We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stefanie Magness. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stefanie below.

Stefanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Naming anything can be challenging, but let me tell you how Elevate U PR came to be! So, picture this: I wanted a name that captured what we do—personal branding and elevating individuals to stand out.

The “U” in Elevate U isn’t just a letter—it’s all about YOU! It’s like giving yourself a VIP upgrade to shine brightly in a crowded room. When you’re elevated, your business naturally follows suit. So, Elevate U PR became more than just a name; it’s a promise to amplify your uniqueness and bring your brand story to life.

I wanted something punchy and memorable, and Elevate U PR perfectly encapsulates our mission to prioritize YOU and your brand journey. It’s like stepping onto a stage where the spotlight is all yours!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m passionate about helping lifestyle brands shine online. With over 25 years of experience in PR and online reputation management, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some fantastic brands and media outlets.

My journey into this industry began with a love for storytelling and a knack for getting the right stories in front of the right people. Over the years, I’ve worked with prestigious media outlets like the Washington Post, Gannett, Phillip Health Publishing, Air Force Magazine, Army Times, and Youth Today Newspaper. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the media landscape.

I specialize in PR and online reputation management for lifestyle brands. What does that mean? It means I help brands get noticed in the digital world. I secure high-profile media placements in renowned digital publications like Inc. Magazine, Business Insider, Essence Magazine, Martha Stewart, and more. This not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also builds trust and credibility with your audience.

One of the things that set me apart is my strategic approach to media placements. I don’t just aim for any feature; I aim for the right feature in the right publication. This ensures that your brand is seen by the people who matter most. I also focus heavily on optimizing your online presence across platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Google Knowledge Panel to make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward.

I’m incredibly proud of the awards I’ve received, including recognition from Pine Sol and Ebony Magazine for my excellence in PR. But what I’m most proud of is the success of my clients. When they shine, I shine.

For anyone getting to know me and my brand, the key thing to understand is that I’m all about authenticity and results. I’m here to help you tell your story in a way that resonates, builds trust, and ultimately drives your business forward.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Well, let me tell you, building my reputation in the market has been a bit like baking the perfect cake. You know, it takes a mix of the right ingredients and a whole lot of love!

First off, imagine I’m whipping up this delicious cake, right? Well, being ranked #1 by Manifest, Top 20 in Maryland by PR News, Top 10 by Clutch, and named in Qwoted’s Top 100 PRs? It’s like adding the finest, most premium ingredients you can find. These accolades have definitely given my reputation that extra sprinkle of sparkle!

Oh, and let’s not forget about the cherry on top—I got my very own Google Knowledge Panel! It’s like having your cake and eating it too, you know? Having that panel is like putting your name in lights on the dessert table—it really makes you stand out.

But wait, there’s more! I’ve also been featured in digital publications like Brainz Magazine, Connected Women Magazine, Women Thrive Magazine, She Owns It, and more. It’s like having your cake featured in all the top food magazines—it really boosts your reputation and gets people talking!

So, what helped me build my reputation in the market? It’s simple, really—it’s all about having the right ingredients, a pinch of luck, and a whole lot of hard work and dedication. Just like baking the perfect cake, it’s about putting in the effort and making something truly delicious. And let me tell you, the proof is in the pudding (or should I say, the cake)!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Picture this: I started off my entrepreneurial journey in 2009, stirring up a storm in the PR world, helping nonprofits shine like beacons in the digital landscape. It was like baking a batch of cookies—each client a different flavor, but all equally delicious in their own way.

But then, life threw me a curveball. Despite studying mass communications in undergrad, I decided to take a detour and pursue law in grad school. I found myself in a new kitchen, stirring up legal strategies instead of PR campaigns. It was like switching from baking cookies to whipping up soufflés—similar ingredients, but a whole new recipe.

Fast forward to 2019, just before the pandemic hit. I found myself unexpectedly laid off, like a cake collapsing in the oven. But instead of crumbling, I decided to roll up my sleeves and dive back into entrepreneurship full-time, focusing on legal support for fellow business owners. Little did I know, another twist was just around the corner.

As COVID swept through the world, my legal business took a hit, like a batch of cookies burning in the oven. The market became saturated, and I found myself in need of a new recipe for success.

That’s when the light bulb went off. People were clamoring to learn the secret behind my online reputation magic. How did I manage to build my own reputation and help others do the same? It was like realizing the secret ingredient in my famous chocolate chip cookies—it was time to share the recipe!

So, I pivoted once again, turning my focus back to PR and online reputation management. It’s like coming back to your favorite recipe after trying something new—it just feels right. And now, I’m whipping up a storm once again, helping brands rise to the top like perfectly baked soufflés.

Life may throw us unexpected twists and turns, but with a little creativity and a lot of determination, we can always find our way back to the kitchen. After all, that’s where the magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elevateupr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevateu.pr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateupr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-magness/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elevateupr

Image Credits
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