Hiring a PR agency is often a mistake for startups; most founders end up firing them after realizing they don't deliver value.

Most early-stage PR can be handled by the founders themselves; spending on PR firms is often unnecessary and can waste significant resources.

Don't hire PR firms too early; build relationships with the press yourself as they can last throughout your company's lifecycle.

Founders often struggle with unrealistic expectations, believing that once they launch their product, it will immediately succeed, which can lead to disappointment.

Building direct relationships with journalists is crucial for gaining media coverage, rather than relying on PR agencies, which can create unnecessary barriers. I spent $50,000 on a PR agency that didn't understand my company, leading to a waste of money and forcing me to handle press outreach myself, which resulted in a better launch announcement.

Founders often waste money by hiring branding agencies for expensive rebranding efforts, which is unnecessary for B2B companies that aren't easily found online.

Most founders fail to do enough outreach, leading them to incorrectly conclude that sales isn't working for them.

The most effective PR strategy is to avoid hiring a PR firm and instead build close relationships with a few journalists who understand your company.

Founders frequently waste money on hiring, especially when they pursue high-salary candidates from large companies, believing they will significantly boost productivity.