The Brave New World of PR: Why Small Businesses Are Ditching Agencies for a More Personalised Approach

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of public relations and communications, small businesses have traditionally been at a significant disadvantage. Faced with limited budgets and resources, they're often forced to rely on large, impersonal agencies that prioritise their biggest clients - leaving the scrappier startups and solo entrepreneurs to get lost in the shuffle.

However, a growing number of small businesses are now turning their backs on the traditional agency model, opting instead for a more personalised, bespoke approach to PR that's proving to be a true game-changer. This is the exact model that we at Brave PR and Marketing adopt, flipping the script on the industry.

"The classic agency setup just doesn't work for most small businesses," explains Brave's founder, Rachael Newton. "You end up getting passed down to the most junior person on the team, who may not fully understand your brand or have the right relationships and expertise to get you the results you need."

In contrast, Brave takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than assembling a one-size-fits-all team, they conduct an in-depth assessment of each client's unique needs, goals, and target audience. From there, they hand-pick a dream team of seasoned PR and Marketing professionals - ranging from media relations specialists to content creators to influencer outreach experts - who are the perfect fit for the brands needs.

"We don't just assign random people to your account," says Rachael. "We take the time to get to know your business inside and out, then build a bespoke team that can deliver tangible, measurable results. Our clients aren't just another number - they're partners we're truly invested in."

The proof is in the pudding. Take the example of ZENii London, a skincare and supplements brand that was struggling to break through the noise in the highly competitive spirits market. After enlisting Brave's services, the company saw a 35% increase in sales and a 65% increase in orders and a 7 supplement listing on Harrods.com.

"We lived and breathed the ZENii brand," says Brave Founder Rachael Newton. "From the re-brand, new website and influencer partnerships and media outreach to the content creation, every single element was tailored to their unique needs. We weren't just another agency - we were part of the team."

The benefits of Brave's personalised approach extend far beyond just driving sales and awareness, however. By putting the right experts in place from the start, the firm is able to deliver a significantly higher return on investment (ROI) for its clients compared to the traditional agency model.

Brands that work with Brave PR and Marketing see an average ROI of £12.50 for every £1 spent - a figure that dwarfs the typical returns for other PR agencies (£7.50) and digital marketing tactics like social media advertising (£2.50).

"When you've got a dedicated, specialized team laser-focused on your objectives, the results speak for themselves," says Rachael. "Our clients aren't just getting cookie-cutter solutions - they're getting a fully customised strategy that's designed to move the needle in a big way."

The bottom line is this: for small businesses looking to supercharge their growth and stay ahead of the competition, the old agency model simply doesn't cut it anymore. By embracing a more personalised, bespoke approach to PR, companies of all sizes can unlock unprecedented success.