This interview is with Kristin Marquet, Founder & Creative Director at Marquet Media.

 

Kristin Marquet, Founder, Marquet Media

What initially drew you to the world of public relations and branding and what continues to motivate you today?

The power of storytelling initially drew me to the world of public relations and branding. I’ve always been fascinated by how a well-crafted narrative can shape perceptions, connect people, and create lasting impressions. Early in my career, I saw how impactful PR could be in helping brands gain visibility and build a real emotional connection with their audiences. It wasn’t just about getting press; it was about creating stories that resonate and stick in people’s minds. Today, what continues to motivate me is seeing the transformation that effective PR and branding can bring to businesses, especially those just starting. Helping entrepreneurs and small-business owners in lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and fashion industries find their unique voices and share them with the world is incredibly rewarding. Every time a client sees their story in a major publication or notices a shift in how their brand is perceived, I’m reminded of why I love this work. It’s about making an impact and helping others achieve their version of success.

 

You’ve spoken before about the importance of understanding your market value. Can you share a time when you had to advocate for your worth, and what advice would you give to others facing similar situations?

Understanding your market value is crucial, especially in the PR and branding industry, where our work often involves intangible results like perception shifts and brand recognition. Early in my career, I faced a moment where I had to advocate for my worth during a negotiation with a potential client. They were a well-known brand in the lifestyle space, but their initial offer was far below the value I knew I could bring through strategic PR and branding services. It was a moment where I had to decide: Do I accept less for the sake of having a ‘big-name’ client, or do I stand firm on the value of my expertise and the results I knew I could deliver? I chose to advocate for myself. I laid out a detailed proposal that highlighted not just the scope of work but also the potential impact of my PRISM PR Framework—backed by examples of past successes. I made it clear how my approach could elevate their visibility and ultimately impact their bottom line. In the end, they came back with a revised offer that aligned with the value I brought to the table. It was a defining moment that taught me that when you communicate your value with clarity and confidence, the right clients will recognize it. Be clear about what makes your services unique and to back up your worth with evidence—whether that’s client success stories, data, or testimonials. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the offer doesn’t reflect your value. It’s better to work with clients who understand and appreciate your expertise than to compromise on what you’re worth.

 

Many aspiring entrepreneurs find it challenging to identify a unique business idea. From your experience, what are some effective strategies for spotting opportunities in the market?

Spotting opportunities in the market often comes down to observation, listening, and a willingness to dig into problems that others may overlook. Some of the most effective strategies have involved immersing myself in the industries I serve—like lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and fashion—and paying close attention to the conversations and trends unfolding. Here are a few approaches that I’ve found helpful: Listen to the Pain Points: The best business ideas often come from listening closely to people’s struggles. Whether through social media, online forums, or direct conversations with potential clients, understanding their frustrations can help you spot gaps that need solutions. For example, I realized that many small businesses needed help in visibility despite having a great product. That insight led me to refine my PRISM PR Framework, focusing on accessible, data-driven strategies that help companies stand out. Look for

Underserved Niches: Many aspiring entrepreneurs think they must reinvent the wheel to create a successful business. But often, you can find success by serving a niche that’s being ignored or underserved, such as when I launched FemFounder.co, I saw a gap in support for women entrepreneurs who needed access to practical, affordable PR and branding resources. By focusing on this specific need, I created a platform that addressed an actual demand in the market. Stay Ahead of Trends: Keeping a pulse on industry trends can help you identify where the market is headed. This doesn’t just mean following the latest buzzwords but looking for the underlying shifts in consumer behavior and preferences. For example, as more brands and consumers have become focused on authenticity and transparency, I’ve adjusted my services to help clients build brands that are not only visible but also genuinely resonate with their audiences. Identifying a unique business idea is about seeing problems as opportunities and thinking creatively about how you can offer a solution that others might not have considered. It’s a blend of research, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside of the obvious.

Building a strong brand is crucial for any business. What are some common branding mistakes you’ve observed, and how can startups avoid them?

I’ve seen a few common branding mistakes that can hinder growth and impact long-term success. Here are some:

 

Inconsistent Brand Messaging: One of the biggest mistakes I see is inconsistency in brand messaging. Startups often try to appeal to too many audiences at once or change their messaging frequently. The key to avoiding this is developing a straightforward brand narrative highlighting your core values, mission, and unique selling proposition (USP). Stick to this messaging across all platforms—from social media to website copy—and ensure your visuals align with your brand’s story.

 

Focusing on Visuals Over Substance: It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of branding—logos, colors, and website design—without thinking deeply about the underlying story or value proposition. While the design is essential, the substance behind the visuals truly connects with customers. Startups should invest time defining their brand voice, values, and the emotional connection they want to create with their audience. Think about what you want people to feel when interacting with your brand and how you want to be remembered. Beautiful design will capture attention, but a compelling story will keep people coming back.

 

Neglecting the Power of Authenticity: Consumers crave authenticity more than ever in today’s market. A common mistake is trying to imitate what’s trendy or what competitors are doing instead of focusing on what makes your brand unique. Startups should embrace their distinct story, whether it’s the founder’s journey, the inspiration behind the product, or the specific problem they solve. Being transparent about your values and the mission behind your business helps create a deeper connection with your audience and sets you apart from others in your space.

 

Ignoring the Importance of Community: Startups sometimes focus too much on marketing their products or services without building a sense of community around their brand. Successful brands create a space where customers feel like they’re part of something bigger, whether that’s through social media engagement, customer feedback, or storytelling that reflects their audience’s experiences. Engaging with your audience regularly, asking for their input, and making them feel heard can turn customers into brand advocates.

 

Not Investing in Professional Branding Early Enough: Many startups think they can postpone branding until they’ve grown, but that can be costly. Branding is about shaping perceptions, which start forming from the first interaction.

 

Public relations plays a vital role in shaping brand perception. What are some creative PR tactics that startups with limited budgets can utilize to gain visibility?

With creativity and strategic thinking, startups can achieve significant PR wins without a large budget. Here are some practical and budget-friendly PR tactics that can help startups gain visibility:

 

Leverage Thought Leadership through Guest Blogging: Startups can build credibility and gain exposure by contributing guest articles to industry blogs and online publications. This tactic positions you as an expert in your field and allows you to share valuable insights while subtly promoting your brand. Reach out to websites that target your ideal audience, such as industry-specific blogs, startup publications, or platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. Share advice, trends, or industry insights your audience cares about, and include a link to your website or social media.

 

Participate in Podcasts and Online Panels: Look for podcasts that align with your industry or target market and pitch yourself as a guest. Share your story, insights, and expertise, focusing on how your startup solves a problem or fills a market gap. Similarly, look for virtual panels, webinars, or Instagram Live events where you can share your perspective. These opportunities are often free or low-cost and can help you reach a new audience.

 

Create and Share Data-Driven Insights: If you can access industry-specific data or trends, package this information into a compelling report, infographic, or press release. Media outlets are always looking for fresh data, and offering valuable insights into your industry can help you earn coverage. For example, if you’re a wellness startup, you could create a report on emerging wellness trends based on your observations and share it with relevant publications.

 

Build Relationships with Micro-Influencers: While traditional influencer marketing can be costly, partnering with individuals with smaller but highly engaged followings can be more accessible for startups. These influencers can introduce your brand to their followers in a more authentic and relatable way, creating organic buzz without breaking the bank.

 

Leverage Your Own Story for Earned Media: Media outlets are often interested in compelling founder stories, especially if there’s a unique twist. Share the journey behind why you started your business, the challenges you’ve faced, and the lessons you’ve learned. Pitch this story to local newspapers, industry publications, or online platforms that cover entrepreneurial journeys. Remember, it’s not just about your product; it’s about the passion and vision behind your business.