As we enter the last five months of 2025, we’re answering your most frequently asked questions about public relations so far this year. From AI to affiliate networks, the PR industry is constantly evolving to reflect a changing media landscape.
Is public relations still important in 2025?
Yes! Building a solid foundation with consistent brand visibility and trust will never go out of style. PR has evolved to entail more than traditional tactics – we recommend a vital mix of media relations as well as a custom strategic PR strategy based on your precise PR objectives and goals – this may include influencer seeding, thought leadership, product placement, cross-promotions, and aligned partnerships. Artificial intelligence means earned media and third party mentions from trusted sources is a vital necessity to remain at the top of search results on Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT.
What’s new for PR in 2025?
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), earned media is even more valuable:
“When someone asks about your company, they no longer receive a list of websites. Instead, they get a synthesized narrative – an AI-generated perspective drawn from countless sources, delivered with the authoritative voice of an “objective” expert.
Over 90% of AI visibility is driven by citations from earned media – a statistic that should electrify every communications professional. This doesn’t even include top-tier media outlets like CNN and the New York Times, which have banned Gen AI. This 90% number is staggering. And who understands earned media more than PR.
In 2024, SEO was a $75 billion industry. I’m sorry to SEO, but PR is the new SEO and public relations can take the lead.” Source
Prioritizing PR and earned media for the rest of 2025 will be crucial to cultivate search results that connect you to your ideal audiences and customers.
When should we start PR to get into holiday gift guides?
Winter holiday gift guides are traditionally sourced in the summertime up until early December, so we recommend starting now for the best outcomes. Longer lead publications like print magazines and heavily researched guides are currently requesting samples and information now, and there will be a steady flow of inbound and outbound media opportunities through wintertime. If you have gift-ready items or services, we’d love to assist with securing media coverage.
Do we need to be on an affiliate network?
We recommend brands join an affiliate network when it makes sense with their business model/ecommerce strategy. Being on an affiliate network (like ShareASale/Skimlinks or Amazon’s built-in network) will provide more trackable opportunities for commerce coverage in media outlets that use affiliate programs for revenue share. Whenever you see an article by a “commerce reporter” with a list of different brands they recommend, they’re all available on affiliate networks.
Why choose Magnolia PR?
Since 2006, Magnolia PR has been a trusted boutique public relations agency for newly emerging and established brands. We have a deep knowledge of the industry and valuable media relationships we share with our lifestyle PR clients. From successfully representing lifestyle to kids fashion to family brands, we aim to be a long-term partner for brands and experts looking to build sustainable brand awareness through simple strategy and top tier & niche media relations.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a call here or email [email protected]. Happy August!