When I submitted a short radio advert to the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio, I never imagined I’d hear it being read out live to an audience of 900,000 people. The Big Ad Little Ad segment was a chance for a small business like mine to get national exposure, and I was lucky enough to be selected. But beyond the excitement, this experience reinforced a powerful lesson: small businesses CAN get seen—if they’re willing to put themselves out there.
For many business owners, visibility is a challenge. We don’t have the marketing budgets of large corporations, and we often struggle with self-promotion. But my experience with Virgin Radio proves that opportunities exist if we’re proactive in seeking them out. So, how can small businesses increase their visibility and attract the right audience?
1. Say Yes to Opportunities – Even If They Seem Like a Long Shot
I could have easily assumed my advert wouldn’t be chosen, but I took the chance anyway.
At 6:30am, my bleary eyes asked ChatGPT to draft me a radio ad which I then tweaked to fit my brand and messaging. I didn't think to hard about it, but as an action-taker I rarely do! As soon as I was happy with it, I sent it via WhatsApp to the Breakfast Show. Radio Shows often make it really easy for you to get in touch - they are hungry for live content and interaction so always be prepared to take your own action.
At 7:30am the next day I was trying to draw a reasonable straight wing with liquid eyeliner when I heard my ad being played LIVE on air! I couldn't have been more stunned, elated or excited - the grin was fixed to my face all day!
Taking a chance paid off for me, and small businesses need to adopt the same mindset when it comes to marketing. Whether it’s applying for media features, collaborating with industry peers, or attending networking events, every opportunity to be seen is worth exploring - feel the fear and do it anyway!
2. Build a Strong Brand Identity
When my ad was read out, it wasn’t just about my name being mentioned—it was about exposure for my brand. A clear, professional brand identity helps small businesses make a lasting impression everywhere it’s seen. From your website to your social media presence, consistency is key.
This is where brand photography plays a huge role. The way you visually present yourself and your business shapes how people perceive you. A strong set of professional images—whether headshots, personal branding photos, or behind-the-scenes shots—gives potential clients confidence in your business before they’ve even met you.
3. Make It Easy for People to Find and Trust You
Being featured on Virgin Radio was an incredible boost, but if my business didn’t have a strong online presence, that exposure would have been wasted. Your visibility doesn’t stop at being seen—it’s about making sure people can find you, recognise you, and trust you when they do.
- Have professional photos on your website and LinkedIn to create a polished first impression.
- Use consistent imagery across all platforms to build recognition.
- Show your personality and the human side of your business through behind-the-scenes photography.
4. Be the Face of Your Business
Many small business owners shy away from showing their face in their marketing, but people connect with people—not logos. Investing in high-quality brand photography helps you appear more professional, approachable, and trustworthy.
After my radio feature, I made sure my website and social media channels featured strong, professional images that reinforced my message. When people searched for me, they found a consistent, well-presented brand that matched the credibility of being on Virgin Radio.
5. Keep Showing Up
One media feature, one great headshot, or one viral post won’t sustain visibility forever. Small businesses need to show up consistently. Whether it’s through regular brand photography updates, engaging social media content, or applying for more PR opportunities, ongoing visibility is key to growth.
Final Thoughts
Getting featured on national radio was a reminder that small businesses don’t have to wait for the “right time” to be visible. Whether through media opportunities, strong branding, or professional photography, there are many ways to stand out—without a huge budget.
The key is to be intentional about how you present yourself. As a brand photographer, I help entrepreneurs create a strong visual presence that makes them more memorable and marketable. If you’re ready to elevate your business and increase your visibility, start with your brand imagery—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.
It starts with a conversation. Book a Discovery Call here.
Here's the brand photographer ad as featured on The Chris Evans' Breakfast Show!
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