Everyone wants to be the best—that’s human nature. As an agency working to grow into some of the coolest spaces and industries, we understand more than anyone how much you want to go viral or to secure that big national feature on Good Morning America. But we’re here to be honest with you: while you’re busy chasing big press, you’re missing the growth that’s unfolding right outside your door.
Enter: local PR. It’s powerful, it gets results and it’s standing outside your back door waiting for you to let it in. If you’re ready to stop sleeping on your zip code and start blooming where you’re planted, keep reading. We’re about to turn up your local brand presence.
Stop Sleeping On Your Backyard
Are you out there pitching big city media outlets when your neighborhood barista or dentist doesn’t know who you are? We’re here to help fix that.
A local Public Relations strategy isn’t a stepping stone. At The James Agency, we see it as more of a launch pad. Your customers read local newspapers, watch your city’s morning show and pick up that hyperlocal business mag while waiting at the doctor’s office. They’re the ones buying your product, investing in your services and hyping you up to their moms.
If you’re not showing up in your backyard, you let someone else steal the spotlight.
Blooming Basics: What it Actually Means to Thrive Locally
“Bloom where you’re planted” doesn’t mean staying small. Thriving locally means:
- You’re the go-to in your space.
- You have buzz in your neighborhood AND your niche.
- People associate your name with quality and community.
- Local media sees you as the go-to source for a story in your industry.
Stop waiting around for the national press to validate you. You’re building an army of local loyalists who’ll hype you up without being asked—and that kind of loyalty is priceless.
How to Work Your Local Scene
Let’s break it down. Here’s how to turn your city into your stage:
- Pitch Personally
Slide into local journalists’ DMs with story angles that make them care. Don’t just send your generic “we’re so excited to open” press release. Tell them why your news matters. Maybe you’re the first office of your kind in town or maybe you’re doing things differently from that restaurant down the street. Figure out the types of stories they love: Is it small biz spotlights? Women-owned features? Feel-good community pieces? Foodie finds? The media is literally telling you what they cover in their articles, their socials and their segments. The goal is to hand them a story that fits like a glove. - IRL: Be Where the People Are
Bond with the locals beyond the ribbon cutting and create moments that people actually want to show up for: free tastings, photo walls, live demos, giveaways, DJ sets or collaborations with local artists. Show face, shake hands and take pics. Your brand shouldn’t just exist in your city—it should live and breathe there. - Tap Into Local Influencer Partnerships
Find influencers with a local pull like a neighborhood hairstylist, foodie, mom blogger or fitness instructor. Forget the blue-check celebs. Local creators already own the trust and attention in your community. They’re the ones posting their latest workout at that new Pilates studio, raving about the best lunch spots and hyping small businesses on their Instagram stories, all while their followers are listening and sharing.
Bloom Now, Expand Later
You don’t need a fancy New York City office or a feature in Forbes to thrive. Start where you are and make a splash in your local community. When you dominate locally, expansion becomes natural.
And you’ll have something the big dogs wish they had—an actual connection to your audience.
Need help watering the seeds? Get in touch today to get started.
