How To Get Into Oprah's Favorite Things As A First Time Founder

In this powerful episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, we sit down with Marcia Hacker, founder of Sauipe Swim—a sustainable, size-inclusive swimwear brand that has been featured in Oprah Daily (print + online!), BuzzFeed, and Brides. Once skeptical and burned by traditional PR agencies, Marcia reveals how she took control of her media strategy using Gloria’s PR Starter Pack—and landed national press coverage without spending a dime on traditional PR or sending out dozens of free samples. If you’re a product-based business owner, eCommerce founder, or indie brand looking for high-impact, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint for media success. How to Land Free Press by Serving Journalists, Not Selling—The CPR Pitching Method, PR Mistakes to Avoid, and a Year-Round Gift Guide StrategyWhy pitching journalists is about serving their audience—not selling your productHow to use LinkedIn and email tracking tools to build lasting media relationshipsThe CPR pitching method to land both press features and wholesale accountsHow to avoid the most common PR mistakes—like sample overspending or vague pitchesA repeatable, seasonal PR system to land spots in gift guides and holiday roundups If you’re a small business or product-based founder, you don’t need a pricey PR agency to get featured in top-tier media. Marcia Hacker’s story proves that strategic, relationship-driven pitching can land major wins—like Oprah, BuzzFeed, and Brides—without ad spend or free samples. Focus on audience relevance, use tools like LinkedIn and email tracking, and apply the CPR method to build lasting media relationships. With a repeatable system, you can land press year-round—especially during high-ROI seasons like holiday gift guides. Start pitching, follow up consistently, and watch your visibility grow. Product Businesses! Download my free HOW TO GET INTO A GIFT GUIDE/PRODUCT ROUND UP roadmap for free HERE to get more sales and traffic to your site this season. If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou"s PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Connect with Marcia & Sauipe SwimWebsite: https://www.sauipeswim.comInstagram: @sauipeswim <