PR is a front-page gut check

Today’s PR thought starts at the beginning. It’s the beginning of a new year, and for some of you, the first time using public relations to get yourself known.

As I share with PR clients, a lot of thought goes into earning trust and a reputation that gets you the benefit of darn near any doubt. So, before you post … before you react …before you hit SEND on anything, stop and ask:

What does this story say about me?

Not just to reporters. To everyone.

Because in more cases than not, the “front page” isn’t a newspaper anymore. It’s:

✅ what shows up when someone Googles your name

✅ screenshots shared without context

✅ the moment someone decides whether you’re credible, messy or your values don’t jibe with theirs.

That’s PR. It’s pattern-building, reputation management and storytelling.

It’s what people think they know about you when you’re not in the room. It’s whether trust grows or cracks, one post and story at a time.

Publicity doesn’t wait for permission and it doesn’t reset. Once something’s public, it becomes part of the record, even if you delete it, explain or clarify it. I have a few clients who’ve been there, and if they went on the record, they’d tell you a tangled publicity web can be tough to unravel.

Whether you run a business, you’re an athlete, coach or author, the same rules apply.

⎙ Screenshots don’t care about intent

Algorithms don’t care about nuance. Audiences don’t care that you were responding, joking or exhausted when you said something creepy or classless.

If something showed up as the first impression of you today, would it help your reputation or hurt it?

That pause before you hit send isn’t fear. It’s being a responsible info provider.

That’s the front-page gut check.

@2026 Gail Sideman; gpublicity.com; SIDEbar

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This week at NILPublicity.com

With the transfer portal in full force, some tips for athletes:

“Don’t let guilt stop you from using the transfer portal or making the most of your NIL rights.”

Want to generate publicity for your book, business or ball and don’t know where to start? Contact me for help to start your year strong — and get you known for the right reasons.