Submitted by Sabina Hitchen on | 0 Comments
It's nearly mid-December and no doubt you're busy. You're decking the halls and scouring the web (and local shops) for last minute gifts. Here's one more thing to add to your list - actually 5 more to be precise: Five Hot Topics you should be considering while planning your PR strategy for the end of the year into 2014.
The truth is, though you may be ready to wind down work for the holiday season, the news never sleeps, and these topics are going to be getting hotter and hotter as time marches on. We know that you may not have had a moment to think them through yet (or even think of them yet in general) but don't worry, that's why we're here!
Take a moment and check out the five ideas below, let them hang out in your head for awhile and see if you can think of any clever ways to create a newsworthy (that's key) story out of them by tying them to your products, service, expertise, business or yourself into them!
1. Valentine's Day
You're thinking of last minute holiday gifts and perhaps New Years/New You stories, but don't forget that Valentine's Day is right around the corner and the media won't be waiting until February 14th to talk about it! Also, don't forget, this isn't just a holiday for product people. Think of how your service or expertise could help people out during this holiday (from tips on throwing a romantic meal at home, how to purchase jewelry for a loved one, how to cope with loneliness during Valentine's Day and more).
Related article: How do I pitch the press for Valentine's Day?
2. Awards Season
People "in the know" in the world of public relations know that wintertime is "Awards Season" time. That's right: SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Oscars and more. As you may have noticed, the nominations are already being announced, and the buzz around all the Awards (and everything related to them) will get louder and louder, peaking with the Oscars in March of 2014. Whether you have tips on getting fit for black tie affairs like these or hair/makeup suggestions for nominees, now is the time to begin planning your Awards Season Spin.
Related downloadable #PRTuneUp class: Celebrity and Stylist Outreach Secrets
3. Super Bowl Sunday
February 2, 2014 is Super Bowl Sunday. How will your business tie a story or promotion into it? Will you create a press worthy event for "football widows" to attend? Will you share healthier versions of super bowl snacks with readers or viewers of your favorite news outlet? Will you share tips on throwing a great Super Bowl Party?
4. American Heart Month
February 2014 is National Heart Health observance time. This will coincide with everything from the celebrity Red Dress fashion show to national Wear Red Day to charitable donations made for purchases that will in turn support heart health causes. How will your business take part in this month? Start thinking about it now!
5. It's Resort Season in January - Oh yes, though there will surely be snow on the ground in most states in January, the retail and media world will also begin the start of "Resort Season" (also known as "Cruise Season". This is the time of year when people escape the cold, wet and miserable weather and head off to warmer climes, on cruises and to beaches around the world. This means you can activate the PR strategy part of your brain now and think about how you can tie your products, services, expertise or business to this topic. Need more information on Resort Season? Check out this article in Racked to learn more about it!
Got a plan for how you're going to build a theme around any of these seasons? Tell us about it!
