Jodhpur has always been a city of makers and traders, from handicrafts and furniture to textiles, spices and hospitality. A new generation of founders is building D2C brands, tech products and services here, often selling to customers across India and abroad.
What many of them lack isn't a good product. It's visibility. Investors, partners and customers in the metros simply haven't heard of them yet. That's what PR is for.
1. Why PR matters early
Advertising tells people you exist. PR tells them why you're worth trusting. For an early-stage startup, a credible article, a founder interview or a mention in the right newsletter can:
Make investor conversations easier, since they've already read about you
Reassure customers who are buying from a new brand for the first time
Help you hire, because good people want to join companies they've heard of
Give your sales team something to share
2. Use your location as a strength
Being outside the usual startup hubs is a story in itself. Journalists are interested in founders building from smaller cities, in traditional industries going digital, and in local crafts reaching global buyers. Don't hide that you're from Jodhpur. Lead with it.
3. Build the founder's voice
In the early years, people trust founders more than logos. A founder who speaks clearly and consistently about their industry becomes the go-to name for journalists. Start with:
A sharp, honest founder story: why you started and what problem you solve
Two or three topics you know deeply and can comment on
A regularly updated LinkedIn presence where you share what you're learning
Speak about what you genuinely know. Credibility is built on real expertise, not on commenting on everything.
4. Know which media to aim for
Not every startup needs a national newspaper feature on day one. A sensible order is:
Regional and local media: easier to reach, and good for credibility at home.
Industry and trade publications: read by the buyers, partners and investors in your sector.
Startup and business media: for funding news, milestones and founder interviews.
National and mainstream titles: once you have traction and a strong story.
5. Have news worth sharing
Journalists cover news, not companies. Plan your PR around real moments: a launch, a funding round, a major customer, a new market, an award, or useful data from your own business. Between those moments, founder commentary and opinion pieces keep you visible.
6. Start small, but stay consistent
PR on a tight budget works when it's steady. One meaningful piece of coverage a month, sustained for a year, builds more credibility than a single big splash followed by silence. Treat it like fitness, not a crash diet.
7. Avoid common early mistakes
Paying for "guaranteed coverage" in low-quality sites that no one reads
Sending the same press release to every journalist
Overstating numbers or claims you can't support
Going quiet when things go wrong; how you communicate in a setback matters
The takeaway
Jodhpur startups don't need a metro address or a huge budget to be taken seriously. They need a clear story, a credible founder voice, the right media in the right order, and the patience to stay consistent.
ImpactKey is a PR and marketing agency based in Jodhpur, working with startups, hospitality and wellness brands across India.
Book a free consultation to plan your first steps.
