Life's A Pitch: 8 Story Ideas You Can Use To Pitch Media This December (Without Hiring A Publicist)

Let me make one thing clear- social media is only one aspect of a PR campaign, it is not the campaign. High resolution images and catchy lines will not be enough to move bloggers, journalist, or producers to include your business in the conversation. That takes planning, strategy, creativity and a storyline that can prove useful and stand out amidst the very loud noise of holiday pitches.

You can put together your own press materials and buy a media list for a decent price. Pitching your business is a lot easier than you may think. After all, who is better at making people care about your business than you? Here are my 8 go to December story ideas you can start pitching today:

1. Winter Wonderland Is A Lifestyle

Every industry from food and wine to home improvement and décor to beauty to fitness fashion and equipment to entrepreneurial services can tell a Winter Wonderland story. Lip and skin care, holiday DIY projects, recipes, shopping hacks, advice on anything last minute holiday or that will help make the socially distant holiday season more bearable is fair game this month.

2. Instagram Holidays

If you thought the only holidays taking place this month were Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa then you my love are mistaken. There is Human Rights Week taking place the second week on December and a bunch of other days that you, your business, and team can celebrate on social media with your audience. Here are some of my favorite to work into client campaigns (disclaimer most of these days are food related):

• World AIDS Day
• Rosa Parks Day
• National Apple Pie Day 
• Santa's List Day
• International Volunteer Day
• National Brownie Day
• National Pastry Day
• Ice Cream Day
• International Children's Day
• Games Day
• National Sangria Day
• Nation Chocolate Candy Day
• Bacon Day

3. Give Love on Christmas Day

In the generation of anti-luxury luxury, if you run a non-profit whatever your winter fundraiser- it is your business to spread the word. Opportunities to support the less fortunate, feed the homeless, bring smiles to the faces of sick kids are all great ideas for this time of the year. And if you're a tech brand who has an easy to use app/device that allows the elderly to connect with relatives through the pandemic-pitch that, the world needs that.

4. Take a Second to Rewind and Reflect

Tis the Season of the Year in Review post. What did you do well this year? What will your company be doing more of next year? Now is the time to introduce your company to the media if you have never done so before.

5. Tis the Season We All Party

Pitch any and all clothing that can go from home to party with ease- on Zoom or not we still want to be the life of the party. Beauty bosses how are you solving chapped lips or dry skin. Lifestyle brands, have any home decor that can make that will stand out or make a statement. Throw them in the pitch too! Socially distant or with small groups of family making it through 2020 is cause for celebration.

6. Pushing Through

If you supply a specific niche there is likely a gift guide for it and an opportunity to jump into the forefront of your industry. This works well for spiritual gifts, stoner brands, home improvement brands and other special interest gifts. If your shipping time is more than three weeks, I would recommend finding yourself in any of the other story ideas. There is a month until Christmas. The time to execute your strategy is now. 

7. New Years Resolutions

IF YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR NEW YEAR NEW ME STRATEGY THEN NOW IS YOUR TIME TO PITCH!!!! PERIOD!

8. The Last Minute Gift

Be your customers savior this holiday. If you offer quick ship or e-commerce/gift certificates, pitching yourself as the last minute shoppers gift destination is good PR and can be great for profits.

The bottom line is effective PR needs to be creative. The better (and more relevant) the story, the bigger the chance to secure great placements.