Custom Branding
India's startup ecosystem has evolved into the most vibrant in the world. India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, led by 100+ unicorns and innovations in fintech, edtech, SaaS, healthtech, and deep tech, with more than 1.59 lakh startups identified by the DPIIT.
Government programs such as Startup India, Software Technology Parks of India's CoEs, and the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) and access to more venture capital have fueled this momentum. However, in the fervor of scaling, an important driver of growth is being sidelined—Public Relations (PR). A robust PR plan can turn Indian startups into a brand one remembers or just another face in the crowd.
Here are the top five PR blunders that startups commit—and how to prevent them.
Considering PR an Afterthought
Most startups view PR as an activity done after funding or the launch. In fact, PR needs to be built into day one. Early storytelling constructs public image, wins initial users, and creates thought leadership. The most effective startups leverage PR not only to report successes but to speak their vision, mission, and path, establishing emotional bonds that fuel trust.
Dependent on Press Releases
Press releases are important—but they alone won't cut it. Reporters get hundreds a day and seek out special, human interest stories. A good PR strategy combines press releases, blogging, thought leadership pieces, customer testimonials, and social media interaction. Having founders present themselves as authorities on topics within their domain on outlets such as LinkedIn, podcasts, and panels helps vary outreach and increase credibility.
Overhyped or Misrepresented Successes
In a competitive world, startups tend to overstate traction to be noticed. But lost credibility is almost impossible to regain. Authenticity matters. Posting actual struggles alongside achievements builds a relatable and credible story that will resonate more with honest claims than false ones.
Not doing Crisis Communication
Crises, product issues, negative feedback, or layoffs—can strike anytime. Without a crisis communication plan, startups risk damaging silence or poor responses. Preparing spokespersons, identifying risks, and drafting timely, empathetic responses can protect reputation and even turn setbacks into opportunities.
Not Measuring PR Impact
Most startups monitor sales and users but overlook PR metrics. Merely measuring media mentions does not indicate impact. Rather, monitor share of voice, sentiment analysis, referral traffic, publication authority, and PR-driven conversions. Data-driven PR ensures the strategy matches business growth.
PR Basics Across Different Sectors
While the foundation of PR remains the same, execution differs across industries. In technology, PR emphasizes innovation, product features, and expert voices. Hospitality relies on customer stories, service quality, and testimonials. Luxury brands focus on exclusivity and aspirational branding, while NGOs highlight impact stories and community engagement. This adaptability is one of the reasons why Mrig Sight Media is recognized as one of the top public relations firms in India.
Importance of PR During Crises
The true test of PR lies in crisis management. Sudden product issues, negative media coverage, or controversies can quickly damage a brand’s reputation. PR basics ensure that organizations act quickly with verified updates, communicate transparently while protecting credibility, and provide consistent information until the situation is resolved. Confidence can then be rebuilt through corrective actions. As one of the leading PR agencies in Delhi NCR, Mrig Sight Media has helped brands manage crises effectively and restore public trust with strategic communication.
Conclusion
In India's rapidly growing and congested startup ecosystem, PR is not a choice—it's mandatory. Careful, steady, and genuine PR effort brings startups into the spotlight, draws top talent and capital, and establishes credibility that endures. By staying away from these pitfalls and concentrating on measurable, story-driven communication, startups are able to grow quicker—with goodwill and trust in their corner. By mastering PR basics, organizations can strengthen their communication, credibility, and trust. If you are looking for the best public relations agency in Noida or a trusted public relations company in India, Mrig Sight Media is your reliable partner for building impactful, authentic, and lasting brand communication.