PR Tips for Creatives: Getting Visible Without the Pay-to-Play with Gloria Chou {Podcast}

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So You Don’t Have a Big Budget …

Let’s talk real PR tips for creatives—because no one teaches this stuff in photography school. If you’re a photographer, coach, or creative entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt like media features are for someone else. But in this episode of the Tried & True with a Dash of Woo podcast, I spoke with Gloria Chou, a former U.S. diplomat turned PR powerhouse, who breaks down how you can pitch yourself and land features that build trust, boost SEO, and set you apart. No agency. No gatekeepers. Just the confidence to press send.

a quote that says Everything you want in life is on the other side of the send button and a photo of an asian woman smiling big wearing a white jacket and brown pants sitting on a fancy couch

PR and Visibility

What stood out most to me was how Gloria reframes visibility as empowerment. She doesn’t just teach strategy—she gives creatives permission to stop waiting for someone to “discover” them. She shared how to write a pitch using her CPR Method: Credibility, Point of view, and Relevance. It’s about showing up with a clear, timely message and connecting directly with the journalists who are already looking for your kind of story. She also breaks down subject lines that actually get opened—this part is gold.

Why You Need PR as a Photographer and Creative

For photographers, especially those in saturated markets like senior portraits or branding sessions, this approach is a game-changer. As Gloria says at, “PR is the only marketing activity that builds credibility, improves SEO, and leads to actual sales—all at once.” Imagine turning a media feature into a blog post, reel, podcast clip, and booking magnet. This is what working smarter looks like.

If you’ve been hesitant to pitch yourself because you don’t know what to say or you feel like you’re “not newsworthy,” this episode will crush those limiting beliefs. Gloria makes it clear: there is no such thing as a “newsworthy person.” What matters is knowing how to connect your story to what’s relevant right now. And if you’re not sure what that is? Trends, seasons, data, and pop culture are all fair game. (Hint: high school graduation season? That’s your in.)

PR Tips for Creatives Aren’t Just About Getting Featured – 

They’re about reclaiming your space. Gloria’s message hits deep: pitching yourself is sacred. It’s how we shift the narrative, especially for women and creatives of color. This episode will help you take the first step. And if you’re ready to learn even more, check out her free masterclass at https://gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.

FAQ: PR Tips for Creatives

Q: Do I need a big following to land media features?
A: Absolutely not. As Gloria says, journalists prefer real people with fresh perspectives—not just influencers. If you have a relevant story, you’re in.

Q: What’s the best time of year to pitch as a photographer?
A: Timing is everything. Gloria recommends leveraging seasonal trends—think graduation in spring, family portraits in fall, or bridal content in summer—to stay relevant and timely.

Q: What should I include in a PR pitch?
A: Follow the CPR method: lead with relevance (season, trend, data), share a clear point of view, and wrap with quick credibility. Keep it concise, clickable, and compelling.

As always, I would love to her from you and your feedback – feel free to reach out on Instagram or shoot me an Email and I would love a review if you have a sec! You can do that super quick at https://ratethispodcast.com/reneebowen

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