Temperatures are dropping, and we’re here with the fall PR tips!

Looking for new PR tips to work your client into current news? In the fall, public relations efforts should align with seasonal themes. Further, don’t forget to adjust the timing of your pitches to accommodate holiday planning and the busy news cycle. Try a few of these PR tips for success this autumn.

PR Tips and Trend Ideas for Fall Stories

Cozy living: Suggest stories that are related to cozy comfort and nesting for colder weather. Include home décor, recipes (especially soups and other fall comfort foods) and fashion trends like “sweater weather.”

Current Trends: During this time of year there is a lot going on. Fall is when football season begins, and new films are released in theaters and on streaming platforms. If you can link a client’s product or service to trending news items in sports or entertainment, you are more likely to achieve valuable media coverage.

New Beginnings: Utilize the concept of transition and new beginnings this season. Fall signifies a natural transition — the end of summer, the beginning of the school year and a return to routine. Position your pitches around this “fresh start” mentality.

Gift Guides: Remember to pitch products or services for holiday gift guides far in advance. Research which outlets publish gift guides and what their specific deadlines are.

Holidays: Pitch ahead for holidays, because journalists work on holiday content weeks, or even months, in advance. For Thanksgiving and Christmas gift guides, pitches must go out early to mid-fall to be considered. So now is the time!

Try Different Ways in to Build Buzz for Your Client

This season obviously presents numerous opportunities, from the start of the football season to major holidays, allowing businesses and brands to create timely and relevant stories. Linking your client to these opportunities can provide optimal seasonal storytelling for their brand and businesses.

Are PR pros pitching media during the holidays?

You bet they are pitching media during the holiday season. The holidays often means a respite for journalists from covering a continual news cycle. But as the season nears, story ideas are not as plentiful and, as such, this becomes a prime time to position your client in the news. You can still have effective media relations and engage with journalists to get the best results for your client during the holidays.

Yes You Can Pitch the Media at Holiday Time

Do not be daunted by the copious amount of “out of the office” responses — journalists are still tasked with reporting and producing the news. So make your pitches! Here are some media outreach tips during the holidays:

1. Pitch evergreen story ideas and content — As the pace of news slows, mid-December to early January is the ideal time to pitch feature stories and thought leadership profiles. Reporters want to file their articles prior to taking time off. A journalist is more likely to use your story during this period if it does not rely on current events.
2. Do Not Pitch Holiday Stories in December — Editorial calendars are already rife with holiday content; it’s unlikely that a seasonal pitch, in December, will generate coverage. Media outlets plan holiday stories well in advance — if you’re pitching media in December do not wrap (pun intended) your client’s message in a holiday package.
3. Make Predictions and Be Inspirational — Predictions for the coming year can earn media mentions for your clients as experts in their professions. The holidays are also the perfect time to pitch positive stories. The media always gravitates towards a feel-good narrative during this time of year. Consider examples of outstanding customer service, volunteer activities of employees, or the benefits of company donations.
4. Broadcast Media — Broadcast media are always reliant on guests. Many television entities conduct interviews remotely. So pitch your client to national producers in this situation which is a great opportunity. At this time, producers are not inundated with story ideas! Sparsely populated email inboxes are your friend, and a strong pitch could set your client up for success.

Do not go completely dark with your pitching efforts during the holidays. This time of the year offers a unique opportunity to secure great placements.