Tired of the fake urgency, manipulative countdown timers, and “buy now or your business will fail” energy?

In this re-aired episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou breaks down the toxic marketing tactics hurting small business owners — and what ethical, authentic marketing can look like instead.

From fake scarcity and overpriced masterminds to toxic positivity and unrealistic “10X your business” promises, this episode explores how online business culture normalized pressure, fear, and manipulation as “strategy.”

If you’re trying to grow your business without feeling sleazy, performative, or disconnected from your values, this episode is for you.

✨ In this episode:
• Fake scarcity + urgency tactics
• Manipulative “buy now” marketing
• Toxic positivity in entrepreneurship
• Overpriced masterminds with little support
• “10X your business” style promises
• Ethical marketing for small business owners
• Building trust through authentic connection
• Human-centered marketing that actually lasts

Because you should not have to lose your soul to sell your offer.

In my free PR Secrets Masterclass, I walk you through the exact system small business owners use to land press, get into gift guides, and become known in their industry—without connections or expensive retainers.

Register here:
www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass

• Join the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR Tips
• DM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr
• Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou

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