Ashley Crouch
Ashley Crouch is a PR expert and the founder of Appleseed Communications, a “one for one” PR agency that specializes in women entrepreneurs. She was on the founding team of Verily, a “no photoshop” fashion magazine that reached over 1 million views per month. She was also a 2017 Forbes Under 30 nominee.
This conversation is part of the Expert’s Academy interview series.
About the Conversation
The conversation focuses on what it takes to earn meaningful media coverage and how to think clearly about pitching. Crouch talks through the mindset and mechanics behind getting featured in major publications and why many pitches fail before they ever have a chance.
Several sections concentrate on becoming known for a specific niche, using language to create space for your mission, and building a network that supports long-term visibility. The discussion also touches the freelance economy and the different needs men and women may face in the PR world.
A practical stretch of the interview gets into follow-through, including why follow-up matters, how to do it well, and how to write a strong follow-up email. Throughout, the tone stays tactical: clarify your message, know what you are offering, and pitch with discipline instead of desperation.
Key Themes
- Media pitching and publicity fundamentals
- Niche expertise and clear positioning
- Networking and follow-up discipline
- The “10% rule” in PR
Highlighted Quote
“Life expands to meet the size of the dreams that you have.”
Selected Notes
- Why saying yes can change trajectory
- How to become known in your niche
- A networking tip worth repeating
- Drafting a follow-up email that actually helps
- Gratitude as a stabilizer when momentum is uneven
Recording
Why It’s Included
This conversation is preserved for its practical view of PR as a skill that can be learned. It connects messaging, discipline, and relationship-building into a clear approach for getting noticed without relying on luck.
