust when trust is scarce:

• Third party endorsement - why someone else saying you're good matters more than ever (and the psychology behind it)
• Building your personal profile so people feel like they know you before they hire you
• Word of mouth and recommendations - the most trusted form of marketing, especially now
• Human connection in an AI world - being provably human is your competitive advantage

This isn't just about visibility. It's about credibility. It's about building a reputation that actually means something when nobody's handing out their trust for free.

The trust recession is real - but it's also your biggest opportunity if you're willing to do the work to earn it.

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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Ro Fielden-Cook is the founder of The She Collective, a health and wellbeing membership for midlife women. In this episode, she gets brutally honest about building a business and the PR tactics that actually work for her business (spoiler: it's not trending audios).

From being featured on Sophie Ellis-Bextor's podcast to winning national awards and securing a 6-page spread in Top Santé magazine, Ro shares how she's done her own PR with boundaries and strategy - and why learning to talk about your mission (not just your job title) is the skill that changes everything.

In this episode:

• Why networking and "just sending the F*cking email" beats paid ads every time
• How to set PR boundaries that protect you (lessons learned the hard way)
• The moment Ro stopped saying "I'm just a PT" and learnt to talk about what she does and why
• Why awards gave her business and community credibility and morale boost
• What happened when Sophie Ellis-Bextor slid into her DMs

Connect with Ro: 

https://www.theshecollective.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/theshecollective_uk/

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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If PR is on your To Do list in 2025 and you've not quite got to it yet, then this is the episode for you.

Small biz PR expert Pippa Goulden is here to call you out on your excuses and get you unstuck and taking action once and for all.

She addresses common obstacles such as overthinking, prioritisation issues, and reliance on social media as the sole marketing strategy. 

Pippa emphasises the importance of taking action and getting results that build credibility and trust with audiences.

 The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners to kickstart their PR journey and a special offer for her DIY PR membership.

You can get a six month subscription to The PR Set for just £247 until midnight on **Friday 4th July** be quick!

Find out more here

https://www.theprset.com/DIY-Membership

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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In this episode, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden explores whether awards should be part of your PR strategy. She breaks down how to evaluate awards, use them strategically, and avoid common pitfalls that can waste your time and money.

Takeaways

• Not all awards are created equally; do your research.
• Look for credible judging panels and past winners' experiences.
• Awards can provide third-party validation and recognition.
• Utilize award wins in your marketing strategy.
• Nominations can be just as valuable as wins.
• Networking opportunities arise from award ceremonies.
• Be strategic about which awards to enter.
• Understand the costs associated with entering awards.
• Awards should align with your business objectives.
• Leverage award wins for ongoing PR efforts.

The examples Pippa uses in the episode:

https://eco-able.co.uk/about/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-seatter-ec0/

https://www.pripri.co.uk

https://www.ambustum.co.uk

6 month subscription to The PR Set's DIY PR Membership available until 5th July - find out more here https://www.theprset.com/offers/mhschvLi/checkout

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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In this episode, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden discusses the essential strategies for effective Christmas PR planning, emphasising the importance of starting early, setting clear goals, and understanding the PR opportunities for your business.

She provides actionable steps for small businesses to enhance their visibility and credibility during the festive season. 

Pippa also highlights the need for a layered PR approach that goes beyond gift guides, empowering small business owners to take control of their PR efforts without relying on large budgets or agencies.

This episode gives you everything you need to create a strategic Christmas PR plan that will help you stand out, sell more, and avoid last-minute panic in Q4.

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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Marketing and business strategist Alice Benham is living proof you don't need an expensive PR agency to get known for what you do. In this power-packed episode, small biz PR expert Pippa Goulden talks to the business strategist, podcaster and bestselling author about how she's built her name for herself and got known for what she does.

From her mega book launch that involved 85 different activities in just 6 weeks, to the random podcast that generated more clients than any mainstream press, Alice shares the real behind-the-scenes of building visibility that actually converts.

Plus we deep dive into how to apply strategy in your business, why taking action is the key to driving your business forward and why we should all be bringing joy into our businesses and enjoying the journey. 

What You'll Learn

• Why "strategy" isn't scary: Alice's simple definition that will change how you think about planning
• The power of "scars not wounds": How to share vulnerably without oversharing
• Her 6-month consistency rule: Why most people give up before their efforts have a chance to work
• The "everything I can control" approach: What Alice focuses on instead of outcomes
• Product vs service PR: Key differences and what works for each
• Integration secrets: How to amplify your PR through your existing marketing

Connect with Alice

• Website: alicebenham.co.uk
• Instagram: @alice_benham
• Podcast: Starting the Conversation
• Book: The Digital Marketing Handbook

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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In this episode, PR expert Pippa Goulden talks to James Sills, who transitioned from being a secondary school teacher to a successful singing entrepreneur and BBC collaborator. 

James shares his PR journey from writing his book "Do Sing" to founding Sofa Singers during lockdown, which catapulted him into the media spotlight, and all the brilliant things that have come since.  

The conversation demonstrates how strategic PR efforts and staying true to your values can lead to remarkable opportunities.

Top PR Lessons from James:

1. Narrow your focus to expand your reach - the more specific James became about his mission, the more opportunities opened up
2. Send those emails!! Almost all his major opportunities came from him initiating contact
3. Build and nurture genuine relationships with media contacts
4. Know what you stand for (and what you'll say no to)
5. Balance strategic planning with staying open to unexpected opportunities
6. Use writing (articles, books, social posts) to clarify your message and reach
7. Work with coaches or mentors to gain clarity on your positioning

Find out more about James:

Sofa Singers - https://www.thesofasingers.com

https://www.james-sills.com

https://www.instagram.com/jsillsmusic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessills/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cityofculture/bradford2025/bantam-of-the-opera/

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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In this episode of PR Made Simple, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden chats with Nicole Higgins, a leading retail expert with 20 years of experience working with brands like M&S and Primark. 

Nicole shares her insights on key retail trends for 2025, how small business owners can incorporate these trends into their PR strategy, and her journey building her own profile as a go-to expert across print and TV.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What trends mean for small business owners and why they matter
• How consumer behaviors are shifting in 2025
• Using authenticity and storytelling to connect with customers
• Experiential marketing opportunities for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses
• Building community through various channels
• Practical ways to stay updated on emerging trends
• Nicole's personal journey with PR and visibility

Find Nicole:

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com

https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

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In this episode, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden chats with the fabulous Rebecca Cracknell -  coach, mentor, and former teacher who's transformed her approach to putting herself out there after completing Pippa's Get Known group sprint. 

What's in store:

• How Rebecca went from "I'm not ready for press" to bagging  publication in a major outlet in mere weeks (spoiler: you're probably more ready than you think!)
• The ways we talk ourselves out of going after what we truly want in business
• Rebecca's approach to separating herself from her business - Why stepping into your "business owner character" might be the key to conquering those nerves
• Rebecca's Practical tips for getting over the "I'll just wait until..." syndrome that's holding you back
• Starting small but dreaming big: why your existing network is your PR secret weapon
• Finding your PR sweet spot where your natural talents shine through
• The magic that happens when you take those small, brave steps forward

Meet Rebecca: 

Rebecca Cracknell is the coach, mentor and teacher for women who are building the businesses that will change their lives.
Rebecca works with women at pivotal moments in their journey; those who are ready to challenge themselves through new opportunities, rewrite the stories about what’s possible for them and finally experience their true potential. The women she works with are bored by simply striving for surface level success and are craving a life where they get to build something that reflects who they truly are and allows them to fulfil their unique purpose with real passion.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-cracknell

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalcracknell/

Get Known

Pippa's six week group sprint that's focused on getting you known for what you do and taking the action to make it happen. Doors close on 19th May - find out more here https://www.theprset.com/get-known

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

Follow me on instagram ...

Ooh this is a goodie - buckle in and prepare to have everything you think about rejection thrown out of the window. 

In this episode, Pippa chat to brand designer Liz Mosley about her Rejection Challenge - where she set out to get 100 rejections in her business. In this chat Liz reveals how deliberately seeking rejection has transformed her business, mindset and opened doors to unexpected opportunities. 

This conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to overcome fear and build resilience in their PR and pitching efforts. 

From practical pitching tips to mindset transformation, authenticity and tracking the data, Liz offers her own strategies to embrace rejection and use it to boost your business. 

Key Takeaways:

• Rejection often leads to unexpected opportunities and growth
• The volume approach to pitching increases your chances of success
• Authenticity resonates more than perfection when reaching out
• Celebrating small wins maintains momentum through challenges
• Visibility consistently puts you in consideration for new opportunities
• Documenting your journey provides motivation and perspective
• Rejection is not just normal but necessary for creative business success

Find out more about Liz:

https://www.lizmosley.net/

Get your own Rejection Challenge merch here:

https://www.lizmosley.net/rejection-sticker-chart

and her podcast is 

https://buildingyourbrand.net/

And once you've had a listen  you can explore the different ways of working with me: 

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Work with me 1-2-1 in Authority: The Impact Accelerator which is a hyper-focused, action-taking, results focused programme that's all about getting you great PR results for your business, with me supporting you all the way.

- Get Known is back. My six week group sprint to help you nail your positioning, your PR strategy, your target audience - who and how to reach them, your pitches and most importantly taking the action to make it happen. Early Bird 1:1 Power Hour with. me available until 22nd May. Find out more here

- Join my DIY PR membership using the code POD50 to get 50% off your first month - this will give you all the knowledge and confidence you need to get results for yourself. Have a look here 

Follow me on instagram ...