How to Pull off a PR Stunt in 2024 With Examples

To pull a PR stunt in this digital age that will be the talk of town and worthwhile is very important. Why is it important, you may ask? It is important because brands face challenges daily and it takes ingenuity, dedicated thinking and strategic timing to make a mark. And what is the big surprise? In 2024, it boils down to joining tech updates with the public’s evolving thinking patterns to produce a good PR campaign. A dedicated level of expertise is needed to pull off a PR stunt. Let me guide you through the process of pulling off a PR stunt that will make people say, “Wow!” I’ll further show you practical examples and doable advice to help you launch your next campaign.

KEY POINTS

PR stunts can be controversial—and not just for consumers who observe or experience them and may not totally understand or appreciate the point of them. Not all BRANDS consider engaging in “stunts” to be the optimal way to grab the attention of target audiences.
Publicity stunts are designed to capture public awareness, generate viral sharing, and earn media coverage. While these events can be notoriously high risk, the potential payoff in the form of massive amounts of press makes the gamble worth it. To get ideas for a public relations (PR) stunt to increase positive brand awareness for your business, strategic planning must be done.
Getting public relations, or PR, coverage isn’t easy, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting your story on the news without the need for a crazy publicity stunt. This includes everything from understanding what is considered newsworthy to creating an event that people will talk about, promoting a positive brand image, making connections with journalists, and knowing how to send a press release.
The best PR stunts are the ones that are unexpected, clever and scalable. Stunts that are surprising coming from a certain brand will result in more word-of-mouth exposure. Ideas that are clever and make you think will stay with you and drive a lasting brand impression.

PR Stunt

Professionally organized or set up by amateurs, publicity stunts aim to get attention and can be surprisingly or even badly designed. Preceding an important launch or kickoff, an attention-grabbing campaign often initiates the event.

So in this regard, what is a PR stunt?

“A publicity stunt, also known as a PR stunt, is an organized event that is basically designed by public relations experts or marketers to get media attention and public attention for a company or celebrity.”

Public relations stunts can take many forms and do not necessarily follow traditional marketing campaigns. It is designed to be unusual and eye-catching, with the primary goal of raising awareness for the business or individual. A PR stunt’s success is determined by how well it generates positive press, social media traffic, and public opinion. Due to their global reach and viral potential, the best PR stunts frequently target the internet and social media platforms.

To pull off a successful PR stunt in 2024, you need to start by clearly defining your goal. Decide what message you want to send or what image you want to portray. Maybe you’re looking to raise awareness about your brand, launch a new product, or show your company’s commitment to social responsibility.

Once you’ve identified your objective, it’s important to understand who you’re trying to reach. Know your audience well – what they like, what captures their attention, and what resonates with them. This understanding will help you tailor your PR stunt to make the biggest impact. Some major benefits of publicity stunts (PR stunts).

#1. Enhanced Brand’s Visibility

PR stunts can significantly enhance brand awareness, putting the brand’s name in the spotlight across various platforms. Moreover, even a brief moment of fame can lead to enduring brand awareness.

Last year, I embarked on a journey to elevate my brand’s visibility through a carefully planned PR stunt. Recognizing the power of storytelling and community engagement, I decided to create an exciting experience that would not only captivate audiences but also resonate with my brand’s values.

Firstly, I delved into extensive market research to identify the key areas where my brand could make a meaningful impact. After thorough consideration, I decided to focus on environmental sustainability, a cause close to our hearts. With this in mind, I imagined a unique event centered around a beach clean-up initiative.

To ensure the success of our PR stunt, I carefully planned every aspect of the event. I secured permits, collaborated with local environmental organizations, and enlisted the support of volunteers. Additionally, I reached out to media outlets and influencers, inviting them to participate and cover the event.

On the day of the beach clean-up, excitement buzzed in the air as volunteers gathered to lend a hand. Equipped with gloves and trash bags bearing our logo, we headed on a mission to bring about positive change. We gathered a ton of trash throughout the day, including discarded wrappers and plastic bottles, to show our dedication to a cleaner, greener world.

As the sun began to set, we gathered for a celebratory barbecue on the beach. Volunteers mingled, sharing stories and forging connections, united by a shared purpose. Local media captured the heartwarming moments, showcasing our brand’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

In the aftermath of the event, the impact reverberated far and wide. Our brand received widespread recognition for its commitment to social responsibility, with positive media coverage reaching audiences beyond our wildest dreams. Moreover, the event sparked ongoing conversations about sustainability, positioning our brand as a thought leader in the space.

#2. Gain Media Attention:

In addition to gaining public attention, publicity stunts attract external media outlets. Public relations revolves around attracting media coverage, which can be a challenging task for many companies. A well-executed PR stunt can address this challenge by drawing media attention directly to the company.

#3. Reaches More Customer Base than Traditional Advertising

Unlike traditional advertising, which often targets specific customer groups, PR stunts have the potential to reach a wider audience. While companies typically focus their marketing efforts on their primary customer base, good PR stunts can capture the interest of audiences who may not typically engage with the brand.

#4. Gives Room for Collaboration and Inclusion

PR stunts also create opportunities for brand partnerships and collaborations. By attracting the attention of potential clients and the media, stunts pave the way for future alliances. In a competitive market where numerous businesses offer similar products or services, stunts help companies showcase their unique qualities and likewise, secure their position in the industry.

Best PR Stunt

The best PR stunt is like a matter of opinion, because it really depends on how you look at it and what’s going on. But, there’s a whole lot of PR stunts that a lot of people have heard of and talked about in a good way, like:

#1. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The challenge began in 2014 and quickly gained popularity, helping to raise money and awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). As part of the challenge, participants had to fill a bucket with ice water and then nominate additional people to join them, starting a chain reaction of involvement. The initiative attracted a lot of attention and raised more than $115 million in donations.

#2. Red Draws Attention.

In 2016, red spray-painted words like “cheater” and “hope she was worth it” were discovered painted on a white Range Rover that was spotted driving through London. Numerous media outlets covered the story, making assumptions about the identity of the wealthy guy his partner had revealed as well as discussing the unusual situation.

Later on, it was discovered that the event was a PR stunt to draw attention to the new Revere Range Rover Vogue Knightsbridge Edition. Visibility and recognition of the new Range Rover model increased just before its debut.

#3. Mcdonald’s Right Place, Right Time

In 2019, McDonald’s made a bold move by flipping its famous logo upside-down to express solidarity with women on International Women’s Day. This unexpected gesture caught consumers worldwide off guard, sparking speculation about whether it was a prank. The PR stunt garnered considerable media coverage, showcasing the power of well-timed initiatives. Interestingly, such publicity stunts often require minimal or no budget to make a significant impact.

These PR stunts succeeded by blending creativity, originality, and alignment with wider societal concerns. They garnered favorable media attention, captivated audiences, and improved brand perception. It’s worth mentioning that the success of a PR stunt hinges on factors like timing, audience, and execution strategy.

#4. Tesla’s First Car in Space PR Stunt

Although Tesla doesn’t use a lot of traditional advertising, it runs a lot of different forms of advertising, such as creating attention through publicity stunts. In 2018, Elon Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla, sent one of their Roadster vehicles into space aboard a rocket ship. Musk decided to go forward with the space stunt even though there was a 50% chance it wouldn’t work, giving them bragging rights as the first automaker in space.

How to do a PR stunt

To ensure the success of a PR stunt, several crucial steps must be followed, each playing a significant role in its result.

#1. Defining the objective

Before taking any action, it’s essential to establish a clear objective for the PR stunt. Whether it’s to boost financial stability, gain publicity, or manage a brand crisis, having a specific goal in mind guides the planning process and minimizes the risk of unintended consequences.

#2. Conducting thorough research

Once the objective is determined, thorough research is necessary to plan the stunt effectively. This involves calculating the potential benefits and risks of the event, considering factors like its nature, location, target audience, and budget. Budget considerations should include plans for various scenarios, as public reactions can be unpredictable.

#3. Developing a timeline

The nature of the event dictates the timeline for planning and execution. Extending the timeline too far can weaken public interest, so a clearly outlined schedule is crucial for achieving desired outcomes and maintaining audience engagement. Factors such as event resources, size, and location inform the timeline’s specifics.

So, I decided to boost up my brand’s visibility by crafting a killer PR stunt timeline. First off, I brainstormed some epic ideas. Then, I carefully selected the best one: a daring skydiving event featuring influencers. Next, I reached out to top influencers, locking in their participation and spreading the word. As anticipation built, I teased snippets on social media, stirring up excitement.

Then, the big day arrived. Cameras rolling, influencers suited up, and we took the plunge from high above. The breathtaking footage went viral instantly, capturing the attention of millions. Riding on the wave of buzz, I followed up with press releases, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, keeping the momentum alive.

As the hype reached its peak, I leveraged the exposure to forge partnerships and secure media coverage. With each headline and share, my brand soared higher in visibility and credibility. And the best part? It didn’t just end with the stunt; I continued engaging with the audience, nurturing relationships long after the adrenaline rush faded.

In the end, my PR stunt timeline wasn’t just about making a splash—it was about creating a lasting impression that elevated my brand to new heights.

I also crafted an interesting checklist that summarizes the sub-topic above. You can download it below

How-to-do-a-PR-stunt-checklist Download

#4. Garnering media attention and monitoring:

In today’s digital age, social media platforms play a crucial role in PR stunt planning. Leveraging social media can significantly enhance visibility and facilitate rapid spread of information about the event. Companies should prioritize social media adaptability when planning stunts, utilizing strategies like creating hashtags and event pages. Additionally, social media platforms provide valuable tools for monitoring the event’s progress and visibility.

TAKEAWAY: Your PR stunt should reflect and reinforce your brand’s values and messaging. It should set you apart from competitors and foster deeper connections with your customers. Your PR stunt should be unique, creative, and attention-grabbing. It should be something that people will want to talk about and share.

What is a PR stunt for?

A PR stunt is for grabbing attention and boosting a brand’s visibility. It’s like a big show or event that gets people talking about a company or product.

Let us do a simple analysis for PR stunt.

Assuming you own a consulting firm but clients are not turning up to patronize you. You call your team and together, you guys brainstorm on ideas to increase brand visibility. In the meeting, Mr A. stood up and suggested online giveaway and Mrs B. emphasized on maybe going into the streets to do food competition with random persons you might meet.

As the CEO, which one would you prefer? Well for me, I would buy the idea of Mrs B.

Why?

Because their are higher chances of visibility whereby one or two person will ask what we do as a company/brand when they might have seen our vests and logo.

So in the context of the analysis above, a PR stunt is for VISIBILITY

What is the meaning of a public stunt?

A public stunt is when a company does something unusual or attention-grabbing to get noticed by the public. It could be anything from a crazy event to a daring challenge.

Why are PR stunts effective?

PR stunts are effective because they spark controversy and excitement around a brand. They can make people curious and interested, which leads to more attention and hopefully more customers. Likewise, PR stunts are very effective because it increases the chances of brand’s visibility. I told you how I gained visibility with the PR stunt I executed with my team when we were low on sales.

What is an example of a PR stunt?

For example, a company might organize a flash mob in a busy city center to promote a new product. People would gather to watch the unexpected performance, and it would generate a lot of social media buzz and news coverage. A practical example is The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: The challenge began in 2014 and quickly gained popularity, helping to raise money and awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

The Bottom Line

When done right, these PR stunt examples show that events can be effective way for brands and businesses to market themselves and gain wider customer base. Brainstorm your own idea by coming up with an interesting and creative idea, developing a strategy, and reaching the media. For a faster, more affordable, and less risky way to engage the press, send a press release using reliable platforms. At Lamphills, we are committed to give you that visibility you crave for your business or brand. Contact us today.

How to Pull off a PR Stunt in 2024 With Examples