The most important PR work happens before your first press release
Startups often view public relations as a megaphone, primarily for announcing funding rounds, partnerships or product launches. However, the most crucial work begins ideally six months before sending out the first press release.
At Inside Media, we’ve seen time and again that companies that invest time in preparation establish the strongest foundation for long-term visibility. Before you launch, don’t overlook these critical steps for success.
Defining the narrative
Reporters and investors don’t just invest in technology; they invest in the story behind it. The first step is to understand your product-market fit. What problem are you solving? Why is it important now? How does your work fit into the larger context of your industry?
We collaborate with founders to answer these questions and translate them into a clear, compelling narrative that can withstand rigorous media scrutiny.
Building your media kit
Before pitching your story, it's essential to have materials that make your company easy to understand at a glance. This includes creating a press kit with:
A strong boilerplate that summarizes your company in three sentences
Fact sheets outlining your technology, market and leadership team
Polished bios and headshots for founders and key executives
Having these assets prepared not only assists reporters but also ensures that your entire team communicates the same message in every conversation.
Understanding the media landscape
Not all media coverage is equal. The outlets that matter to investors might not resonate with customers or policymakers.
In the early stages, we map out which publications and reporters are most influential in your industry. This preparation means that when it’s time to announce your first milestone, we won't be scrambling; we’ll already know who needs to hear it.
Aligning messaging across channels
Your website, pitch decks and internal communications should all reflect the same key messages. We help clients align these materials to ensure consistency across every touchpoint, which is a crucial step in building credibility.
A press release should never be your first step in public relations. At Inside Media, we believe that the best stories begin long before the first headline.
Contact us to help you prepare the tools you need before going public, ensuring your company has the foundation it requires to make a lasting impression when the spotlight shines on you.