Autumn as a PR hook

Posted on October 14, 2024 by Categories: Business, PR Tags: , , ,

As we merge into Autumn the nights get darker, and it always appears that we end up with more hours of darkness than light. We get up in the dark and come home from work in the dark.  However, Autumn is also a time for keeping warm, snuggling in front of the fire (if you have one), or just curling up on the sofa to read a good book or binge-watch something you’ve saved for just this time.

Autumn can also be a good time for PR hooks, and especially this year, when we are all thinking about the huge rise in cost of heating and wondering if everyone will be able to keep warm.

Here are 10 PR hooks around Autumn – some serious, some fun:

With all of these ideas, look out for local media asking for stories around things that are taking place. Be ready to jump onto stories – new-jack, if you have a video or photographs that match what is being asked for.

  1. Halloween – the most obvious. Talk about whether or not you like Halloween and even bother with it. As you’ll know from previous years, I don’t like it at all!  I hate the idea of trick or treat – you may agree with me, or alternatively you may think it’s great fun and decorate your whole house and love it.

  2. The Budget is taking place on October 30th. If this affects your business, what do you hope will be included? This is also a perfect newsjacking opportunity! Send your comments to your local media once the Budget has been announced.

  3. Charity work. If you or your business is involved in charity work, then talk about what is happening. How are you helping?  Is the charity you are involved in providing extra warm clothing for people in need, or providing food?  Talk about how your business is involved and how you support them.

  4. Events happening which are accessible to Wiltshire:
    Cheltenham Literature Festival 4 – 13th October
    Cardiff Half Marathon 6th Oct
    Film Bath Festival 18-27th October

    This may be an event that you always visit during October, or one that you’ve always wanted to visit, and this year can. Again, is it linked to you or your business?  You may be an avid reader, a marathon runner or a film buff – either way, remember people are interested in the people behind a business, so share some posts about your passions.

  5. Do you decorate your office – workspace for Autumn or Halloween?
    Do you change the décor around to create a different feel as the seasons change? Perhaps change the summer, bright flowery colours for a warmer palette – orange, red, yellow and brown. Do you provide special warm drinks to match the season – pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate? Does your workspace have a warm cosy atmosphere to match the time of year? Share pictures on your social media. Does it affect people’s mood? Have you always done this, or is it something you’ve tried, and it’s worked so you’ve continued?

  6. Have a special Autumn sale – particularly if you have products or services that work well with the season.  If you have products such as scented candles, food products that are seasonal, special clothing for the season…

  7. Do you have an office competition to create Halloween cakes or dress up on the 31st?
    If you have a business where clients regularly visit, or you work with children, perhaps have a competition that they can be involved in too.

  8. News-jack autumnal weather –for quiet news days.  You may live near or have in own your garden wonderful trees that change colour with the season – look for stories around that. Or your garden is knee deep in leaves from surrounding trees. Your dog or cat loves playing in them – getting lost in the leaves or diving into them – video them. I previously had a client who shared a photo of her dog wearing a onesie in the snow, which was taken up by a local journalist on a quiet new day.

  9. Share autumnal tips from your business.
    If you work in the food industry, give tips about working with seasonal ingredients: apples, pumpkins, spices etc. Share a recipe for a seasonal dish or drink.

    Photographers – give tips about capturing autumnal photos, when is the best time for light etc.

    Graphic designers might show how to create autumnal posts for social media or might even give away some templates for their use.

  10. Create an Autumnal brand image which you can use for items sold during the month, so that they become something extra special.  We often have Christmas wrapping, so why not have different branded wrapping for other seasonal events?