Ever wondered why most press releases disappear into the void? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and a 25-year veteran of the PR industry.
“It’s like a bank account,” Mickie explains, revealing how successful PR professionals build relationships with journalists that pay dividends over time. From neighborhood papers to radio opportunities, he breaks down exactly where businesses should focus their PR efforts based on their specific needs and audience.
Mickie pulls back the curtain on the “duopoly of news wires” that makes it nearly impossible for smaller businesses to get noticed, while offering practical alternatives that don’t require the budget of a Fortune 500 company. He also addresses the elephant in the room: those suspicious “earned media” placements that may not be as earned as they seem.
Whether you’re a small business owner seeking your first media coverage or a marketing professional looking to enhance your PR strategy, this episode provides actionable insights from someone who has identified the patterns behind the tiny 3% of press releases that get picked up. Plus, Mickie shares details about his free masterclass that could save you thousands in wasted PR efforts.
More About Mickie:
Mickie Kennedy is the founder of eReleases, a leading press release distribution service that helps small businesses, startups, and authors gain national media exposure. With over 25 years in the industry, Mickie built eReleases to bridge the gap between businesses and journalists, providing an affordable way to secure real press coverage. His expertise in crafting compelling press releases and navigating the PR landscape has helped thousands
of businesses establish credibility and grow. A recognized leader in small business PR, Mickie is passionate about making media access easy, effective, and results-driven for entrepreneurs looking to stand out.
#10xYourTeam #PRStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #MediaRelations #EarnedMedia #MarketingTips #PressReleaseSuccess #EntrepreneurInsights #BusinessExposure
Chapter Times and Titles:
The PR Landscape Today [00:00 – 05:41]
Introduction to Mickie Kennedy
How PR has evolved over 25 years
The challenge of standing out in a journalist’s chaotic inbox
Finding Your Media Sweet Spot [05:42 – 15:00]
Neighborhood papers vs. national outlets
Radio opportunities for local businesses
Matching your business type to the right media
The Visual Element of PR [15:01 – 25:00]
Including visuals that enhance your story
How do different media use images differently
Making your pitch stand out visually
Earned vs. Paid Media [25:01 – 31:17]
The truth about “paid features”
When paid placements work (and when they don’t)
Maintaining authenticity in media coverage
Building a Journalist Bank Account [31:18 – 41:36]
Creating relationships that pay dividends
How PR professionals become valuable connectors
The ethics of media relationships
Strategic Press Release Campaigns [41:37 – 50:46]
Identifying patterns in successful releases
Creating a campaign of 6-8 releases
Why you only need 2-3 “winners” to make an impact
The 3% Solution: Mickie’s Free Masterclass [50:47 – End]
How to access the free training at eReleases.com/plan
Final thoughts and takeaways
Connecting with Mickie and eReleases
Mickie Kennedy
Website: https://www.ereleases.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/
X: https://x.com/ereleases
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution
