You Can’t Fake Influence: The Right Way to Use Press Releases for Celebrity Branding
Hey, business rockstars! It’s Dr. Catrise Austin, and today, we’re talking about something that hit me like a lightning bolt while watching Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance. When he performed Not Like Us, one line stood out to me:
“You can’t fake influence.”
Whew! Let that sink in for a minute.
That lyric inspired me to hop on and address something I saw just last night—a press release that wasn’t really news. Instead, it was more like a personal flex. And let me tell you, bragging is not PR. If you want to get noticed the right way, you need to understand what makes something truly newsworthy.
What Makes a Press Release Newsworthy?
If you’re sending out press releases, make sure you’re actually sharing news. Here’s what a real newsworthy press release might include:
A hot new product or service launch – Did you just release a game-changing offering? Let the world know!
Industry trends – Are you addressing a hot topic that people are buzzing about? Ride the wave.
Community impact – If you’re making a difference in your community, that’s a story worth telling.
Myth-busting – Is there a viral TikTok video spreading misinformation about your industry? Set the record straight with a well-placed press release.
Now, let’s talk about what a press release should not be:
A recap of an event you attended – Just because you were in the same room as celebrities doesn’t make it news. (Trust me, media outlets and potential clients can see right through that.)
A personal brag-fest – If your press release is all about you instead of the value you bring, it’s not PR—it’s self-promotion.
The Power of Earned Media
Here’s the thing I love about PR—it’s earned media. Unlike traditional marketing where you pay for ads, PR helps you earn your credibility and influence. And that’s why it’s way more powerful!
If you want to be seen as a thought leader, an industry expert, or even a celebrity entrepreneur (shoutout to my former mentor Clint Arthur for coining that term), you need to build real credibility. That’s where my FAME Formula comes in.
How to Earn Media the Right Way
Write a book – Nothing says “expert” like being a published author.
Start a podcast – Own your narrative and position yourself as an authority.
Clarify your brand message – Know what you stand for and communicate it clearly.
Get on media platforms – When you earn media placements, you’re not just talking about your expertise—you’re proving it.
It’s Not About You—It’s About Your Audience
At the end of the day, influence isn’t about flexing—it’s about impact. If you want to get noticed and build real authority, you have to put your audience first. What do they care about? What problems can you solve for them? That’s what makes people listen.
For more info, visit www.celebritybrandingusa.com.
Or if you’re looking to level up your PR game and get access to the media, book a discovery call here!
Now, let’s talk about what a press release should not be:
A recap of an event you attended – Just because you were in the same room as celebrities doesn’t make it news. (Trust me, media outlets and potential clients can see right through that.)
A personal brag-fest – If your press release is all about you instead of the value you bring, it’s not PR—it’s self-promotion.
The Power of Earned Media
Here’s the thing I love about PR—it’s earned media. Unlike traditional marketing where you pay for ads, PR helps you earn your credibility and influence. And that’s why it’s way more powerful!
If you want to be seen as a thought leader, an industry expert, or even a celebrity entrepreneur (shoutout to my former mentor Clint Arthur for coining that term), you need to build real credibility. That’s where my FAME Formula comes in.
How to Earn Media the Right Way
Write a book – Nothing says “expert” like being a published author.
Start a podcast – Own your narrative and position yourself as an authority.
Clarify your brand message – Know what you stand for and communicate it clearly.
Get on media platforms – When you earn media placements, you’re not just talking about your expertise—you’re proving it.
It’s Not About You—It’s About Your Audience
At the end of the day, influence isn’t about flexing—it’s about impact. If you want to get noticed and build real authority, you have to put your audience first. What do they care about? What problems can you solve for them? That’s what makes people listen.
For more info, visit www.celebritybrandingusa.com.
Or if you’re looking to level up your PR game and get access to the media, book a discovery call here!
