Here's What We'd Be Doing Before the Year End
Grab some coffee. Let's chat.
November is here. The holidays are coming. And if you're a small business owner, I'm guessing your to-do list is approximately 47 miles long.
If you hired me today to help with your PR and social media, I wouldn't tell you to post three times a day, jump on every trend, or suddenly become a TikTok sensation.
I'd probably ask you a million questions (I'm nosy, but professionally), figure out what makes your business special, and get to work.
Because here's the thing: You don't need to do MORE marketing. You need to be smarter about the marketing you're already doing.
And with two months left in the year, we still have plenty of time.
Here's where I'd start.
1. First, We'd Have a Little Heart-to-Heart
Before we start pitching the media or making Reels, I need to know what we're working toward.
Are you trying to increase sales?
Get more people through your doors?
Become the go-to expert in your industry?
And my favorite question: What makes you different from everyone else doing what you do?
Don't tell me you have great customer service. I believe you! But so does everyone else.
I want the good stuff. The story behind your business. The problem you solve. The thing that makes people say, "Oh, I LOVE that!"
That's what we'll build on, because being busy on social media and actually growing your business are two different things.
2. We'd Find a Story Worth Telling
Now we're getting to my favorite part. PR!
Every small business has a story. Sometimes you're just so busy running the business that you forget how interesting it actually is.
Maybe you started your business at your kitchen table.
Maybe you're doing something completely different in your industry.
Or maybe you've quietly become a pretty big deal in your community.
I'd look at those stories and ask, "Who needs to hear this?"
And yes, November means holiday gift guides, local shopping segments, and seasonal stories. But guess what? Not every business needs a bow to get media attention.
I'd also be thinking about expert interviews, podcasts, community stories, and January features.
This is because while everyone else is focused on December, this publicist is already thinking about 2027.
3. We'd Give Your Social Media a Little Reality Check
Okay, here's where I might lovingly call you out.
When was the last time you looked at your social media and thought, "Is this actually helping my business?" Not how many likes you got. Not whether your Reel went viral.
Does someone who lands on your page understand what you do, why they should care, and how to work with you?
If the answer is no, we've got some work to do.
Three areas to focus on:
Show your expertise. Answer questions, share advice, and teach people something.
Show your personality. People buy from people. Let them get to know YOU.
Make it easy to buy from you. Seriously. Don't make people play detective to figure out what you sell and how to buy it.
And no, I'm not telling you to spend your entire day creating content. Truly, I'd rather you show up three times a week with purpose than seven times because some “expert” on Instagram made you feel guilty.
And This Is Exactly Why We Created Daily Context
Here's something I've noticed after years of working with small business owners.
You know your business. You have plenty to say. But when it's time to post something?
Crickets.
That's why Angela Divine, owner of The Divine Group, and I created Daily Context.
For $23 a month, we send content prompts directly to your phone to help you show up, share your expertise, and get comfortable telling your story. It's like having two marketing-minded friends reminding you what to talk about without even having to open your inbox.
Because consistency matters. But having something worth saying matters more.
4. We'd Be Thinking About January. Yes, already, and I’m not sorry!
I know you're probably still figuring out Thanksgiving plans, but hear me out. If we're starting PR outreach in November, I'm looking at what media opportunities are still available for the holidays AND what's coming in January.
Local television? Absolutely.
Podcasts? Let's explore.
Digital publications? Yes, please.
But I'm also looking at what you can become known for next year. What expertise can you share? What trends are happening in your industry? What relationships should we be building?
Because PR isn't about sending one pitch and hoping someone calls you.
It's about getting the right people talking about your business. And sometimes the best opportunity comes from a relationship you started months ago.
5. We'd Show Some Love to the People Who Already Support You
You know who gets forgotten when business owners are chasing new customers? The customers they already have.
November is the perfect time to send a thank-you email, highlight a loyal customer, or collaborate with another small business.
And while we're talking about emails... When was the last time you sent a newsletter?
Many small business owners are guilty of this, but your email list is full of people who have already raised their hands and said they're interested in your business. Let's not ignore them!
What Can You Do Right Now?
Maybe hiring a publicist isn't in your budget. That's okay. You can still start thinking like one.
This week, do three things:
Write down one story about your business that you've never shared.
Create one social media post that answers a question your customers always ask.
Reach out to one person who has supported your business this year and thank them.
That's it. No fancy marketing plan. No dancing on TikTok required.
One Last Thing Before You Go...
I love small businesses. I love their stories, their big ideas, their personalities, and even the slightly chaotic behind-the-scenes moments.
And after years of working in television, PR, and social media, here's what I know:
You don't need to be everywhere. You need to be memorable to the right people.
That's what I'd be working on if you hired me today. And if you're ready for some help, whether it's a full PR strategy through MK Consulting or a little daily motivation from Daily Context, I'd love to be in your corner.
Now go tell someone about your business, and for the love of all things small business, don't wait until January.
Cheers!
Maggie
Your Professional Small Business Hype Woman