We used to call it the Silly Season (some people still do).

That period of the glorious British summer lasting a few weeks when – typically – increasingly frivolous news stories would appear in the media.

If you want frivolous stories in 2019, of course, then the internet is available – the clickbait monsters will try to draw you in 365 days of the year.

It wasn’t always thus, but nowadays – in the 24-hour news cycle – the Silly Season has ceased to be. And with content remaining king, that means you have to fight to be heard. Which, from a PR perspective, sparks several thoughts.

1. Think hard about when you want to reach your audience. If you’re an SME, what proportion of those you are trying to reach will actually be around and listening over the summer months? Does a time that is traditionally quiet for them present you with an opportunity to grab their attention when you otherwise might not?

2. Think hard about what you’re going to say. If you feel that the lull of the summer months is a good time to be spreading whatever message you want to be heard, then get it right first time – succinctly, efficiently and professionally.

3. Be prepared. If you are going to embark on any campaign – seasonal or otherwise – then give some thought to how you’d maximise the impact, and how you’d measure success. Have a strategy, have a plan, take advice if you need to.

4. Work out where you want to be seen. Don’t just use all the channels you can think of – use the ones that are going to be the most beneficial to your business. Twitter? Print? Insta? Facebook? Online? Trade press? Do some of them well, not all of them averagely.

5. Get help if you need it. At Lime, our PR team has more than 30 years’ experience helping people think about, develop and implement PR campaigns. Our contacts, knowledge and results are unrivalled. We’d be very happy to tell you how we can help you. Call Mark Whitehouse on 01527 888991 or email markw@limemcp.co.uk

Posted: 31/07/2019