STORY IDEAS FOR AUGUST AKA ‘SILLY SEASON’
IT’S almost August so perhaps it’s time to prepare some stories for socials, blogs or even the media in the month ahead. Any story which is visual or offers advice has a greater chance of being used in the eighth month as it tends to be known as ‘silly season’ as, guess what, journalists go on holiday too, often have families too and children also off from school.
So let’s go.
!In the northern hemisphere, August is the main month of summer. It’s known for symbolising abundance and transition (are these words you can align with your business or expertise?).
Spiritual ideas:
Rooted in Latin, it means ‘venerable’ or ‘majestic.’ In nature and astrology, it tries to balance the bold energy of the Leo with the grounding nature of Virgo. August’s birthstone is an incredible crystal called Peridot. This green birthstone symbolises renewal, prosperity and emotional balance. August is also associated with Spinel and Ruby, which historically symbolises passion, courage and vitality. The name August also comes from Augustus Caeser, the first Roman Emperor, who played a great role in shaping the Roman Empire. This historical connection also gives August a sense of leadership, prosperity and accomplishment.
Did you know that the birth flowers for August are the Gladiolus and the Poppy? The Gladiolus is a flower of stature, boasting tall stems and dramatic vertical blooms. The Poppy, on the other hand, brings colour and depth. Of course, the Poppy is well known for being connected to remembrance and peace, it represents beauty and resilience. Whatever August means to you, this is a good mid-way point in the year to stop and reflect on how far you’ve come, what you have achieved and what opportunities are ahead.
Event ideas:
August includes a number of important events around the world. Many countries celebrate their independence or identity during this month. Festivals, cultural traditions and community gatherings bring people together. These celebrations are staples in many people’s calendar and demonstrate the diversity of human culture. The joy of summer gatherings and longer daylight hours is something looked forward to by many. This month also symbolises the end of the academic year and for some is a chance to rest and reset.
Key dates in August:
1st – Cycle to Work Day/ World Wide Web Day/ International Beer Day/ Lammas (Christian, Wicca, Neo Pagan)
2nd – Twins Day/ Mead Day
3rd -Clean your Floors Day/Sisters Day
4th – National Chocolate chip cookie day
5th – National Dash cam day
6th – Fresh Breath Day
7th – Sea Serpent Day (mythical creatures)
8th – Universal & International Infinity Day/ World Cat Day
9th – Rice Pudding Day/ World Indigenous People Day/ Book Lovers Day
10th – International Vlogging Day/ World Lion Day
11th – Son and Daughter’s Day/ National Bakewell Tart Day
12th – World Elephant Day/ Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower/ Middle Child Day/ International Youth Day
13th – International Left Handers Day/ New Moon/ Prosecco Day/
14th – World Lizard Day
15th – Cavernoma Awareness Day/ Assumption of Mary/ Feast of Assumption/ Relaxation Day
16th – Elvis Presley Day/ Madonna’s Birthday
17th – Cupcake Day/ National Thrift Shop Day
18th – Bad Poetry Day/ Never Give Up Day
19th – International Orangutan Day/ World Humanitarian Day
20th – World Mosquito Day/ National Radio Day
21st – World Entrepreneurs’ Day
22nd – World Plant Milk Day
23rd – Start of the Virgo Zodiac/ International Hashtag Day
24th – International Strange Music Day
25th – Kiss and Make Up Day
26th – International Day
27th – International Boxing Day/ International Just because day
28th – Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a dream’ speech 1963/ Partial Lunar Eclipse/ National Plum Day
29th – More Herbs, Less salt Day/ Lemon Slice Day
30th – International Day of the Disappeared/ International Bat Day
31st – World Cinema Day
Awareness Weeks:
1st – 7th = World Breastfeeding Week
2nd – 8th = International Assistance Dog Week
10th – 16th = National Allotments Week
23rd – 27th = World Water Week
Awareness Months:
1) National Road Victim Month
2) National Dog Month
3) National Wellness’ Month
4) National Hair Loss Awareness Month
5) International Peace Month
This is just a small collection of important dates in August. Be aware of the dates and try to put them in your calendar. Plan where you can. Could you create a blog or social media post related to one of these dates? Do any of these really stand out to you or relate closely to your business ethos? Could you do something fun in the office that relates to one of these dates and then post it online? These can be used for inspiration which could be turned into a story for the media.
Newsjacking:
This is a month of great opportunity for newsjacking. Can you comment this month on issues that have arisen around sporting events, celebrities or big news stories? Do any of these wider stories align to your expertise or even lived experience?
Are there any changes in the law that will affect your business this month? Are you speaking at an event this month? Do you have a new team member joining you this month? Are there any awareness days/weeks this month that are completely aligned with your business or purpose?
Other themes coming up this month will include, summer, holidays, the weather, allotments, parks and gardening. Summer Holidays are happening and many will have their children home with them. Another awareness week happening in August is Northern Christmas Week (look it up).
Think about how you personally and professionally engage with these topics. Create social media posts. Engage with your audience. Our diary/planner is a great place to look for a more detailed breakdown. Anything you do needs to be documented and shared from start to finish. This can turn into multiple stories, which is easier when pitching to journalists. Please remember to check on a calendar as dates can vary from year to year.
If you need help to come up with a quarterly story plan that you wish to deliver yourself – you can book a power hour with us for £199 plus VAT – email