1851

Building a strong&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-10-franchise-public-relations-agencies-2726183#stories">public relations</a> strategy is one of the most effective ways to connect with serious franchise candidates. The right media coverage doesn’t just create visibility — it builds trust, shows real growth and helps candidates see themselves as part of the brand’s future.Here’s how franchisors can structure their PR efforts to make the biggest impact.<h2>Focus on Storytelling Candidates Can Relate To</h2>One of the most important elements of a successful campaign is crafting stories that prospective franchisees can personally connect with.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleonardo/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-build-a-successful-pr-campaign-2729235" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Leonardo</a>, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chillnicecream.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-build-a-successful-pr-campaign-2729235" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream</a>, notes that campaigns are most effective when they highlight real franchisee journeys.&nbsp;“We’ve found success highlighting our franchisees’ personal journeys — former military members, first-time business owners or families building generational wealth,” said Leonardo. “It’s not just about the ice cream — it’s about the people behind the brand.”By showing the human side of the brand, franchisors make it easier for candidates to imagine themselves joining the system.<h2>Align Campaigns With Business Milestones</h2>Timing matters just as much as messaging. According to Leonardo,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/chill-n-nitrogen-ice-cream-franchise">Chill-N</a> has found that leveraging major milestones helps create a natural reason for media outlets to cover the brand.“<a href="https://hellomainland.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-build-a-successful-pr-campaign-2729235" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mainland*</a> has helped us time our PR campaigns to major openings, state expansions or new offerings like our Pint Club subscription,” he said. “This creates a natural news cycle we can plug into to generate attention.”&nbsp;Rather than trying to force media interest, successful campaigns align announcements with developments that naturally fit into current trends or industry momentum.<h2>Prioritize Targeted Media Outlets</h2>A common mistake in franchise PR is chasing large, national media coverage that doesn’t necessarily&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/content-marketing-101-how-to-reach-out-to-your-audience-2723105#stories">reach the right audience</a>. It is important to target publications that franchise candidates actually read in markets the brand wants to expand in.“Business journals, franchise-focused publications and regional media where we want to grow have been much more effective than broad national media when it comes to attracting serious candidates,” Leonardo said.Getting featured in the right publications can have a bigger impact on lead generation than broader but less targeted exposure.<h2>Use Media Placements To Build Credibility and Urgency</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/mainland/mainland-secures-nearly-10-million-in-media-value-for-franchise-clients-in-early-2025-2728648#stories">Media placements</a> aren't just about brand awareness. They are critical tools for building credibility with candidates and reinforcing the urgency to invest.&nbsp;“When a respected outlet features our story, it signals that our brand is gaining momentum and legitimacy,” Leonardo said. He also notes that media coverage supports the messaging franchisors use in their franchise materials, presentations and drip campaigns: “Media gives us a platform to talk about our growth, unit economics and market traction. It adds weight to the story we’re telling in our franchise materials and presentations”&nbsp;Many successful brands repurpose PR placements during the discovery process and on their franchise development websites to show candidates that the brand is part of a larger movement, not just another franchise offering.<h2>Create Content That Resonates</h2>Certain types of PR content consistently perform better when it comes to franchise development. Franchisee spotlights, for example, are particularly powerful because they humanize the opportunity. Growth milestones, such as expanding into new states, create a sense of momentum that attracts candidates who want to join a brand on the rise.“Candidates want to join a brand on the rise,” Leonardo said. “These placements provide momentum and help create a sense of urgency.”Additionally, community-focused stories, such as participation in fundraisers and school events, help position franchisees as valued members of their local communities — a key selling point for candidates who want to make an impact where they live. Innovation highlights, such as new technologies or operational differentiators, also help brands stand out in a crowded marketplace.“Whether it’s our nitrogen process or technology upgrades to our machines, media stories that emphasize what makes Chill-N different help us stand out in a crowded space,” Leonardo said.&nbsp;A successful franchise development PR campaign doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a clear strategy focused on relatable storytelling, smart timing, targeted media and ongoing credibility building. By thinking about PR not just as exposure, but as a crucial part of the candidate decision-making journey, franchisors can create real momentum — and ultimately, real growth.Growing and selling franchises is difficult. No great franchise did it alone. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-build-a-successful-pr-campaign-2729235" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Build a Successful PR Campaign

How to Build a Successful PR Campaign for Selling Franchises

1851 Franchise

A strategic PR campaign can drive credibility, create momentum and build emotional connections with franchise candidates.

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-build-a-successful-pr-campaign

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of exterior of a Paris Baguette location

How Much Can I Make as a Paris Baguette Franchisee?

paris-baguette-franchise-disclosure-document-analysis

Busy Bee Jumpers

Busy Bee Jumpers: Where Proven Success Meets People-First Franchising

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-culture-success

busy-bee-jumpers-consumer-positioning-image-kids-jumping-bounce-house

Delivering Fun With a Smile: How Busy Bee Jumpers Earns 5-Star Raves From Families Across New England

busy-bee-jumpers-party-rentals

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-positioning-image

Bouncing Into Business: How Busy Bee Jumpers Is Building the First National Bounce House Franchise

franchise-opportunity-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of exterior of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant

Layne’s Franchisees Capitalize on First-To-Market Advantage in Chicken Finger Frenzy

laynes-franchise-first-mover-advantage

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

how-to-position-your-value-proposition-with-a-point-of-differentiation

Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Set the Right Expectations

guide-to-selling-franchises-how-to-set-the-right-expectations

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

Affordable Franchise Opportunities: Exploring Low-Cost Home Service Franchises Under $50K

affordable-franchise-opportunities-exploring-low-cost-home-service-franchises-under-50k

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Brianna and Matt Fitchett, Seniors Helping Seniors logo

Nonprofit Leaders to Bring Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise to East Bay, California

nonprofit-leaders-to-bring-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-to-east-bay-california

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Abid Khan and Paris Baguette logo

Longtime Tim Horton’s Franchisee Signs 4-Unit Agreement with Paris Baguette in Toronto

longtime-tim-hortons-franchisee-signs-4-unit-agreement-with-paris-baguette-in-toronto

Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Build a Successful PR Campaign

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS