PR for small business, without the retainer
EarnedDesk is a daily PR tool for small business owners. Each morning it gives you five ideas tied to the news, each with an honest verdict and the journalist who wrote the story, for US$199 a month.
The problem
Small businesses can benefit from press as much as anyone, but agency retainers commonly run US$5,000 a month or more. Most owners also have no time to read the news and work out where they fit.
What EarnedDesk does each morning
- Reads the news and picks the stories worth responding to
- Gives you five ideas: op-ed, angle, letter to the editor or expert comment
- Says whether each is a yes, a maybe or not this one
- Shows the journalist who wrote each article, with LinkedIn and X links or a search link
How it fits a busy week
It takes about 15 minutes a day. Three of your five daily ideas take under 10 minutes to act on. You don't need PR experience, because every idea comes with the angle, why it's timely and a suggested format.
You stay in control
Drafts writes an editable pitch. You change it, then send it from your own email. Nothing is ever sent to a journalist for you, so the voice and the relationship stay yours.
Good fits
- Local and specialist businesses with real expertise
- Professional services such as accountants, lawyers and consultants
- Owners who want press without hiring a firm
What to expect
A good first six months means pitches out, some replies and a growing list of journalists who know your name. Coverage depends on editors saying yes, and nobody can promise it.
Who it isn't for
If you want a team to run a full campaign for you, a PR agency is the better fit. EarnedDesk suits owners who are happy to send the pitch themselves.
Price
US$199 a month with a 3-day free trial. A card is required, and nothing is charged for 3 days. If you want hands-on help, Bootcamp pairs you with Sentral's media team on application.
Common questions
Is PR worth it for a small business?
It can be, if you have something specific to say. Published coverage builds trust and is part of what customers find when they look you up.
How much does it cost?
US$199 a month, with a 3-day free trial.
Do I need PR experience?
No. Every idea explains the angle and why it's timely.
Can it work in Australia or the UK?
Yes. Set your markets and the outlet types you care about, and the daily brief follows them.
Try EarnedDesk free for 3 days
A daily brief, five ideas and the journalist behind each story. You send every pitch yourself.
Card required, nothing charged for 3 days. From US$199/month after that.