The best free tools for PR for Startups and Startup funding success

PR can feel like one of those “nice to have” things — especially when you're deep in product, team, and growth mode. But getting your name out there matters. The good news? You don’t need a big budget, agency retainer, or full-time comms hire to start building visibility. With the right free tools, you can begin telling your story, shaping your narrative, and getting on the radar of press and potential investors — all without spending a penny.

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7 Free tools that help Startups build PR and raise funding

Here’s a quick list of the best free tools for PR for startups:

Startup School – Get support, templates, and guidance on founder PR
Google Alerts – Monitor media mentions and industry trends
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) – Connect with journalists for media coverage
Muck Rack (Free Version) – Find journalists covering startups and funding
Notion or Trello – Organize and manage PR campaigns
Canva – Design press kits and branded content

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Below, we break down how to use each of these tools to boost your startup’s credibility and visibility — especially if you're preparing for a startup funding round.

1. Google Alerts – Free PR monitoring for Startups

Google Alerts lets you track online mentions of your startup, competitors, or industry keywords. Once set up, you’ll receive regular email digests showing who’s talking about what — and where.

Best for:

Media monitoring
Spotting PR opportunities
Tracking competitor mentions

Set up Google Alerts

2. HARO – Land PR for Startups through media opportunities

Help a Reporter Out (HARO) connects journalists with sources. As a founder, your insights can land you media coverage in top outlets like Forbes, TechCrunch, and Sifted — all by answering short journalist queries.

Best for:

Getting quoted in relevant media
Building backlinks and trust
Showing credibility to investors

3. Muck Rack – Find Journalists covering Startups and funding

Muck Rack is a powerful search engine for journalists. The free tier allows you to identify reporters who cover startups, funding news, or your specific sector — like femtech, climate tech, or B2B SaaS.

Best for:

Building a targeted media list
Understanding what journalists care about
Crafting personalised PR outreach

Explore Muck Rack

4. Notion or Trello – Keep PR efforts organised

Staying organised is half the battle. Notion and Trello are free tools that help you map out your PR pipeline, log media contacts, and track coverage.

Best for:

Planning startup announcements
Managing pitch follow-ups
Aligning PR with startup funding timelines

Try Notion | Try Trello

5. Canva – Create your Startup media kit

Visuals matter. Canva lets you design sleek, on-brand press kits, founder headshots, product mockups, and more — all with drag-and-drop ease.

Best for:

Making your startup look professional
Sharing easy-to-use media assets
Enhancing your brand presence for press and investors

Build your media kit with Canva

6. Why Free PR tools help drive Startup funding

Good PR for startups builds visibility, credibility, and momentum — all things investors want to see. Whether it’s:

A quote in an industry article
Strong brand visibility on Google search
Consistent and valuable thought leadership on LinkedIn

These touchpoints give potential investors the confidence that your startup is active in your industry, well-positioned to grow, and moving fast. In fact, many founders secure startup funding because of PR efforts that make their business top of mind at the right moment.

Final thoughts: From DIY to expert support

Free tools like HARO, Canva, and Notion are a great place to start. But when you're ready to scale, Words + Pixels can help you go further — faster. We’ve helped dozens of startups land top-tier coverage and investor attention with smart, focused PR strategies.

Thinking about taking PR seriously? Let’s chat.

For more on PR for startups and practical guides on how to raise with confidence:
Visit Startup School

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FAQ: PR for Startups and Startup funding

What is PR for startups?

PR (Public Relations) for startups is the process of managing your brand's reputation and visibility through media coverage, thought leadership, and storytelling — to attract users, talent, and investors.

How does PR help with startup funding?

Investors often Google you before a meeting. If they find strong press coverage, thought leadership, and media credibility, it builds trust and shows traction — both crucial for early-stage fundraising.

Are there free PR tools for startups?

Yes! Tools like HARO, Google Alerts, and Canva allow startups to begin PR efforts with no budget. They help you monitor media, find journalist opportunities, and present your brand professionally.

How do I get press coverage without a PR agency?

Start by monitoring media trends, responding to journalist queries, and pitching relevant stories. Use tools like Muck Rack and HARO, and make sure your messaging is clear and compelling.

When should a startup start doing PR?

The earlier, the better — especially if you’re preparing for a funding round. Visibility and credibility don’t happen overnight, and PR efforts compound over time.

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