5 PR Misconceptions You Might Still Believe and How They Could Hurt Your Coverage in 2025

5 PR Misconceptions You Might Still Believe and How They Could Hurt Your Coverage in 2025
Photo: Unsplash.com

By: Don’t Be A Little Pitch (DBALP)

Let’s be honest. Your PR strategy might not be working as well as it could.

You’ve got a strong brand, a story worth telling, and possibly a product that solves a real problem. But media coverage? It’s not happening the way you hoped. You’re refreshing your inbox, wondering why no one’s responding.

Here’s the thing: it’s not necessarily your story. Sometimes, it’s the outdated rules you’re still following.

At Don’t Be A Little Pitch (DBALP), we’ve seen this before… and often, it doesn’t lead to press features or investor interest. Instead, it can result in missed opportunities, wasted budgets, and brands struggling to be heard.

So, let’s revisit some of the biggest PR misconceptions still lingering in 2025.

Myth #1: “If the story’s good enough, it’ll get picked up.”

This sounds ideal, but it’s rarely that simple.

Journalists today are overwhelmed. For every reporter, there are countless professionals pitching stories daily. Inbox fatigue is real, and unless your pitch stands out, it may not get the attention it deserves.

What to do instead: Angle is key. A great story told poorly is often a wasted pitch. Craft angles that connect to current conversations, cultural relevance, or emotional impact. Don’t just tell a story—explain why it matters now.

Myth #2: “Press releases are still the gold standard.”

The truth? The traditional press release isn’t as effective as it once was. In a world of real-time news and direct outreach, most press releases are barely read—if they’re opened at all.

Reporters want stories, not announcements. A press release filled with formal language and no clear angle doesn’t help them. That doesn’t mean press releases are completely useless, but they’re better as supporting material, not the main pitch. If you’re sending one without context, it might get overlooked.

What to do instead: Build real relationships. Reach out with personalized emails that sound human. Offer insights or expert commentary. If a release is needed, use it as a supplement, not the focus.

Myth #3: “You need to be a household name to get featured.”

Not true. You mainly need something worth saying—and a way to say it effectively.

Journalists look for relevance, not just fame. In fact, 73% say they reject pitches that aren’t relevant to their beat (Source: PR Daily, 2024). That means even lesser-known brands can break through with the right approach.

What to do instead: Start small. Focus on your angle. Local and niche coverage can lead to bigger opportunities. You don’t need to be everywhere—just where it counts.

Myth #4: “Quantity > Quality when it comes to pitching.”

More pitches don’t automatically mean more coverage. They often lead to ignored emails, unsubscribes, or even being blocked.

Sending the same pitch to dozens of journalists might feel productive, but it rarely works. If your name keeps appearing on generic emails, journalists may start ignoring you. Worse, it could hurt your credibility before you even get a chance.

What to do instead: Quality matters far more than quantity. Research the journalist. Reference their work. Tailor your pitch. One well-crafted message can achieve more than a hundred rushed ones.

Myth #5: “You only need PR when you launch something new.”

If you’re only engaging when you need attention, you’re missing the bigger picture. PR isn’t just for launches—it’s about building trust and visibility over time.

What to do instead: Think long-term. Your brand should stay in the conversation, not just appear for announcements. The most successful brands treat PR as an ongoing strategy, not a one-time effort.

So… What Actually Works in 2025?

If old tactics aren’t working, here’s what tends to drive real media traction today:

  • Strong, timely angles: Your story needs relevance. Tie it to cultural shifts, trends, or ongoing conversations. Journalists receive many pitches daily (Source: Muckrack, 2024). If yours doesn’t stand out quickly, it may get lost.
  • Actual relationships with journalists: Mass emails are easy to skip. But personalized pitches tend to get noticed. 83% of journalists prefer one-to-one emails (Source: PR Daily, 2024). Relevance helps build connections, and connections often lead to coverage.
  • Real, human storytelling: Skip the fluff. People connect with clarity, not polished jargon. If it sounds natural, you’re closer to success.
  • Consistency, not one-hit wonders: Showing up only at launch time isn’t enough. Staying visible between announcements helps maintain momentum.
  • A clear point behind every piece: Coverage should serve a goal—whether it’s trust-building, SEO, or investor interest.
  • Leaning on industry data: 61% of journalists value market trends and data (Source: Cision, 2025). Stats can strengthen your pitch.
  • Putting faces to your brand: Founders with insights and personality are more likely to get covered.
  • Multimedia matters: 87% of journalists use visual assets from pitches (Source: PR Newswire, 2024). Strong visuals can make a difference.

This is what we focus on at DBALP. No empty hype. Just strategic PR from people who understand how to build brands.

PR Has Evolved. It’s Time to Adapt.

You have a strong brand, a story worth sharing, and maybe even a mission that could inspire change. But if your approach still leans on traditional tactics, templated pitches, and press releases that blend into the background, your message might not be reaching its full potential.

That’s where Don’t Be A Little Pitch (DBALP) comes in. We’re here for brands like yours—brands that want more than just attention; they want meaningful impact. Rather than chasing empty numbers, we focus on building credibility, securing coverage that truly matters, and helping your story contribute to real growth.

Our team takes a thoughtful, strategic approach. We collaborate with you to uncover the angles that resonate, craft memorable stories, and pitch with intention. Whether you’re introducing your first product or aiming to stand out in your industry, we strive to support your journey with impactful media presence.

If you’re ready to move beyond outdated methods and explore new possibilities, we’d love to help you shift gears.

Visit https://www.dontbealittlepitch.com to learn more about how PR can be done differently—more boldly and with greater purpose.

 

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Voyage New York.