As the consumer brand landscape becomes more competitive, businesses must adopt fresh, innovative PR strategies to stand out and capture attention. In 2025, traditional media relations alone won’t cut it—brands must integrate digital, influencer, affiliate and social strategies to maximize impact. Here are ten essential PR strategies that will help your brand break through the noise and drive meaningful awareness this year.
1. Leverage Affiliate PR for Media Coverage That Converts
Earned media has always been a cornerstone of PR, but in 2025, securing coverage in top-tier digital publications often requires an affiliate marketing component. Outlets like CNN Underscored, Forbes Vetted and Men’s Journal now prioritize brands that offer commission-based partnerships, making affiliate PR campaigns a must-have strategy. By integrating affiliate partnerships into PR efforts, brands can not only secure media visibility but also generate direct sales and measurable ROI.
2. Build a Thought Leadership Platform
Consumers trust brands that have credible, knowledgeable voices behind them. Positioning your CEO or founder as an industry thought leader can boost brand authority and open doors to high-value media opportunities. To build a thought leadership strategy, focus on:
- Contributed articles and op-eds in respected publications
- Speaking engagements at industry conferences
- LinkedIn and social media content that showcases expertise
- Guest appearances on podcasts within your industry
3. Utilize Data-Driven Storytelling
Journalists and media outlets are more likely to cover a brand’s story if it includes exclusive insights, trends or statistics. Conducting original surveys, research or consumer behavior reports can provide valuable data that gives journalists a compelling angle. PR teams can then pitch these insights to the media while also leveraging them for blog content, infographics and social media marketing.
4. Secure Coverage in Shopping and Review-Based Content
More than ever, media outlets are driving consumer purchasing decisions through shopping guides, product reviews and “best of” roundups. Brands should proactively pitch their products for these features, ensuring they are positioned within:
- Gift guides for seasonal or holiday promotions
- Roundups of trending consumer products
- Comparison reviews that highlight why their product stands out
5. Maximize Short-Form Video Content for PR Campaigns
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are dominating consumer engagement in 2025. PR strategies should include short-form video content that aligns with media coverage, influencer partnerships, and brand storytelling. Brands should:
- Create PR-driven video content that showcases their product’s unique selling points
- Work with journalists and influencers to produce engaging product demonstrations
- Leverage trending sounds and hashtags to maximize reach
6. Prioritize Micro-Influencer and Creator Partnerships
Influencer marketing continues to be one of the most effective ways to build brand awareness, but the focus in 2025 is shifting to micro-influencers and niche creators. These influencers have higher engagement rates and stronger audience trust, making them ideal for PR-driven collaborations. Brands should develop:
- Long-term partnerships with influencers who align with their audience
- Creative campaigns that seamlessly integrate influencer content with earned media efforts
- Affiliate-based collaborations that drive both brand awareness and conversions
7. Launch a Brand Storytelling Campaign
In a crowded marketplace, brands that tell compelling, authentic stories gain stronger brand loyalty and media attention. A brand storytelling campaign should include:
- The founder’s journey and brand mission
- Customer success stories showcasing how the product has made an impact
- Behind-the-scenes content that provides transparency into the brand’s values, production, or sustainability efforts
8. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) for PR Initiatives
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful, authentic PR tool that can enhance credibility and engage audiences. Encouraging customers to share their experiences and testimonials can provide organic PR opportunities. Brands should:
- Feature UGC in media pitches to demonstrate real-world product benefits
- Run social media contests that encourage customers to share their stories
- Incorporate UGC into press materials and brand messaging
9. Use Podcast PR to Tap Into Niche Audiences
Podcasts have become one of the most influential media platforms for consumer engagement, with millions of listeners tuning in to niche shows daily. Securing guest spots on industry-relevant podcasts can elevate brand awareness and position founders or executives as trusted experts. A successful Podcast PR strategy includes:
- Researching and pitching targeted podcasts that align with your brand’s audience
- Developing compelling story angles tailored to each podcast
- Offering product giveaways or discounts for podcast listeners to drive engagement
10. Take an Integrated PR & Digital Marketing Approach
PR no longer operates in isolation—the most successful brands align their PR, social media, SEO, and content marketing efforts for maximum impact. In 2025, PR teams should:
- Repurpose media placements into social media content
- Optimize press releases for search engines (SEO) to drive organic traffic
- Integrate paid media (sponsored content & digital ads) with earned media efforts
- Use analytics to measure PR impact and refine strategies in real-time
The PR landscape in 2025 is more dynamic than ever, requiring brands to go beyond traditional outreach and embrace a holistic, multi-channel approach. By leveraging affiliate PR, data-driven storytelling, influencer collaborations and digital media strategies, consumer brands can drive lasting awareness, increase credibility and generate measurable results.
Brands that adapt, innovate, and integrate PR with broader marketing efforts will be best positioned for success in an increasingly competitive market. Contact Los Angeles-based Public Haus for more insights and strategies for leveraging PR to stand out in 2025
