The Holiday Effect: How October Sets Up Your Q4 PR & Marketing KPIs
By Ariana Martinez
Q4 always feels like a sprint. Between holiday campaigns, year-end launches, and preparing for the new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the “busy” without planning strategically. But the way you show up in October sets the tone for everything that follows, both for your Q4 results and how you enter 2026.
This is what we call the Holiday Effect: a shift in visibility, audience behavior, and media opportunities that comes with the season. If you understand it, October can become your launchpad for a strong finish!
Why October Matters
Journalists are already planning holiday stories. Pitching too late risks being overlooked.
Your audience is in a reflective, emotional mindset. Stories with heart land far better than hard sells.
Content needs time to gain traction. Consistency now means visibility later.
Need a roadmap for your Q4 content? Check out Mastering Holiday Content: A Fresh Guide to Crafting Your Q4 Editorial Calendar for actionable tips.
How the Holidays Shift KPIs
During the holidays, traditional metrics like impressions and clicks are less important than signs of genuine engagement. Focus on:
Saves & shares: Shows your content resonates enough to keep.
Press mentions: Credibility that sticks beyond a post.
Story pickups: Journalists amplifying your message is stronger than a like.
Consistent visibility: Steady presence beats last-minute bursts.
3 Actions to Take in October
Update your media list: contacts change often; make sure your pitches land with the right people.
Plan your seasonal story angles: highlight community impact, founder reflections, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Set meaningful KPIs: define whether your goal is visibility, credibility, or engagement, and track metrics that align.
For tips on crafting pitches that land with journalists, see Pitching 101: Getting Eyes on Your Business.
October is more than a prep month!
October is your chance to get ahead! By planning early, focusing on the right metrics, and leaning into authentic storytelling, you’ll not only finish Q4 strong but enter 2026 with momentum and clarity.
At DRPR, we help CEOs and founders craft PR strategies that balance visibility and meaning. If you’re ready to refine your holiday approach and set KPIs that actually matter, book a call with us today!
