Lately, I’ve become interested in how businesses can boost brand awareness through strategic use of social media. That’s why I attended the online seminar “Solo PR: A Complete Guide”, organized by Kyodo PR Inc. and VAZ Inc.
The speaker was Akane Ono, a leading expert in the field of solo PR. While the actual content slightly differed from the official agenda, three key topics left a lasting impression on me:
🔹1. What Is “Solo PR”?
In general, public relations is about connecting companies with the public—shining a spotlight on products or services that haven’t yet been recognized through media exposure and storytelling.
Solo PR, on the other hand, refers to professionals who handle the full scope of PR operations by themselves: managing social media accounts, writing press releases, conducting media outreach, and executing company-wide PR strategies—essentially becoming an internal PR powerhouse.
🔹2. Why Are Companies Seeking Solo PR Professionals?
✔ The Explosion of Information & Need for Trust
Today’s information volume is estimated to be over 500 times greater than it was in the 1990s. With social media usage surpassing 80%, people now prioritize trustworthy, credible information.
✔ Ads Alone Are No Longer Enough
Advertising is controlled messaging from the company itself, while PR—especially via media exposure and word-of-mouth—offers third-party credibility. In fact, customer trust tends to lean more toward authentic reviews and earned media than paid ads.
This shift is especially critical for small businesses, which often lack the budget to hire large agencies. Solo PR professionals, who can juggle multiple tasks, are a cost-effective solution (approx. ¥200,000/month per company for full support).
🔹3. Top 3 Reasons to Pursue a Solo PR Career
- The PR market is expanding and full of future potential
- Every company, regardless of size, has PR needs
- It’s a high-value B2B service with strong income potential
That said, success in solo PR requires overcoming several challenges: acquiring specialized knowledge, building networks, gaining hands-on experience, and managing your time effectively. To support this, the seminar also introduced a practical, skills-based academy.
💡Key Takeaways
This session reinforced how vital PR is in today’s business landscape. For me, it was also a great refresher on marketing strategy, especially from my previous experience as a certified business consultant.
One fascinating insight: the same news story can look completely different across platforms like Yahoo! News, Sankei Shimbun, or niche trade journals. Each outlet tailors its angle to suit its audience—true marketing in action.
🎁Exclusive Seminar Bonuses
All participants received access to two valuable video guides:
- A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning PR Fast (Perfect for solo PR newcomers)
- Strategies for Getting Featured in the Media, taught by a former top PR professional from a major entertainment company
👉 Learn more and register: Solo PR Online Seminar
✨Final Thoughts
In a time when companies increasingly rely on earned media and digital branding, solo PR represents a huge opportunity for individuals. Whether you’re considering going freelance or want to explore side hustles in communications, this seminar is packed with actionable insights.
If you’re curious about public relations or ready to boost your value in the workplace—this is a great place to start.
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