,,,Let’s talk honestly about what it really means to put yourself out there in the media, because PR isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. And if you’re sitting here considering how strategic visibility fits into your business, this blog will challenge the way you see the glossy side of being “niche famous”.
THE UNTOLD SIDE OF STRATEGIC VISIBILITY
We’ve all heard it before: “Get featured in the press! Leverage PR to become an industry icon and be booked and busy!” But no-one talks about what happens on the other side of being featured on podcasts, in the press and on stage.
There’s a flip side that’s rarely spoken about, a side that can stop even the most ambitious entrepreneur dead in their tracks, leaving their big mission and impact vision gathering dust because they’re simply not willing to put themselves in a position to be attacked.
I see it all the time. The fear is real. And I get it. Being seen means you’re opening yourself up to trolls, criticism and unsolicited ‘feedback’ from every keyboard warrior on the internet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an online coach, a founder or a thought leader, visibility comes with a cost. If you’re working in the online space, you’re already exposing yourself. That’s just the way it is.
BUT (and it’s a big but) you cannot shy away from PR just because someone might say something nasty. You cannot let the potential for negativity hold you back from the next chapter of authority and credibility that comes with being known.
END GOAL? DARLING IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING
Being featured in the press is not the end goal, it’s actually the start of a whole new chapter of opportunities. Yet, time and time again, entrepreneurs post their media wins like trophies and then move on, leaving gold on the table and wondering why their inbox isn’t flooded with premium clients ready to pay in full.
It’s not their fault – they haven’t been shown how to turn PR coverage into assets that can be leveraged for maximum impact.
When PR is done properly it becomes a growth tool, your secret weapon for landing premium clients, opening doors to new territories and attracting opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
But alongside those shiny opportunities, there’s a darker undertone that needs to be addressed. You’ll get comments online. You’ll get stitched on TikTok. People will bitch and moan simply because they can. It hurts. But here’s what you need to realise: those people are NOT your ideal clients (read that again!)
The right people, the ones who resonate with your message and are ready for your transformation will come to you privately, usually in your DMs. Trust me when I say that the positives almost alwayd happen behind the scenes.
So, what do you do when the haters show up? Are you going to recoil? Are you going to spiral? Or are you going to use that feedback (whether constructive or malicious) to fuel more opportunities?
HOW TO TURN NEGATIVITY INTO ASSETS
This is where your Visibility Engine comes into play. Your press coverage is an asset, not just a badge for your highlights reel. It’s about sharing your story, opening more doors and marrying PR with marketing and social media. It’s about creating the trifecta that positions you as The One; the go-to expert for your audience.
If you’re sitting on the fence, wondering whether to go all-in with PR, here’s what you need to know:
🥂 Strategic visibility will save you time; you’ll speak to thousands rather than one person at a time.
🥂 Not everyone will like you. Celebrate it, it’s a GOOD thing. You want to repel the wrong clients as much as you attract the right ones. Let the trash take itself out!
🥂 PR puts your referral power on steroids. It’s amplification, impact and magnetic attraction.
🥂 The fallout from publicity (the negative comments, the trolls, the online drama) can be leveraged. When you handle adversity publicly, you prove yourself as a leader and build even more authority.
And yes, you must be intentional about protecting your energy and integrity. Learn to regulate your nervous system. Don’t rage-reply to online negativity. Instead, use the backlash to craft your response, to share your values, your mission and to show you stand firm in your expertise.
BE STRATEGIC: BE RESILIENT
The higher you climb, the more haters you’ll attract. The more money you earn, the more shade you’ll get thrown. But the question is: are you going to let it stop you? Or will you use it to amplify your story and impact even more lives?
Every negative press moment is an opportunity to drive engagement, to get in front of brands that see the conversation, to show your ideal clients who you are when the chips are down. Your story, scars and all, can become the proof that your work really does change lives.
So, before you let fear of the dark side keep you small, ask yourself: Why are you in business? Why do you want to help people? If your mission is truly bigger than your ego, strategic visibility will be the fuel that takes you from Best Kept Secret to an In-Demand Expert..
LETS NORMALISE THE STRUGGLE
Sharing publicly can feel like you’re exposing your vulnerabilities for all to see. Sometimes it can feel like you’re under attack, so have techniques in place: regulate yourself, tap into your strength, turn adversity into a hook for your next story or next opportunity.
And remember: You’re not alone. My DMs (@prwithperkes ) are always open if you want to talk through your own experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly. The more we speak openly about the challenges, the less shame there is and the more connection and impact we create.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you want to be seen, heard and paid as The Authority don’t let the threat of online negativity keep you in your comfort zone. Serve your audience at your highest level. You don’t become niche famous by sitting quietly, you become magnetic AF by stepping up and showing up.
As a strategic PR powerhouse, I focus on helping you:
✅ Raise your profile so that your name is on everyone’s lips, even when you’re not in the room
✅ Build brand awareness so that you’re seen, heard, hired and paid as The Authority
✅ Cement your position as an expert, becoming magnetic AF to premium buyers ready to work with you.
Let the negativity fuel your growth, rather than stunt it. Make bold moves. Be strategic. And if you’re ready to unlock your Fame Factor and step into the spotlight, connect with me on IG @PRwithPerkes and DM the word READY.
About Laura Perkes:
Laura Perkes is a PR Specialist, Communications Consultant and the Founder of PR with Perkes. She helps creative, diverse and innovative founders, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs who are wanting to raise their profile and build authority through effective PR.
Creating an an earned attention eco-system which contributes to the year on year growth of their business.
