Why Smart Brands Use Holiday News Cycles to Get Media Attention
The end of the year is often treated as a “slow season” for publicity. Many businesses assume journalists have checked out, newsrooms are quiet, and media attention is impossible without a massive budget.
The reality is the opposite.
The holiday period is one of the most media-friendly news cycles of the year, especially for brands that understand how to frame their story correctly.
According to Cision and Muck Rack newsroom data, lifestyle, business, culture, and community-focused stories see higher pickup rates between November and early January, particularly when they touch on themes of innovation, resilience, giving back, or year-end reflection.
Why the Holidays Work for PR
Newsrooms don’t shut down - they shift.
Editors actively look for:
Small business success stories
Founder journeys and pivots
Community impact and giving-back angles
Cultural and diaspora-focused narratives
“Year in review” and “what’s next” stories
For brands, this creates a rare opening: less competition, more editorial appetite.
Yet many companies miss the window entirely.
The Biggest PR Mistake Small Brands Make
The most common mistake is assuming a brand needs:
A major product launch
Celebrity endorsements
A six-figure PR retainer
In reality, most holiday coverage comes from well-positioned press releases, not massive campaigns.
Journalists want stories that:
Are timely
Have a clear angle
Are easy to verify
Are written in newsroom-ready language
This is why professionally structured press releases continue to outperform social posts and ads for discoverability — especially when distributed properly.
What Makes a Brand “Newsworthy” During the Holidays
Brands that earn coverage typically lean into one or more of these angles:
1. Innovation or Growth
New services, market expansion, digital upgrades, or resilience stories.
2. Community Impact
Hiring, partnerships, cultural preservation, or diaspora connections.
3. Founder Perspective
Lessons learned, pivots made, or barriers broken.
4. Industry Insight
Commentary on trends affecting customers or communities.
None of these require massive budgets - but they do require structure.
Why PR Still Matters for SEO and Visibility
Beyond media pickup, a properly distributed press release:
Improves Google search visibility
Creates authoritative backlinks
Increases brand credibility
Supports future fundraising or partnerships
For many small and mid-sized businesses, one well-placed release can outperform months of paid ads.
The Bottom Line
The holiday season is not too late for PR.
It’s one of the smartest times to do it - if done correctly.
Brands that wait until “next year” often miss coverage opportunities that don’t come back.
Want Media Coverage Before the Year Ends?
Hard Beat Communications offers a Holiday PR Package designed for brands that want visibility - without long contracts or inflated retainers.