Small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an outsized role in our daily lives. Far from being overshadowed by larger competitors with greater resources, many of these businesses are thriving. A key factor behind this success is the strategic and effective use of communication tools like PR. In this piece, Ryan Woods, Senior Content Strategist at Started PR, examines the core principles driving this success.

It’s no exaggeration to say that small businesses are the lifeblood of Britain’s economy. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, SMEs account for three-fifths of employment and nearly half of turnover in the UK private sector. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with countless remarkable companies that fall into this category. During this time, I’ve come to appreciate that these businesses are not only among the most dedicated but also incredibly savvy in taking on bigger, more recognisable rivals.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the ability of so many SMEs, particularly in the tech and fintech sector to execute impactful, cost-effective, and sharply focused PR campaigns. By partnering with the right PR firm and having a clear vision of their goals, small businesses across Britain and beyond are leveraging strategic PR to increase visibility and boost brand awareness. In turn, this not only drives crucial top-of-the-funnel lead generation but also positions them prominently in the eyes of potential investors and future employees.

UNLOCKING VALUE FROM THE ATTENTION ECONOMY

Let’s face it, we’re living in a time when attention is a more in-demand commodity than ever before. When we “pay” attention to something, we drain our mental resources, leaving less to allocate elsewhere. For SMEs in fields like tech and fintech, this means the battle to remain visible isn’t limited to competitors in their sector but extends to brands, individuals, and influencers across a wide range of industries. However, instead of shying away from the challenge, the most astute SMEs are confronting it head on.

With the rise of social and digital media, many of the tools required to achieve genuine success in brand elevation and increased visibility have become truly democratised. The savviest SMEs have recognised this shift and are partnering with experts who possess the skills to effectively leverage these tools to deliver powerful results. In the tech and fintech sectors, we’ve witnessed this first-hand, helping to cultivate expert-led, strategic PR programmes that quickly transform companies from hidden gems into industry icons.

LET YOUR BRAND DO THE TALKING

By combining targeted media profiling, industry-leading thought leadership content, and a laser focus on securing impactful wins, strategic PR partnerships are empowering SMEs in growth-focused sectors like tech and fintech to secure features in top-tier media, rapidly gain traction with investors and lead conversations previously dominated by bigger players. The SMEs we work with are leveraging this approach to great effect, creating immediate visibility and positioning themselves prominently in front of key external stakeholders.

In doing so, these companies are proving that small businesses can still have a big presence. With the right partnership and a strategic approach, a well-executed PR campaign can let your brand do the talking before you even step into the room. As you look to grow and advance your business, this becomes an invaluable asset, one that is more attainable now than ever before. So, if you’re not harnessing this potent tool, it might be time to join the savvy SMEs who are already making the most of it.