DIY PR Tools for Fashion Brands: How to Get Featured Without a PR Agency
Y’all know I am the queen of teaching how to get your own PR without the need of an agency, because when it comes down to it – alot of creatives and budding entrepreneurs do not have the budget to retain a publicist for $3500 a month, but are absolutely deserving of press opportunities.That’s where our DIY PR tools come into play! These tools can help you find opportunities, stay organized, and position yourself more effectively, and are even perfect for my fellow journalists and publicists as well!;
Qwoted
Qwoted is a platform that connects journalists with sources and publicists through structured requests. It allows you to respond to active media opportunities and is perfect for those who are just starting to build media mentions and backlinks for themselves:
For Experts/Thought Leaders/Brands
- Respond directly to journalist requests with quotes and insights
- Get featured in articles with backlinks to your website or brand
- Build a verified profile that increases credibility with media
For Journalists/Editors
- Post source requests and receive vetted responses from experts
- Filter responses based on relevance, expertise, and credentials
- Save time on sourcing by having experts come directly to you
For Publicists
- Monitor and respond to real-time media opportunities for clients
- Pitch clients directly to journalists who are actively working on stories
- Distribute press releases and announcements through the platform
Interested in joining Qwoted? Sign up here!
Notion
Notion is a flexible workspace that allows you to build and manage your own media list. Instead of relying on paid databases, you are creating a system that tracks your outreach, contacts, and relationships over time.
For Experts/Thought Leaders/Brands
- Track journalists, editors, and platforms you want to be featured on
- Keep a record of pitches, responses, and published features
- Organize your talking points, bios, and media-ready assets in one place
- Download
For Journalists/Editors
- Organize sources, contacts, and contributors for future stories
- Track ongoing topics, pitches, and potential features
- Keep a centralized workspace for editorial planning and sourcing
- Download
For Publicists
- Build and maintain a media list with detailed contact information
- Track outreach, follow ups, and placement status across clients
- Organize press materials, assets, and client information in one system
- Download
Featured
Featured is a platform that allows you to contribute insights to media opportunities by answering questions submitted by publishers. It is a more accessible way to start getting quoted and building visibility.
For Experts/Thought Leaders/Brands
- Respond to publisher questions with your expertise to be included in articles
- Build a portfolio of media mentions and online features
- Gain exposure across different publications without needing direct outreach
For Journalists/Editors
- Submit questions and receive multiple expert responses in one place
- Source quotes and perspectives quickly for articles and content
- Discover new contributors and voices for future features
For Publicists
- Submit client insights to relevant questions and opportunities
- Secure placements through contributed quotes and expert commentary
- Build media exposure for clients without traditional pitching
If you want a deeper breakdown of how to approach PR, you can start with my Intro to Fashion PR Workbook.
Google Alerts
Google Alerts is a simple tool that helps you stay aware of what is happening in real time across your industry. You can set alerts for your brand name, competitors, or specific topics so you are not operating blindly when it comes to PR
For Experts/Thought Leaders/Brands
- Monitor when your brand is mentioned online
- Track competitors and see where they are being featured
- Stay updated on industry news and trends relevant to your brand
- Identify timely opportunities to pitch based on what is currently being covered
ChatGPT
ChatGPT can be used as a support tool when it comes to developing ideas, refining messaging, and thinking through how to approach PR.
For Experts/Thought Leaders/Brands
- Brainstorm story angles, brand narratives, and pitch ideas
- Refine messaging to make your positioning clearer and more intentional
- Outline press releases, pitches, or talking points before finalizing them
- Identify different ways your brand can be positioned for media opportunities
Note: This is meant to support your thinking, not replace it. When using ChatGPT or any AI tools, it is important that your voice, perspective, and expertise are still your own. PR is built on authenticity and relationships, and that cannot be automated.
These tools give you access, but access alone is not what gets you featured. PR still comes down to positioning, timing, and understanding how to align yourself with the right opportunities. If you do not have that foundation, the tools will not work the way you expect them to. The difference is not the tools. It is how you use them. If you are serious about approaching PR the right way, start with understanding how it actually works. From there, you can use these tools more intentionally and with better results.
👉 Watch: What Fashion PR Actually Is: https://youtu.be/xcn487394kY?si=vORyl9coQJgG-H8u
📰 Download the Intro to Fashion PR Workbook: https://akbrownstl.com/product/intro-into-fashion-pr-workbook/
🔗 Explore more tools and resources: https://akbrownstl.com/fashion-resources/
