Public relations (PR) is a crucial component of building a brand, attracting customers, and establishing credibility—especially for small businesses working with limited budgets.
PR helps shape public perception, generate media coverage, and foster trust. However, hiring a PR firm or subscribing to premium tools isn’t always affordable.
Fortunately, several powerful PR tools are available for free, helping businesses streamline media outreach, monitor online presence, and craft compelling communication strategies.
These tools are ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and small teams looking to maximize visibility without overspending. Here are some of the best free PR tools that small businesses can start using right away.
1. Google Alerts
Google Alerts is a simple yet effective tool for monitoring mentions of your brand, competitors, or industry keywords across the web.
By setting up alerts, small business owners can stay informed about what’s being said about them, respond to media coverage promptly, and keep an eye on trends and news relevant to their niche. It’s completely free and easy to set up.
2. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO connects journalists with expert sources. By signing up as a source, small businesses can receive daily emails with media opportunities.
Responding to relevant queries gives brands a chance to be featured in articles, blogs, and media outlets—offering free exposure and credibility. While HARO offers paid plans, the free version still provides substantial access to media leads.
3. Canva
Canva is a versatile design tool perfect for creating professional-looking press kits, social media graphics, infographics, and presentations. Its drag-and-drop interface and wide range of templates make it ideal for non-designers. The free plan includes access to thousands of design elements that can enhance your brand’s visual PR content.
4. Mailchimp (Free Plan)
Effective email communication is an essential part of public relations. Mailchimp offers a free plan for businesses with fewer than 500 contacts, allowing users to send newsletters, press releases, and updates. It also includes basic audience segmentation and reporting tools to track engagement.
Top Free PR Tools for Small Businesses5. Muck Rack (Free Journalist Search)
While full access to Muck Rack is paid, small businesses can still use its free journalist search feature to find reporters by beat, outlet, or topic. This is helpful when crafting personalized pitches or building a media contact list without paying for a full PR database.
6. Trello
Trello helps PR teams organize campaigns, pitch calendars, press release drafts, and outreach tasks. Its visual boards and lists are excellent for tracking project status, deadlines, and team collaboration. The free plan includes all the essential features for managing a small PR operation.
7. Bitly
Bitly is a link shortener that also tracks how often your links are clicked. When sending out press releases or social media updates, Bitly allows you to monitor which links perform best. This insight helps refine your messaging strategy over time.
For small businesses, investing in public relations doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart use of free tools like Google Alerts, HARO, Canva, and Mailchimp, brands can build a strong PR presence, engage with media, and tell their story effectively.