9 Ways to Make Your Brand Shine Before the Year Ends

10 Nov

Can you hear it? The distant jingle of holiday tunes. The calendar pages flipping faster towards the end of the year. And your dreaming of sipping on an Aperol by the pool... can we start our leave like, right now?

All jokes aside, while it might seem tempting to kick back and coast into the new year, hold that thought. Now is the time to ramp your PR efforts up before the end of year slow down kicks in. This is the perfect moment to make a lasting impression that carries your brand into 2026. Trust us, future you will thank you.

As the year winds down, brand managers and PRs are looking for that final push to make their mark. With consumers gearing up for the holiday rush and the media landscape buzzing, giving your public relations strategy a little end-of-year polish not only positions your brand favourably for the seasonal spike—it lays a strong foundation for the year ahead.

So, how do you elevate your brand’s PR before the year bows out?

It’s all about smart, strategic manoeuvres that grab attention and sustain interest. Whether you’re refreshing your images or maximising current campaigns, these nine actionable steps are designed to inject new life into your PR efforts— ensuring your brand shines brighter than the festive lights, the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, and the glisten of ice in your Aperol... seriously, when does leave start again?

Still figuring out your festive season strategy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you — check out these blogs:

The Best PR Tools and Tips for Securing Holiday Coverage in 2025

How to Prep Your PR Strategy for Festive Season

1. Capitalise on the holiday momentum

The holiday season is bursting with potential for brands that know how to leverage it. Identify the trends that align with your brand and use them as a springboard for content that’s both timely and distinctive. Start by analysing trending topics within your industry and brainstorm creative ways to interweave your brand narrative. Then, reach out to media with tailored pitches that align your product with these seasonal moments.

And when we say align, we mean it. Don’t just jump on any old trend and pump out content. Consumers and media alike hate inauthenticity.

If the trend doesn’t fit your brand, skip it. Instead, focus on what does make sense—whether it’s sustainability, gifting bundles, travel-friendly products, or feel-good initiatives. The goal is to create content and pitches that feel natural, relevant, and genuinely valuable.

2. Tell stories that stick

Excellent storytellers—we all know one, right? The kind of person you could listen to for hours. Stories captivate, connect, and linger long after the moment passes. That’s exactly what your brand should aim for.

Start by reflecting on the past year. What were your standout moments? A milestone hit, a challenge overcome, or a meaningful impact on your community? These aren’t just memories; they’re the makings of powerful brand stories.

Transform them into engaging content across formats your audience loves: blog posts, podcasts, videos, or infographics. When your stories highlight your brand’s human side and values, they resonate more deeply, building emotional connection and loyalty.

3. Collaborate with influencers

It’s no secret that in 2025, building meaningful relationships with influencers is one of the smartest moves you can make. Visibility breeds familiarity—and who better to help tell your brand story than someone your audience already trusts?

Start by forging connections with influencers who genuinely resonate with your target demographic. Skip the one-off shoutouts and explore long-term partnerships that feel authentic and mutually beneficial. Think: live shopping events, cross-platform campaigns, affiliate programs, and collaborative content that lives beyond a single post.

These partnerships don’t just boost visibility, they organically expand your reach and draw new followers into your brand’s world.

4. Optimise your digital press centre

What better way to give your brand a PR boost over the New Year period than with a digital press centre that keeps you visible 24/7? Yes, even while you’re sleeping. Yes, even while you’re on leave sipping Aperol's by the pool.

A digital press centre is there to work overtime, so you don’t have to. A well-maintained press centre is a goldmine for journalists and editors hunting for their next story. It’s all there in one centralised hub—no back-and-forth emails, no expired links, no frantic Dropbox updates.

Before you switch on your out-of-office, make sure your press centre is fully updated with:

High-resolution images
Media releases
Correct RRPs and product tags
Up to date product inventory

Avoid the disappointment of sitting back at your desk on the first day back to an unopened email asking, 'What’s the RRP for this product?’ — aka a feature that got missed.

5. Analyse and adjust with metrics

Let’s be honest – getting into the numbers is never the task anyone’s racing to do, especially towards the end of the year. But if there’s one thing the end of year should bring (besides Aperol's), it’s reflection – on the wins, the flops and everything in between. Because how can you have a better year than last year if you don’t know what worked and what didn’t?

And don’t just stop at profit margins. There’s a goldmine of data and reporting metrics just waiting to be used from sources across:

Website providers
Google Analytics
Social media platforms
Sales figures
Customer feedback

For a thorough breakdown of how to find and use data to help grow your brand, check out this blog with Vicki Wallis, fashion brand consultant, designer, and founder of The Fashion Business Coach.

6. Craft a forward-looking media pitch

Journalists and editors are always on the hunt for the next big thing and your brand could be it. Craft a pitch that not only celebrates your wins from the past year but also paints a clear, exciting picture of what’s coming next. Flaunt your vision with exclusive insights into upcoming trends, product launches, or feel-good initiatives your brand will be leading in 2026.

Make your pitch as irresistible as a New Year’s toast—brimming with the promise of novelty, relevance, and a little sparkle.

7. Host a media-focused event

The world of PR events is buzzing - between consumer activations and influencer brunches, it’s easy for the media to get left behind. But here’s the thing: journalists and editors are the ones turning your brand into headlines. So why not make them feel like VIPs?

Host an exclusive year-end gathering, virtual or in-person, that gives the press a front-row seat to your brand’s story. Think interactive elements, product demos, or a sneak peek at what’s coming next. The goal? Create an experience that’s not just memorable but story-worthy.

It’s not about throwing a party for the sake of it—it’s about building genuine media relationships. When journalists feel valued, they’re more likely to engage, cover, and champion your brand. And in a season full of noise, a thoughtful media moment can be the thing that cuts through.

So, before you get swept up in influencer RSVPs and consumer giveaways, carve out space for the people who write the stories. Because when the media are in the room, your brand’s next big feature might be just a conversation away.

8. Diversify your media outreach

Sure, landing a feature in a major publication feels great—but if that’s your only play, you’re missing out. Diversifying your media outreach is one of the smartest ways to build visibility and resilience in your PR strategy before the year ends.

Go beyond the big names. Target niche publications, emerging bloggers, podcasters, and up-and-coming influencers who speak directly to your audience. These voices often have highly engaged communities and are more open to fresh stories and new brands.

Think of it like building a media ecosystem. The more varied your outreach, the more opportunities you create to get your brand seen, heard, and talked about.

9. Implement a strategic SEO PR approach

Another way to make your brand easily discoverable online? An SEO approach ensures your PR content is more likely to be found by journalists and consumers searching for related topics. Embed strategic keywords, craft engaging headlines, and include links to your website and press centre.

Think ahead into the new year: what will the media be searching for? What trends, topics, or stories will they want to cover? If you have a blog section on your website, start creating content around these insights now to stay ahead of the curve and make your brand the go-to source.

Ready to Wrap the Year with a PR Bang?

So, before you trade your inbox for Aperol's and your media list for a poolside playlist, give your PR strategy the send-off it deserves, with Flaunter.

Flaunter is your digital PR assistant and all-in-one PR software, designed to keep your brand visible even when you're offline. From building a media list to managing samples, tracking coverage, and housing your assets in one central hub, Flaunter simplifies your workflow and strengthens your media relationships.

Whether you're diving into DIY PR, exploring PR for small business, or searching for the best PR tools of 2025, Flaunter gives you everything you need to get featured in media and stay top of mind with journalists, editors, stylists, and creators.

Not on Flaunter yet?

It’s time to change that. Sign up for our free 2-week trial or reach out to our team for a complimentary demo call at hello@flaunter.com.

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