Welcome back to The PRGM Post! After a brief pause to respect the election cycle (because we practice what we preach about mindful communications), we're back with an edition packed with strategic insights for this transition period.

This week, we're diving into what smart re-entry looks like post-election, exploring a major shift in media strategy (hint: you're experiencing it right now), and celebrating our incredible community's first National Publicist Day dinner. Plus, we're breaking down Universal Pictures' "Wicked" campaign that's redefining movie marketing.

Consider this your guide to navigating what's next – whether you're planning your return to regular programming, exploring new media channels, or looking for ways to connect with fellow PR pros.

AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK:
I approach change and transition with clarity, strategy, and grace.

LESSON OF THE WEEK:
Sometimes the most powerful communications strategy is knowing when to pause and when to proceed.

THIS WEEK’S MOOD BOARD

mood: strategic reemergence, community connection, and forward momentum fun with life

Your Post-Election Media Re-Entry Guide: Getting Back to Business

The elections are behind us, and you're probably asking: "Is it time to resume normal communications?" The answer isn't a simple yes or no – it's about how and when. Let's break down what smart re-entry looks like.

Start With a Temperature Check

Before you hit send on that campaign you've had waiting in the wings, take a moment to assess the landscape. Your audience has just emerged from an intense period of information overload. They're likely still processing, still sensitive to certain topics, and definitely not ready for business as usual.

Start by watching your competitors and industry peers. How are they re-emerging? What's the response looking like? Pay special attention to engagement patterns – they'll tell you more than any best practices guide could right now.

The Smart Re-Entry Strategy

Think of re-entering the conversation like joining a dinner party mid-meal. You wouldn't burst in shouting about your latest promotion. Instead, you'd read the room, listen to the current conversation, and ease your way in thoughtfully.

Begin with soft engagement. Like and comment on others' posts. Respond to direct messages. Listen more than you broadcast. This gives you valuable intel about your audience's current mindset while signaling that you're present and aware.

Channel Strategy Matters

Your email list might be ready for communication before your social media audience, or vice versa. Each channel has its own rhythm and readiness. Email newsletters, being a more controlled environment, often provide the perfect space for nuanced, thoughtful re-emergence messages. Social media might need a lighter touch at first.

Media relations require particular finesse right now. Start with relationship nurturing before pitching. A simple check-in with your media contacts can provide valuable insights about their appetite for different types of stories.

Know Your Signals

The best time to fully re-enter? When you see regular industry activity resuming, stable or positive sentiment in your community, and a clear shift in the news cycle. But watch for red flags too – sudden sentiment shifts or unexpected topic resurgence might signal a need to pause or pivot.

The Bottom Line

Re-entry isn't about being first – it's about being right for your audience. Take the time to craft thoughtful, aware messaging that acknowledges where we've been while looking forward to where we're going. Your audience will appreciate the consideration, and your brand will be stronger for it.

Remember: Sometimes the most powerful PR move is simply showing that you understand the moment.

📊 Why Your 2025 Media Strategy Needs a Refresh

Here's something we need to talk about: newsletters are having more than just a moment – they're becoming a movement. And as PR pros, we need to understand why this matters for our media strategies heading into 2025.

Chances are, like most people, you're getting your industry updates, news, and insights delivered straight to your inbox. This isn't just a coincidence; it's a fundamental shift in how people consume and trust information.

Why Newsletters Matter Now More Than Ever:

Direct Access & Trust
Newsletters bypass the algorithm game entirely. While we're all tired of hearing about "Instagram's latest update" or "Twitter's new features," newsletters provide a direct line to audiences that isn't dependent on platform whims. When you land coverage in a newsletter, you know exactly where and how your story will appear.

The Numbers Tell the Story:

• Newsletter open rates average 21.5%

• Social media engagement rates hover at 0.6%

• 77% of B2B marketers say newsletter advertising drives conversions

(Sources: Campaign Monitor, Hootsuite)

What This Means for Your PR Strategy:

1. Think Like a Curator
Newsletter writers aren't just sharing news; they're building communities around specific interests and industries. Your pitch needs to align with their carefully curated perspective.

2. Build Your Newsletter Network
Start mapping the influential newsletters in your space:

• Industry-specific newsletters

• Geographic-focused newsletters

• Individual journalist/influencer newsletters

• Topic-based newsletters that align with your brand

3. Adjust Your Pitch Approach
When pitching newsletter writers, focus on:

• Exclusive angles or data

• Unique insights their audience can't get elsewhere

• Stories that fit their specific format and tone

Your Action Plan:

• This Week: Start small but strategic. Subscribe to three influential newsletters in your industry. Pay attention to their format, voice, and what kinds of stories they feature.

• Next Steps: Build your newsletter media list with the same care you'd use for traditional media outlets. Remember, these aren't just email blasts – they're curated communities waiting for your story.

Remember, as the media landscape evolves, so do we. That's what makes PR such a dynamic field – we're always learning, adapting, and finding new ways to tell our stories.

💻 Comms Case Study: How WICKED Defied Marketing Gravity

Popular? That's putting it mildly. Universal Pictures has transformed the "Wicked" movie launch into a marketing phenomenon that's showcasing how films reach audiences. Beyond traditional movie promotion, they've created an immersive brand experience that's touching everything from your morning coffee to your social media feed. Let's break down how they're making good (press) look easy.

The Strategy Breakdown

Universal's approach proves that when it comes to major launches, thinking beyond traditional PR is crucial. Let's look at how they're defying gravity (and marketing conventions):

Brand Partnerships That Make Sense
Instead of random collaborations, each partnership served a specific audience and purpose:

• Starbucks created Glinda's Pink Potion and Elphaba's Cold Brew, turning daily coffee runs into marketing moments

• Stanley tapped into the collector market with themed tumblers that sold out instantly

• Target's 150+ product line made the movie accessible at every price point

• Lush and Crocs brought the magic to self-care and fashion

Audience Segmentation Done Right

Here's where the campaign really shines. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Universal created multiple entry points for different audiences:

For Broadway Fans:
Behind-the-scenes content and exclusive previews that honor the musical's legacy

For New Audiences:
Social media campaigns and brand collaborations that make the story accessible and relevant

For General Public:
Strategic ad placements during major events like the Super Bowl and Olympics

The Numbers Tell The Story

The strategy is working. "Wicked" achieved:

• Second-highest first-day ticket presales of 2024

• Top PG-rated first-day ticket pre-seller this year

• Third-best presales ever in the PG category

Community First

Perhaps most notably, Universal included community outreach in their strategy, organizing special screenings for underprivileged families. This wasn't just good PR – it was good business, creating genuine goodwill and positive word-of-mouth.

Key Takeaways for PR Pros

1. Integration is Everything: Don't just plan PR in isolation. Think about how your communications strategy can amplify and be amplified by marketing initiatives.

2. Strategic Partnerships Matter: Choose collaborations that make sense for your brand and create natural storytelling opportunities.

3. Segment Your Approach: Different audiences need different entry points to your story. Create multiple ways for people to connect with your message.

4. Balance Saturation With Substance: While "Wicked" is everywhere, each touchpoint serves a purpose and reaches a specific audience.

Making It Work For Your Campaigns

Ask yourself:

• How can you create multiple storytelling angles for different audiences?

• What partnerships would authentically amplify your message?

• How can you integrate community goodwill into your strategy?

✨ Community Corner

National Publicist Day Celebration

Last week, we gathered for our first-ever National Publicist Day dinner, and the energy was nothing short of electric. PR pros from across the city came together, turning dinner conversations into collaborations and industry chat into real connections. We watched agency leads swap resources with freelancers, mentorship moments unfold organically, and countless "we should work together" conversations spark across tables.

The unanimous feedback at the end of the night? "We need more of this!" Message received, PR fam. Keep an eye on your inbox – our 2025 community calendar will be dropping soon, packed with everything from casual coffee meetups to professional development workshops. Because if there's one thing this dinner proved, it's that magic happens when PR pros come together.

[Check out highlights here →]

Enrollment for Life’s a Pitch is Open!

Remember when we told you our community member Tequilla White was cooking up something major? Well, it's here – and it's exactly what your PR strategy needs to kick off 2025.

Introducing: Life's A Pitch

Our go-to media expert and founder of TWPR is opening the doors to her signature 6-week intensive that's already helped countless brands break through the noise and land the coverage they deserve.

Why This Program Hits Different:

Think of it as your personal PR accelerator. Over six weeks, you'll work directly with Tequila to:

• Transform your pitch game from "maybe later" to "must cover"

• Build a credibility-driving media strategy that actually works

• Master the art of storytelling that makes journalists want more

[Register For The Program Here →]

💬 Send To The GroupChat 

Read:

• The Death of Critical Thinking Will Kill Us Long Before AI 

• How Brands Find New Audiences As Media Habits Shift

Do:

• Choose your top-priority industry newsletter and craft one perfect, personalized pitch this week. Share your pitch framework (minus the confidential bits) with a PR friend for feedback.

• Create your dream media list featuring 3 categories: traditional outlets, newsletters, and emerging platforms. Where do you really want to land coverage in 2025?

• Reach out to one PR pro who inspired you this year. Whether it's someone who shared resources, offered advice, or just cheered you on – let them know they made an impact.

Upcoming Events

🧘‍♀️ Event Spotlight: Reset Your PR Energy

Balance & Beyond: A Wellness Experience 

Sunday, November 24th | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST SKY TING NOHO

Let's be real – between pitch deadlines, client emergencies, and that never-ending content calendar, PR pros could use a moment to breathe. That's why we're excited to share this unique wellness experience hosted by our friends at Revamped!

This intimate gathering brings together professionals from various professional backgrounds for a deeply restorative session. Because sometimes (most times) the best strategy is taking care of yourself. (Investment: $60)

[Register Here →]

• Communications Week

• NYWICI - Communications For a Changing World

Need help getting the word out about an upcoming event you think our squad would be interested in? Reply to this e-mail to find out how we can help spread the word!

👀 The Squad is In Their Merch Era...

We're so excited at how many of y'all have snagged your #PREssentials – orders are making their way to your desks this week! Get ready to manifest in style (and tag us in those unboxing moments, pretty please 💫).

Haven't had a chance to check out the collection yet? From strategy session candles to Professional Fixer hats, we've created pieces that don't just look good, they get the PR lifestyle

[Shop the Collection]

That's a wrap for this week! Remember, as the media landscape evolves, so do we. That's what makes PR such a dynamic field – we're always learning, adapting, and finding new ways to tell our stories.

Kindly Circling Back Forever, The PR Girl Manifesto Team

P.S. Got a PR win you want to share? A burning question for our experts? Or maybe you just want to say hi? Hit reply to this email or drop us a line via [email protected] – we read every message!

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