Did Bill Gates Really Say That If He Had $2 Left, He’d Spend $1 on PR?

You may have seen the quote floating around online: “If I had two dollars left, I’d spend one on PR.” Allegedly attributed to Bill Gates, it’s one of those statements that’s hard to verify but easy to agree with, especially if you work in property PR.

Whether or not Gates actually said it, the sentiment rings true: perception matters. And in a world where reputation can move faster than reality, PR isn’t a luxury it’s a strategy.

So, Why Would Someone Spend Their Last Dollar on PR?

Because PR isn’t about spin it’s about visibility, credibility, and trust. These are the currencies of influence. And in the property world, influence sells. A well-placed headline, a podcast interview, or a thoughtful LinkedIn post can do more to attract interest than the slickest brochure or biggest marketing budget.

At Proper PR, we work with clients across the UK. From boutique agencies to national developers who understand the value of getting the right story in front of the right people. Whether it’s generating buzz for a new launch, positioning a founder as a thought leader, or protecting a brand’s reputation during a tricky patch, we deliver.

What PR Means in Property

In the property sector, PR isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about showing up where your audience is already listening. That could mean securing national coverage in The Times or FT, building credibility through trade press like Property Week or EG, or harnessing social media to connect directly with buyers, renters, investors, and stakeholders.

Our clients trust us to shape their narrative, break through to the reader/listener, and deliver measurable results. And while they might not be down to their last £2, they know the real value of spending wisely.

The Takeaway

Whether Bill Gates said it or not, the message holds: good PR isn’t an optional extra. It’s the smart investment that makes every other part of your business work harder.