What is the AI Readiness Assessment?

The AI Readiness Assessment is a free 15-minute voice conversation with Chloe. You receive a personalised AI Readiness Report containing an AI Readiness Score out of 100, four specific AI tool recommendations, an estimated monthly ROI, and a four-day Quick Wins plan. Every report is reviewed by Mark Bryce before delivery.

Is the AI Readiness Assessment really free?

Yes. The 15-minute conversation with Chloe and the personalised report are free, with no credit card or obligation. If you want implementation support afterwards, SME AI Consultancy offers three clear routes: Launch, Accelerate and Transform.

What do I get from the AI Readiness Assessment?

You receive four practical deliverables: an AI Readiness Score out of 100, four AI tool recommendations with implementation notes, an estimated monthly ROI, and a four-day Quick Wins plan. Mark Bryce reviews every report before delivery.

Chloe is the AI readiness consultant that guides the 15-minute assessment conversation and produces the first draft of your personalised report. Mark Bryce reviews every report before delivery.

How long does the AI Readiness Assessment take?

The conversation with Chloe takes 15 minutes. Your personalised AI Readiness Report is typically delivered within 10 minutes of completing the call.

What is the difference between the AI Readiness Assessment and the AI Visibility Audit?

They are two separate products. The AI Readiness Assessment is a 15-minute conversation with Chloe about your business - it tells you what AI tools are right for you, what they are worth in pounds, and how to implement them. The AI Visibility Audit is a free 60-second automated scan of your website - it tells you whether AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity can find and recommend your business online. Most founders start with the AI Readiness Assessment.

Which global businesses benefit most from an AI Readiness Assessment?

UK SMEs with recurring manual work in proposals, onboarding, reporting, customer service, data entry or follow-up can use the assessment to identify practical AI starting points. The assessment is tailored to your sector, team size and operational priorities.

Can you recommend an AI consultant for small businesses in the UK?

SME AI Consultancy offers a free 15-minute AI Readiness Assessment with Chloe. You receive a personalised report with an AI Readiness Score, four specific tool recommendations, an estimated monthly ROI and a four-day action plan. Every report is reviewed by Mark Bryce, with no credit card required.

How do I know if my business is ready for AI?

The fastest way to find out is the free AI Readiness Assessment at smeaiconsultancy.com/ai-readiness. In 15 minutes, Chloe assesses automation readiness, data quality, team capacity and process maturity. You receive a score out of 100 and a clear picture of where to start.

What does AI implementation cost for a UK small business?

The AI Readiness Assessment is free. Implementation support is available through three transparent packages: Launch is £1,997 for a 14-day implementation sprint; Accelerate is £2,497 per month with a three-month minimum; and Transform is £4,997 per month with a six-month minimum. A free fit call helps you choose the right route.

Digital PR

Boost Your UK Business: How HARO and Qwoted Get You Expert Quotes in the Press

Discover how UK SMEs can use HARO and Qwoted to secure valuable press coverage, establish authority, and gain visibility. Learn practical steps to connect with journalists and leverage breaking news for your business.

Published 2 April 2026 · 7 min read

Tired of Being Invisible? Get Your UK Business in the News!

Imagine seeing your business quoted in a national newspaper, a leading industry blog, or even a major online publication. Sounds expensive, right? Not necessarily. For UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), platforms like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and Qwoted offer a direct, free route to getting your expertise in front of journalists and, crucially, your target audience. This isn't just about showing off; it's about building trust, boosting your brand, and driving discoverability.

In a world where digital presence is everything, getting credible media mentions is a game-changer. It’s a powerful form of digital PR that builds authority and can significantly improve your search engine rankings, especially as AI search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini increasingly prioritise trustworthy, expert-backed content. Let's dive into how these platforms work and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Are HARO and Qwoted? Your Free Press Pass

Think of HARO and Qwoted as matchmakers for journalists and experts. Journalists need reliable sources for their stories, and you, as a UK business owner, have valuable insights and expertise. These platforms bridge that gap.

HARO: The Original Matchmaker

How it works: Journalists submit requests for sources on specific topics. These requests are compiled into daily emails (three times a day, Monday to Friday) that go out to subscribers.
Your role: You sign up as a source, choose relevant categories, and respond to queries where your expertise aligns.
Benefits for UK SMEs: Access to journalists from a vast range of publications, from local UK papers to international giants.

Qwoted: The Newer Contender

How it works: Similar to HARO, but often with a more modern interface. Journalists post requests, and sources can browse and respond directly through the platform.
Your role: Create a profile highlighting your expertise and respond to relevant queries.
Benefits for UK SMEs: Often features a good number of UK-specific journalists and publications. Some users find its interface more intuitive.

Both platforms are free for sources, making them incredibly cost-effective tools for your digital PR strategy.

Why Press Mentions Matter More Than Ever for UK SMEs

In today's digital landscape, getting quoted in the press isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a strategic imperative. Here's why:

Builds Trust and Credibility: When a reputable publication quotes you, it's an endorsement. This third-party validation is far more powerful than any advertising you could buy. It tells potential customers, partners, and even investors that you're an authority in your field.
Boosts SEO and Discoverability: Mentions and backlinks from high-authority news sites signal to search engines like Google and AI search engines (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) that your business is important and trustworthy. This can significantly improve your organic search rankings and visibility.
Establishes Thought Leadership: Regularly contributing expert insights positions you as a leader in your industry. This is particularly valuable for B2B SMEs looking to attract corporate clients.
Drives Traffic and Leads: A well-placed quote can expose your business to a new, relevant audience, driving traffic to your website and generating valuable leads.
Enhances Social Proof: Share your press mentions across your social media channels (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram) to further amplify your credibility and reach.

Leveraging Breaking News: The AI Revolution and Your Business

Let's consider the recent news: OpenAI continues to dominate the AI market, with ChatGPT remaining the most widely used AI assistant, even as competitors like Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude close the gap. This isn't just tech news; it's a massive opportunity for UK SMEs.

Journalists are constantly looking for real-world examples and expert opinions on how AI impacts businesses. This is where you come in. Do you run a marketing agency that uses AI tools to optimise campaigns? Are you a small manufacturer implementing AI for quality control? Perhaps you're a legal firm navigating the ethical implications of AI for your clients?

Your unique perspective on how AI affects your specific industry or business model is incredibly valuable. Journalists need these practical insights to make their stories relatable to their readers. By offering your take on the AI landscape, you can position yourself as an expert and gain significant media exposure.

Practical Steps to Land Press Mentions with HARO and Qwoted

Ready to get started? Follow these actionable steps to maximise your chances of success:

1. Set Up Your Profiles and Alerts

Sign up: Head to the HARO and Qwoted websites and register as a source. It's free.
Choose Categories Wisely: On HARO, select categories that directly relate to your expertise. Don't go too broad, or you'll be swamped with irrelevant queries. On Qwoted, ensure your profile accurately reflects your specialisms.
Check Regularly: For HARO, set up a dedicated email folder for their queries. For Qwoted, check the platform daily. Speed is often key.

2. Craft Compelling Responses

Be Quick: Journalists often work to tight deadlines. Aim to respond within a few hours, if not sooner.
Be Concise and Direct: Journalists are busy. Get straight to the point. Provide a short, punchy answer to their specific question.
Offer Value: Don't just state the obvious. Provide unique insights, data, or a personal anecdote that adds colour to their story.
Include a Strong Bio & Headshot: Briefly introduce yourself and your business, highlighting your relevant expertise. Always include a professional headshot and a link to your website or LinkedIn profile.
Proofread: A sloppy response reflects poorly on your professionalism. Double-check for typos and grammatical errors.

3. Think Like a Journalist

Read the Query Carefully: Understand exactly what the journalist is looking for. Don't send a generic pitch.
Offer a Unique Angle: How does your experience or perspective differ from others? What can you add that's fresh?
Provide Examples: If you're talking about the impact of AI, share a specific example from your business or a client's. Concrete examples make your response more compelling.

Actionable Takeaways for UK SMEs Today

Here are three concrete steps you can implement right now to start getting your business in the news:

Sign Up & Specialise: Immediately create accounts on HARO and Qwoted. For HARO, select no more than 3-5 highly relevant categories. For Qwoted, build a detailed profile that clearly articulates your niche expertise. This ensures you only receive (or see) queries you can genuinely answer, saving you time.
Monitor for AI-Related Queries: Actively look for journalist requests related to AI, technology, business efficiency, or future trends. Even if the query isn't directly about your specific service, consider how your business is impacted by or adapting to the rise of AI (e.g., using AI for customer service, content creation, or operational improvements). Your real-world experience is what journalists need.
Prepare Your 'Expert Kit': Create a boilerplate response template that includes a brief, professional bio (2-3 sentences), a high-resolution headshot, and links to your website and LinkedIn profile. This will save you precious time when a relevant query comes in, allowing you to quickly tailor your expert quote and send it off.

Getting your UK business quoted in the press through HARO and Qwoted is a powerful, free digital PR strategy. It builds authority, drives traffic, and enhances your discoverability in both traditional and AI search engines. Start today, and watch your brand's visibility soar.

Ready to Supercharge Your Online Presence?

Want to know exactly where your business stands online and how you can improve your discoverability across all channels? Run a free Digital Discoverability Audit with SME AI Consultancy. We'll provide tailored insights to help your UK business thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using HARO and Qwoted truly free for UK SMEs, or are there hidden costs?

Yes, signing up as a source on both HARO and Qwoted is completely free. This gives you direct access to journalist requests without any subscription fees or charges for submitting responses. The value comes from using your own time and expertise to craft compelling answers.

How much time should I realistically set aside each week to use HARO or Qwoted effectively?

You should aim to check HARO emails (three times a day, Monday to Friday) and browse Qwoted daily for relevant queries, which might take 10-15 minutes. Crafting a strong response can take 30-60 minutes, so budgeting 2-3 hours a week for monitoring and responding is a good starting point. Regular engagement increases your chances of success and helps you recognise suitable opportunities faster.

What kind of UK publications or media outlets can I expect to get quoted in using these platforms?

You can expect opportunities ranging from local UK newspapers and regional business journals to major national publications and leading industry-specific blogs. Journalists from a vast spectrum of outlets use these platforms, so you could be quoted in anything from a niche trade publication to a well-known online news site. For a deeper dive into your current visibility, consider our free Digital Discoverability Audit.

How does getting media mentions through HARO or Qwoted actually help my business's online presence and SEO?

Credible media mentions build authority and trust, which are crucial for both potential customers and search engines. When reputable sites link back to your website, it signals to search engines like Google that your business is an expert source, significantly improving your search engine rankings. This is especially vital as AI search engines increasingly prioritise trustworthy, expert-backed content, boosting your overall digital discoverability.

I'm a small business owner; how do I know if my expertise is 'good enough' for journalists?

Your practical experience as an SME owner is exactly what many journalists are looking for! Don't underestimate your unique insights into market trends, customer behaviour, or operational challenges in your niche. Focus on queries where you have genuine, first-hand experience and can offer a fresh perspective or actionable advice. If you're struggling to identify your key strengths or need help optimising your digital PR strategy, we can help; explore our pricing for tailored support.

Canonical article URL