Listen, we might be a little jaded as we do marketing and PR all the time, it is standrad for us. But, we’re also aware that when it comes to you guys, you might not do it or even get it.

So, let’s talk seasonal PR campaigns and how powerful it is as a way of staying relevant, capture attention and engaging your audience and people to buy from you.

Seasonal campaigns are valuable at key points throughout the year.

When planned strategically, they work alongside your overarching marketing and PR strategy, helping to maintain your visibility and drive consistent brand awareness.

This is how we think you can execute successful seasonal campaigns, we’ve even included key lead times and focus areas.

1. Plan around media lead times

^{Yes, even for online.}

Journalists and editors work to different lead times depending on the type of media outlet:

• Long lead (3–6 months ahead) – Monthly magazines, holiday gift guides, and major seasonal trends.

• Short Lead (4–8 weeks ahead) – Online media, digital magazines and weekly print publications.

• Reactive Lead (1–2 weeks or real-time) – News stories, social media, and quick-turnaround opportunities.

💡 TIP: Map out what seasonal trends will work for you, plan and pitch them according to the right lead time.

2. Key seasonal PR campaigns & when to pitch

📅 January – March: New Year, Fresh Starts, and Spring Trends

• PR focus: New Year goals, health and wellness, fitness, beauty resets, business and financial planning.

• Fashion & Beauty: Spring skincare, transitional fashion, detox products, self-care essentials.

• Pitch deadlines: Start outreach in October – December for long-lead publications, January for short-lead.

📅 April – June: Spring & Early Summer Essentials

• PR Focus: Spring cleaning, lifestyle refresh, sustainability, travel and outdoor living.

• Fashion & Beauty: Lighter skincare routines, floral and pastel fashion, sustainable fashion, pre-summer glow-up.

• Pitch deadlines: Start pitching in January – March.

📅 July – August: Summer, Vacations & Christmas in July

• PR Focus: Summer travel, staycations, wedding season, back-to-school prep.

• Fashion & Beauty: Holiday wardrobe must-haves, SPF skincare, festival fashion.

• Christmas in July: Media start covering holiday gift guides in July—start outreach early!

• Pitch Deadlines: April – June for summer, July for Christmas in July.

📅 September – October: Autumn Transitions & Holiday Prep

• PR Focus: Back-to-school, productivity, wellness, fall fashion.

• Fashion & Beauty: Layering fashion, richer skincare, self-care essentials.

• Pitch Deadlines: Start pitching in June – August.

📅 November – December: Holiday Shopping & Winter Essentials

• PR Focus: Holiday gifting, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, festive food & drink, New Year planning.

• Fashion & Beauty: Holiday party outfits, winter skincare, gift-worthy beauty products.

• Pitch Deadlines: July – September for long-lead, October – November for short-lead.

3. Align with your Marketing & PR Strategy for maximum impact

• Plan in advance – Use an editorial calendar to track key pitching windows… not sure ‘Ask us’. That’s why we’re here.

• Repurpose content – Turn one PR campaign into multiple touch points: press features, blog content, Creator and influencer collaborations.

• Use data & trends – Research seasonal spending trends and news angles to make your pitch more relevant.

💡 FINAL TIP: Always leave room for reactive PR!

Even with a strong seasonal strategy, staying agile and capitalising on trending topics will help you secure extra media wins.

Don’t forget you can join the PR Sauce crew for just £32.00 per month!