Top 5 PR Mistakes D2C Brands Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Public Relations (PR) is one of the most powerful tools in a D2C brand’s arsenal , yet many brands get it wrong. In 2025, as competition grows fiercer and attention spans become shorter, getting PR right can be the difference between being talked about , or totally overlooked.

Let’s break down the top PR mistakes D2C brands make, and more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Treating PR Like Ads

PR is not paid advertising. It’s about building trust and narrative , not controlling the outcome.

The Mistake: Expecting instant media coverage or guaranteed placements for every pitch.

The Fix: Understand that PR is earned, not bought. Focus on crafting a story the media wants to tell.

2. Launching Without a Story

No one covers a launch without a reason.

The Mistake: Announcing a product drop with no hook, no emotional angle, no cultural relevance.

The Fix: Every PR story needs context. Tie your launch into something timely, seasonal, or insightful.

3. Ignoring Media Relationships

PR is a relationship business.

The Mistake: Mass-emailing journalists without understanding their beat or relevance to your brand.

The Fix: Build genuine connections. Personalize your pitch. Become a valuable source, not a spammer.

4. Doing PR as a One-Time Thing

One feature won’t make your brand.

The Mistake: Treating PR like a campaign instead of a long-term brand-building tool.

The Fix: Treat PR like compounding interest. Consistent, ongoing stories build credibility and retention.

5. Overlooking Digital PR & Creators

Traditional press is just one piece of the puzzle.

The Mistake: Only chasing print coverage and ignoring creators, communities, and online buzz.

The Fix: Embrace digital PR. Partner with influencers. Seed stories into platforms your customer lives on.

We did it right with Pastels & Pop, strategic PR, celeb buzz, and lasting brand love

Final Thoughts: PR Is About People, Not Just Placements

The best PR strategies aren’t about chasing headlines , they’re about building meaningful visibility. At Glad U Came, we’ve helped 400+ brands scale through earned media, celebrity gifting, creator campaigns, and strategic storytelling.

Want to build PR that lasts? Let’s talk. We’re just a call away at +91 9321218680