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In this episode of The Human-First AI Marketing® Podcast, Mike Montague sits down with Brett Farmiloe, CEO of Featured.com and Help a Reporter Out (HARO), to talk about the real PR opportunity most small and mid-market companies are missing in 2026. You’ll learn how getting featured in credible media outlets isn’t just great for brand awareness, but it’s also how you get cited in AI models, improve your SEO, and build the trust that drives high-value sales conversations.

From the rise of reactive PR to the surprising ways AI is reshaping journalism, this conversation breaks down how modern PR actually works, and how SMBs can use AI tools without sounding like them. You’ll hear actionable tips on pitching reporters, showing up with original insight, and why getting quoted by a human is the best way to be found by machines. If you want smarter exposure without selling your soul to algorithms, this episode is your blueprint.

PR is evolving & reactive PR is where SMBs should start.
Instead of blasting press releases, look for in-progress stories where journalists are already asking for sources.

Small businesses can now use AI to scale media outreach.
AI tools can match your expertise with relevant media opportunities and even help draft responses so you're not starting from scratch.

Generative AI can’t replace original thought.
Journalists want human insight, not ChatGPT output; Brett’s platforms detect AI-generated content and surface real voices.

Your media mentions feed your future search and AI visibility.
Getting quoted in trusted outlets increases your odds of being referenced in AI models and cited in search results.

Only pitch where you’re a perfect fit.
Relevance, timeliness, and helpfulness matter more than hype; follow instructions, respond fast, and be genuinely useful.

AI doesn’t write your story, but it can help find the right audience.
Let AI do the heavy lifting of filtering through thousands of journalist requests, so you can show up where it counts.

Press isn't dead; it's just decentralized.
Authority is now earned across podcasts, Substacks, newsletters, and traditional media. PR today means showing up across all of them.

Original human content will only get more valuable.
As AI slop floods the internet, real, expert insights become a premium commodity for both journalists and machines.

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.

Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.

No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.