New Year, New PR Playbook: Trends & Lessons for a Game-Changing 2025

Happy Freaking New Year!

As I’m writing to you, I can’t help but reflect on all the major wins (and L’s) that defined this past year. Let’s start with the wins:

1. Launched The Brandinc PR Podcast

2. Recognized at NASDAQ alongside my Forbes BLK team

3. Helped hundreds of small business owners improve their PR with our new and improved Brandinc PR tools

There were countless other moments between traveling and speaking engagements, but these stood out the most!

Now, onto the L’s:
After spending much of my time doing what I absolutely dislike—micromanaging—it cost me dearly. Thousands of dollars went down the drain due to underperforming team members, overly advanced tech, and outdated, inefficient processes.

While the year may have looked like a string of celebrations from the outside, there were plenty of moments that felt far from it. But here’s the thing—even during the tough times, I celebrated the wins as if they were just around the corner. I laughed to keep from crying, stayed motivated by surrounding myself with people who pushed me to be better, and cut ties with those who held me back.

Yes, there are 12 months in a year, but there are also 365 days filled with opportunities to grow and change. I’m not just welcoming the shakeups of 2025—I’m embracing them wholeheartedly.

Here’s to taking on 2025 with renewed energy and purpose!

Brandi

Top 5 PR Trends to Watch in 2025

1. Media Pros Turned Content Creators
   Journalists and reporters are increasingly pivoting to independent content creation and personal platforms. With ongoing layoffs across traditional media outlets, this shift has opened up non-traditional opportunities for media professionals to capitalize on content creation and monetization.

2. Dialing Back on AI
   While AI continues to make waves, there's growing demand for authentic, human-driven content—spelling quirks and all. Consumers are becoming adept at spotting AI-generated posts, especially when every mundane update is framed as "Exciting News!" Use AI sparingly and always incorporate your unique perspective to stand out.

3. More Online Media Collaborations
   The days of dismissing online media are over. Remember when some clients dismissed podcast interviews as brand-diluting? Fast forward to today: “Call Her Daddy” secured a $30 million deal with Sirius FM. Online media platforms are booming, and collaborating with them can amplify your reach. Don’t sleep on these opportunities—tap in and get connected.

4. Creative Brand Partnerships
   Last year’s Deadpool and Wolverine movie marketing campaign was a standout example of unconventional brand collaborations. Partnering with unlikely brands like Heinz Ketchup and Mustard helped generate buzz and boost PR. In 2025, thinking outside the box for partnerships will be key to standing out in a crowded market.

5. Evolution of Speaking Engagements
   Speaking engagements are transitioning from informal, word-of-mouth bookings to structured packages. As the speaker market becomes more competitive, expect to see a rise in bundled offerings that include sponsorships instead of direct payments. Creating a compelling speaker package will be essential to staying ahead.

Kickstarting Your 2025 PR Goals

Tools We Love (& Recommend)

Learning Opportunities + Resources

Mark Your Calendar

Ready to kick your PR goals into high gear in 2025? 🚀
Join me for a Live Q&A where we’ll dive into actionable strategies to amplify your brand’s visibility, connect with the right media, and set a powerful PR roadmap for the year ahead. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this session is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Bring your questions and let’s build your PR success together.

🗓️ Save the Date: January 25th 10am CT/11am ET
👉 RSVP here: https://lu.ma/i2li2nmc

Case Study: Live On Festival's Successful Inaugural Launch

Client Overview
Live On Festival is a hybrid concert platform that lets fans experience live performances while allowing artists to retain sales revenue. Featuring a diverse lineup from emerging hip-hop to country artists, the festival provides an innovative way for both fans and artists to connect.

The Challenge
Live On Festival needed to build brand awareness to become the go-to platform for music lovers and artists alike. With limited visibility, they faced challenges in driving ticket sales, attracting talent, and establishing themselves as a leader in the hybrid concert space.

Our Solution
Brandinc PR was selected for our personalized, boutique approach. Our close engagement with the client allowed us to create a tailored PR strategy that not only enhanced their visibility but also set the stage for a successful first hybrid concert launch.

Results

• Successful ticket sales for both in-person and online concert experiences

• Media coverage across local to national outlets

• 20% increase in website traffic, driving greater brand recognition

Learn how we can help support your brands’ efforts. Schedule a PR strategy session here.

Early Bird Pricing: 2025 PR Plan Bundle 🚀

Get a head start on your 2025 PR goals with our new PR Plan Bundle! This step-by-step guide will help you develop your brand’s PR strategy effectively and efficiently. Plus, enjoy a bonus workbook and PR tips sheet to supercharge your efforts.

🗓️ Early bird pricing ends January 20th—so don’t wait!
🔗 Join the waitlist
🗓️ Bundle available January 10th

Start planning your brand's PR success today!