What is Public Relations and How Can It Benefit My SME?


  • By Sarah Walker

  • 13 June 2025

SASS Media, by Michelle Maddison

This is something we get asked, a lot!

If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner looking to grow your brand, attract customers, and build credibility, public relations (PR) could be your most underused tool. But what exactly is PR – and how can it work for you?

In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of public relations for SMEs, how it differs from marketing and advertising, and how PR can help small businesses succeed. Plus, we’ll introduce how SASS media Ltd can support your PR goals.

What could Public Relations look like for my SME?

Public relations for SMEs doesn’t have to mean hiring a large PR firm or staging high-profile campaigns. It’s often more practical, creative, and targeted. PR can include:

  • Local press coverage for business announcements or milestones

  • Sharing case studies and testimonials from satisfied customers

  • Creating thought leadership content to position yourself as an expert

  • Running social media campaigns that generate conversations

  • Participating in local awards and community initiatives

These activities help small businesses get noticed, build trust, and stand out in competitive markets – without relying on expensive advertising. At SASS media Ltd, we can help with all of these things and more.

How does PR work for small businesses?

PR works by managing your business’s reputation and visibility through earned media (press coverage, interviews), owned media (your website, blog, or newsletter), and shared media (social shares, online reviews). For SMEs, PR can be especially powerful because:

  • It’s cost-effective

  • It builds long-term credibility

  • It supports word-of-mouth and online visibility

In essence, PR helps you shape how people perceive your business. It’s about telling your story in a way that resonates and earns attention, not demands it.

Is PR the same as marketing or advertising?

PR, marketing, and advertising often overlap – but they’re not the same:

  • Advertising is paid space in media (e.g. Google ads, newspaper ads)

  • Marketing is a broader discipline covering promotion, pricing, and strategy

  • PR is about reputation and credibility – gaining exposure organically

PR supports your marketing goals by adding authenticity and trust, helping people feel connected to your brand. It’s especially important for SMEs where reputation can be a major driver of growth. At SASS media Ltd, we are experienced in supporting a positive reputation for the SMEs we work with. In an ideal world, you’d have all three, but we believe PR can be the most powerful aspect of your marketing strategy.

SASS Media. Michelle Maddison photography

What Are the Benefits of PR for Small Businesses?

There are many benefits to investing in PR as a small business. Here are just a few:

  • Increased visibility online, in the media, and locally

  • Greater credibility through third-party endorsements

  • Improved website traffic and SEO from backlinks and brand mentions

  • Better engagement on social media and LinkedIn

  • Support for growth and sales through positive brand awareness

In short, PR helps small businesses build relationships, influence decisions, and create a trusted public image.

Should I hire SASS for my SME?

Hiring SASS can be a smart move if you’re:

  • Launching a new product or service

  • Celebrating a big win or milestone, ie a significant contract win, award, or 10 years in business
  • Planning a business expansion or event

  • Struggling to get noticed online or in the press

  • Looking to build long-term brand recognition

  • Interested in thought leadership or media opportunities

At SASS, we bring expertise, contacts, and strategy to the table – so you’re not guessing what to do next. You get structured support to raise your profile and free up time to focus on running your business.

SASS Media. Michelle Maddison Photography

What could SASS media Ltd do for my business?

At SASS media Ltd, we provide strategic, down-to-earth public relations support tailored to SMEs. We work with growing businesses that want to be seen, heard, and trusted – without the jargon or corporate fluff.

Here’s what we can do for you:

  • Write and distribute press releases that get coverage

  • Develop a PR and content strategy aligned with your goals

  • Create powerful content for your website, blog, and LinkedIn

  • Secure local and trade media coverage for your news

  • Help you win awards, tell your brand story, and build authority

  • Support you with campaigns, launches, and community PR

We believe in ethical, smart, and creative PR that makes a genuine impact – and we love working with ambitious small businesses who care about what they do.

Let’s tell your story

If you’re ready to explore how public relations can benefit your SME, get in touch with SASS media Ltd. Whether you need a full PR campaign or just want to raise your profile, we’re here to help you make it happen. Call 07896 894538 to book in with us for a no obligation chat – we’ll even pay for the coffee!

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