As trends change, public relations materials and PR plans from specific periods in a company’s history can become outdated and irrelevant in today’s fast-paced environment. Spring is an ideal time to update older PR materials, including media lists, press release templates, etc.

Focus on these four key areas to prepare the PR strategy for summer.

Happiness is an Updated Media List to Maximize New PR Plans

The media landscape constantly evolves, leading to a regular turnover of editors moving between different publications and those leaving the industry altogether. Given this dynamic environment, keeping media lists with the most relevant and active writers is essential.

This is the perfect opportunity for some spring cleaning! Take the time to research and remove any contacts from lists that result in email errors.

Let the Sunshine in by Deleting Old Press Releases

Spring cleaning is essential for managing old, unfinalized files, particularly the multiple versions of press releases. Now is the perfect time to delete the non-final versions and create space for new files. This process also helps you organize and declutter folders. No one wants to sift through a chaotic mess when searching for a specific release.

Dust off Pitch Strategies for Shiny New PR Plans

Another way to capitalize on this PR Plans cleaning season is by reassessing pitches. Take the time to review what has been effective, identify emerging trends, and evaluate which messages have resonated with the media and which have not. This is an ideal opportunity to adjust and refine any messaging or angles you have found outdated or ineffective in capturing attention.

Revitalize PR Plans This Spring

After reviewing pitches, use that insight to refresh public relations strategies by developing a 6 to 12-month PR plans focused on trade and consumer media. Now is the perfect time to evaluate and improve plans and campaigns for the rest of the year. This evaluation is especially crucial for upcoming product launches or news developments.

Need to apply some spring cleaning to your marketing and PR? As the Marketing/PR saying goes, Sweet April Ideas Bring May Results! The positive power of spring cleaning can be applied to a company’s PR and marketing strategy. And now’s the time to do it!

Five Ways to Spring Clean Your PR:

Outer Order Contributes to Inner Calm

Take a hard look at documents and correspondence that have not moved from your desktop and/or email box for months. If the strategies and ideas no longer apply to your clients’ overall objectives, then hit the delete button. A clean slate will give you a renewed focus and attitude towards your clients’ success.

Happiness is a Spring Cleaned Marketing and PR Plan

Spring is the perfect time for marketing — messaging should be thematic of revitalization. Revisit the marketing and PR plan that was developed at the beginning of the year and assess your progress. Ask yourself the question: where are we now and what fresh practices can we use to achieve results? This simple check-in is a great first step to shining new light on your communications program and spring cleaning your messaging.

Put a New Spring in Your Marketing/PR Step

Now that your marketing and PR plans have been spring cleaned, and your inbox is updated and clutter free, there’s room to add new items to your wheelhouse. First, embrace the changes and explore different strategies, such as updating target media, or identifying new thought leadership speaking opportunities. These tune-ups could be just the thing you need to take your clients’ business to the next level!

There is a Season Turn, Turn, Turn!

As the classic Byrd’s song says, there is a season turn, turn, turn, a time to build up, a time to break down. To begin with, Spring is a time for renewal, use this period to build enthusiasm for your clients’ offerings/services. So Spring cleaning your PR can mean teasing new trends that are applicable for the warmer weather. Introduce spring-inspired products that are available for a limited time. Bring back seasonal bestsellers.

This Collateral Won’t Spring Clean Itself!

Spring is abloom with life — after months of winter, people are ready to immerse themselves in the warmer weather. Use this to your advantage and imbue your website with colorful palettes, as you spring clean that website. Inspire optimism by using florals to spell out words. Capitalize on content that talks about being active and enjoying the great weather.

Get Started on Spring Cleaning Routines for Your PR

When you take the time to spring clean your PR practice this quarter, you’ll reinvigorate your clients’ messaging. And sooner than later, the work you’ve put in to refocus your messaging will pay off.