No, Seriously. I actually emailed a dog.
I took time out of my day and crafted a carefully worded email, in the name of PR, and addressed it to a dog.
This is what happens when you’re a small business owner desperately trying to navigate the world of PR with a budget that consists of, well, zero. Let me explain…
Since starting Lilly & Jude, I’ve been on a vertical learning curve in everything. From learning what SEO means and figuring out how to build a website from scratch, to trying to drag my social media following and engagement into the dizzying heights of double figures - frankly, it hasn’t just been challenging, it’s been bloody exhausting!
The thing about starting a business is that other people have made a business out of “helping” people like me. They dangle the dream of success in front of your face, asking for a few hundred (or a few thousand) pounds for the privilege. They promise untold returns on investment, but here’s the truth: I’ve got a PR budget of exactly £0 and a stubborn streak as wide as the M61 (17 lanes in places - yes, I googled it - don’t judge me!).
The Free Course Trap
I’ve tried to dip my toes into the world of “free” PR courses. Spoiler alert: those “free” webinars are mostly just sales funnels, spending 90% of the time telling you how great their paid services are. It’s an art form, really. But here’s the thing:
1. I have zero budget for PR, advertising, or social media experts.
2. I am a determined bugger who will (eventually) figure it out.
Granted, I might be a tad dramatic about it first, but that’s part of the process. And when you’re trying to juggle everything from making bags to battling social media algorithms, SEO (which still baffles me), and running a business from the ground up, you’ve got to have some outlet for that energy, right?
PR Shenanigans
With Christmas barrelling down the track like an oncoming train and Google Analytics sending me passive-aggressive emails about my whopping 5 website clicks, I knew I had to up my game. So, I ignored the pile of unsewn bags beside me, sat at my desk, and decided to try my hand at PR. Armed with Google, LinkedIn, and the detective-level skills of my eldest daughter (seriously, she could find out anything with a decent WiFi connection and 10 minutes), I set about researching potential publications that might take a glance at my handcrafted wares.
After compiling a list of contacts (thanks to some cheeky Googling), I came across one company that not only shared their staff names but also included a bio for their office dog—complete with a photo. And let me tell you, I love a good office dog. So, naturally, I sent the dog my pitch. I mean, who knows? Maybe she’ll be more interested than her human colleagues!
Will It Work?
Realistically, I know that my 10 carefully written emails to various publications are probably sitting in spam folders across the UK. But you know what? You’ve got to try. After all, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this business, and with no funding, minimal tech knowledge, and the support of a few close friends, I’m determined to make it work.
Maybe, just maybe, someone will see the value in what I do. Perhaps they’ll appreciate this little scrappy little indie business, with ideas above its station and the temerity of its owner. Maybe there’ll be a Meryl Streep to my Anne Hathaway (10 house points to you if you get the reference) and she’ll deign to glance at my offerings and think ‘hmm, this might actually be worth looking at’. And hey, who knows—maybe my bags will make it into one of those fancy Christmas gift guides. Stranger things have happened!
Anyway, I’ll keep you posted if anyone responds (especially the dog). Keep your fingers crossed for me, won’t you?
Speak soon!
Kerry x
P.S. In the meantime, I could really do with a win! Please check out my website and socials, and share the shit out of them.
Seriously, every little bit helps a small business like mine!
