Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a leading topic of conversation as we embrace its capabilities and reshape how work gets done. Additionally, AI tools offer unprecedented opportunities to streamline business-building processes, especially for Solo PR Pros. We can use AI to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and gain time to focus on what we do […] The post AI Tools Streamline Business Building Processes appeared first on Solo PR Pro ..read more

The end of the year can feel like a triathlon to Solo PR Pros. With a list longer than Santa Clause, you have an overwhelming amount of client and administrative tasks to complete before the ball drops on December 31. With proposals to finalize, contracts to renew, campaigns to wrap up and year-end reports to […] The post File BOI Paperwork to Avoid Fines appeared first on Solo PR Pro ..read more

Public Relations professionals know the power of cultivating a strong brand. We spend our days crafting powerful stories and giving life to vision through meticulous planning and thoughtful execution. Yet, we often push our own brand building to the bottom of our priority list. As a solo PR pro, personal branding is a vital component of your business strategy. While we often hear the advice that “clients come first,” a strong professional brand attracts those clients you want to serve. It's about working on your business, not just in it, and continuously seeking new opportunities for growth an ..read more

For both new and experienced solo PR professionals, a common question often arises: how should I determine my rates? Today, we will delve into key considerations when setting your pricing. Establishing your rate begins with a clear understanding of your overhead expenses and your profit margin objectives. Your overhead costs encompass various elements such as office space, equipment, rent/mortgage, utilities, computers, technology, and tools such as media databases, email, website, and subscriptions. While many solo practitioners include administrative fees in their client invoices to offset ..read more

Solo public relations professionals work hard to win and maintain healthy client relationships, but a bad client can impact your confidence and sometimes your bank account. Thankfully, for most solo PR Pros, bad clients are the exception rather than the rule. Below are a few tips that will help you keep the streak of great clients going in 2024! Learn to spot red flags The first step to avoiding bad clients is to recognize potential troublemakers. Beware of clients who set unrealistic expectations or have a history of disputes with previous PR professionals. For example, a client comes to you ..read more

In 2024, solo public relations professionals must adeptly navigate the digital landscape, leveraging data-driven strategies while contending with economic challenges. While “data-driven strategies” sounds like something out of the corporate jargon handbook, you may not realize how you can apply it to PR.  Understanding Audience Behavior PR professionals can use advanced analytics tools to gain deep insights into their target audience's preferences and behaviors. These tools can help you go beyond surface-level insights to uncover nuanced behaviors and preferences. This information is cruc ..read more

Living in Michigan, I am always checking the forecast before I make plans. I have multiple weather apps but have also learned to assume that on any given day, you should be prepared for rain or snow. The outlook for the PR business feels a lot like Michigan weather lately. Even when the forecast is bright and clear, we plan for rain, fog, tornadoes and volcanoes. Fortunately, this is second nature to those who work in communications. We are always prepared for the “what if’s” with a plan and a backup plan.  This year in PR definitely had all the seasons and a few freak occurrences to bala ..read more

Raising rates should be a part of every Solo PR Pro’s toolbox. However, it is not always feasible to raise rates for your current clients. This can be challenging in an economic landscape that has been rife with rising costs, and client layoffs. If you want to enhance your earnings in 2024 without raising rates, you can shift the focus to value optimization and diversification. Here are three robust strategies to expand your financial streams while maintaining current rate structures. Deep Dive into a Niche Generalists abound, but specialists thrive. Carving out a niche for yourself within can ..read more

Tis the season to wrap it all up and put a bow on it. In between the mad dash to finalize reports, budgets and campaigns, Solo PR Pros are also thinking about year-end client gifts for clients. A thoughtful gift is a great way to show appreciation to clients, but it also reinforces the relationship and sets the stage for continued collaboration. Here are a few ideas to help you check gift giving off your list this year. Give them a memorable experience Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t tangible. Offering an experience — like tickets to a sought-after event, a reservation at a renowned restauran ..read more

Today is World Kindness Day, and while we don’t normally celebrate every designated day on the calendar on this blog, we are here for this one. We are at a time in our history when mistrust, miscommunication and meanness seem to dominate the culture. As communication professionals we not only see it all, but are also subjected to it in our personal and professional lives. The theme of World Kindness Day (or week in some places) is “Be Kind Whenever Possible.” These simple words empower us to transform the toxicity and negativity that threatens to choke our humanity. Yes, the world is on fire a ..read more