From viral campaigns to brand blunders, the first half of 2025 has given us plenty of PR case studies to dissect. Whether you're a business owner, a comms lead, or a curious consumer, there's always something to learn from the successes (and stumbles) of big-name brands.
Here’s our shrewd round-up of what made the headlines—and what we can take away from it all.

✅ PR Wins
1. Barbie’s Brand Evolution Continues
The post-movie momentum hasn’t slowed down in 2025. Barbie’s collaborations with eco-conscious brands and diverse influencer campaigns have helped Mattel keep the cultural conversation going.
💡 Lesson: Long-term storytelling beats one-hit wonders. Invest in a narrative that can evolve.

2. National Grid’s Energy Education Campaign
A rare case of a corporate utility company turning heads—for the right reasons. Their "Powering Change" video series simplified complex topics like AI and renewables, and gained press coverage across both mainstream and trade media.
💡 Lesson: Don’t underestimate the power of clear communication. Complex doesn’t have to mean boring.

3. A Small Business That Went Big
A Yorkshire-based candle brand went viral after being featured in a behind-the-scenes TikTok about its founder’s packaging process. A week later? A stockist deal with a major retailer.
💡 Lesson: Authentic content wins. You don’t need polish—you need a story.

❌ PR Fails
1. “The AI Intern” Job Ad Disaster
A tech start-up advertising for a “human-like AI comms intern” sparked backlash about automation and ethics. They later claimed it was a "test to spark conversation"—but the damage was done.
💡 Lesson: Shock tactics can backfire. Think twice before being “disruptive for clicks.”

2. Water Company’s “Green” PR Campaign in Flood Zones
A campaign about sustainability timed just as customers were dealing with supply issues and flooding—without acknowledgment of local events—led to a media backlash.
💡 Lesson: Timing is everything. Always read the room before launching a campaign.


PR is a powerful tool—but it has to be thoughtful, timely, and human. Whether you’re a multinational brand or a one-person business, the same rules apply: know your audience, stay authentic, and always think a few steps ahead.
💡 Want help turning your brand story into a success story? Get in touch with ShrewdPR today.

​As we pass the halfway mark of 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. Is your PR strategy delivering the visibility, engagement, and credibility your business needs? Or are you ticking boxes without seeing real results?
At ShrewdPR, we believe mid-year check-ins are essential—not just for marketing, but for how you communicate with your audience and the wider world. Here’s how to assess what’s working, what needs a tweak, and what might need a complete rethink.
 
1. Are Your Messages Still Relevant?
Your audience may have shifted, grown, or changed priorities since January. Does your messaging still resonate with where they are now?
✅ Tip: Revisit your mission, vision, and customer pain points. Does your content still reflect these?

2. Are You Getting Media Coverage – or Just Posting on Social Media?
Social media is great, but PR is about earned media. When was the last time you were featured in a publication, quoted as an expert, or interviewed on a podcast?
✅ Tip: If it’s been quiet, it might be time to refresh your media list or work on your storytelling angles.

3. Are You Measuring the Right Results?
‘Likes’ are lovely, but do you know how your PR efforts are affecting brand awareness, trust, or sales?
✅ Tip: Consider media mentions, backlinks, domain authority, and website traffic from PR sources—not just vanity metrics.

4. Have You Shared Your Wins?
If your business has had successes this year (awards, new clients, milestones), have you told people about them?
✅ Tip: Mid-year is a great time for a press release, LinkedIn post, or blog about what you’ve achieved so far.

5. What’s Coming Up Next?
Great PR is proactive, not reactive. Are you planning stories for autumn/winter now? Are there anniversaries, launches or milestones coming up?
✅ Tip: Create a 3–6 month story calendar to help you stay visible and consistent.
 
Conclusion:
The best PR strategies evolve. What worked in January might not be relevant in July—and that’s okay. The important thing is to take stock, refresh, and plan ahead. If you need help recalibrating your PR strategy for the rest of the year, the ShrewdPR team is here to guide you.

📩 Let’s book a review session and get your brand back in the spotlight.