Breaking Through When Politics Dominates

Whether it is the thick of election season or the transitional period between administrations, the news cycle comes with a high dose of unpredictability. It is important to acknowlege that this media shift happens for every one—regardless if your industry has anything to do with the election or politics directly. So what do you do?

Here are four key considerations to help you navigate this disruption and keep your PR momentum strong:

Maximize Alternative Media Opportunities

When media is politics obsessed, pivot to other avenues. These could be industry-specific publications looking for content, local media outlets seeking community stories, trade journalists needing expert perspectives, or podcast and newsletter opportunities. These outlets often provide more valuable, targeted reach anyway so this is a great opportunity to build relationships and get your company in front of your ideal audience.

Own Your Narrative

When earned media is harder to secure due to competing editorial priorities, use this as an opportunity to bolster your narrative. A few ways of doing this is through strengthening your owned channels, creating compelling thought leadership content, launching a newsletter, building your executives’ personal brand platform, or even just banking content to use once the dust settles. The key here is focusing on evergreen stories that won’t feel stale when the election news dies down.

Turn Market Interest Into Opportunity

Everyone is talking about trends and predictions for the next administration. Instead, position your brand by offering industry insights and forecasts, sharing relevant market analysis, highlighting innovation stories, and connecting your expertise to broader business trends. It’s important to frame your stories in “what’s next” narratives that journalists will need.

Smart Planning for Next Year

When others pause, you prepare. If things seem slow or you’re not making headway with reporters, use this time strategically to prepare for next year. A few things you can add to your to-do list include: auditing and refreshing media lists, updating press/outreach materials, planning Q1 campaigns, build your content calendar, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Your Q1 success starts now.