Featured Startup Pitch: Publicize aims to transform the startup PR landscape

ELEVATOR PITCH

Publicize is a startup aiming to change the way companies approach PR. Its team of experienced journalists with insider knowledge provide businesses the most effective media coverage, at an affordable price.

PRODUCT/SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Publicize offers a suite of PR services for clients looking to maximize their media coverage.

The Publicize process is specifically customized to the needs of the client, tailoring various services dependent on the frequency and type of announcements and level of support required. Each client has access to a PR Strategist kicking off every campaign cycle in order to select the most effective PR strategy.

Publicize’s experienced team of journalists write press releases and help clients create thought leadership guest articles sharing their expertise and industry experience with top publications. Publicize clients are frequently featured on top sites like the Wall Street Journal, VentureBeat, TechCrunch, The Next Web, CIO and many more.

Publicize offers a myriad of additional ways that clients can attain media coverage to support each campaign strategy, driving increased attention on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Product Hunt, Hacker News, and Reddit.

Publicize believes that PR should be an ongoing process. It ensures clients are always connected with the press through tailoring announcements, creating thought provoking ‘industry insights’ pieces, personalized interviews, and connecting journalists with business leaders—all across a range of leading sites, putting businesses in front of their audiences and making noise.

DIFFERENTIATORS VS. THE COMPETITION

Historically, traditional PR firms have charged $10,000-to-$15,000/month with a six-month retainer and a $60,000-to-$90,000 total cost, which the majority of companies cannot afford. Publicize offers effective PR services starting at just $399 per month with no retainer, which opens the door to an entirely new market of clients who before had to do PR themselves, or forgo PR efforts entirely.

FOUNDER’S STORY

Earlier, Conrad Egusa was a writer for the tech publication VentureBeat and had founded an Angel investor-backed startup in Silicon Valley. Conrad founded Publicize through recognizing the need for a new, effective PR service that companies without huge budgets could afford. Today, in addition to Publicize, he is a Global Mentor at 500 Startups and has contributed to a number of industry leading publications, such as TechCrunch.

BUSINESS MODEL

Free DIY includes access to free resources and chat support. PR Service – one announcement over a six-week period is $399/month. Enterprise Service – two announcements, dedicated Account Manager and improved flexibilities and turnarounds, for $999/month. Enterprise+ Service – five announcements, unlimited support and a partner visit to your office—prices vary. Publicize offers a two-week money back guarantee for all clients.