Summer PR strategy: Get ahead before Q4 begins
Summer can feel quieter – sales dip, inboxes calm down and the pace of business shifts. But this lull is completely normal, and it’s one of the smartest times to get ahead with your PR.
While some brands press pause, journalists keep moving. They’re planning months ahead (yes, Christmas gift guides are already underway), and opportunities are rolling in. The slower pace gives you breathing room to reflect, plan, and pitch before the rush begins.
Here are three smart ways to make the most of summer and build momentum for Q4:
1. Refine your PR direction
Look back at what’s worked so far this year. Are your pitches landing? Do you have a clear brand story that connects with the right publications?
Summer is the perfect time to review your messaging, refresh your media list and reset your PR goals, without the pressure of looming deadlines. Getting clear now will make pitching easier and more effective when things speed up again.
2. Test new PR angles and press hooks
Got a niche product or untold brand story? Now’s the time to try it out.
Use this slower season to explore different hooks that might get lost in the Q4 frenzy. Our PR Hooks Library (with 100+ ideas) can help spark inspiration, and chances are, you’ve already got more pitchable stories than you think.
3. Start pitching for Christmas gift guides
It might feel early, but Christmas PR season is already here. Long-lead magazines plan their festive content four to six months in advance, which means editors are already compiling gift guides. Waiting until autumn means many opportunities will be gone.
Pitching now not only increases your chances of being featured but also helps you avoid crowded inboxes later on.
If you haven’t yet, download our Christmas PR checklist to make sure your assets, angles, and pitch templates are ready to go.
Bottom line: don’t let the summer slowdown fool you. Use this season strategically, and you’ll set yourself up for a strong finish to the year. A little groundwork now can mean big PR wins when the busy months return.
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