Gerard Longo Makes His SXSW Debut – A Major Win for Independent Creators!

Gerard Longo Makes His SXSW Debut – A Major Win for Independent Creators!

At Brandinc PR, we love celebrating our clients’ success, and this one is BIG! Our client, Gerard Longo, is officially making his SXSW 2025 debut, showcasing his incredible journey as both a music industry leader and an author.

Gerard has been a driving force in the underground music scene, empowering independent artists through @UMCNashville. Now, he’s taking the stage at SXSW, where he’ll share his expertise on breaking barriers in the industry. Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet him at his book signing—a must for anyone looking to navigate the evolving music landscape.

🚀 Don’t miss out! Register now to join Gerard’s session and gain firsthand insights into his innovative approach to artist development.

👉 Session Registration Link

Book Signing Registration Link

We couldn’t be prouder of Gerard and can’t wait to see him continue making waves! Stay tuned for more updates from Brandinc PR as we help our clients shine on the biggest stages.

New Podcast Episode Alert: PR x SEO – The Ultimate Power Couple with Stephany Kaufman of UPBEAT

🎉 New Podcast Episode Alert: PR x SEO – The Ultimate Power Couple! 🎙️💥

Hold onto your hashtags because we’ve got a game-changing episode for you! This week on The Brandinc PR Podcast, we’re talking about something that might just make your website do a happy dance — the magic that happens when PR and SEO join forces.

We teamed up with the incredible Stephany Kaufman, founder of UPBEAT (aka the fairy godmother for small biz owners, startup founders, and solopreneurs looking to scale like pros). Together, we’re pulling back the curtain on how strategic PR can give your SEO a major glow-up.

✨ Here’s what we’re serving up:

  • How earned media and backlinks can supercharge your search rankings
  • The art of storytelling that Google actually loves
  • Why the Super Bowl isn’t just for football—it’s SEO gold if you know how to play it 🏈💡

💡 Hot Take: PR isn’t just about pretty press features—it’s a sneaky-good SEO weapon. And yes, even the smallest brands can play the game and win BIG.

So, grab your coffee (or that third cup—no judgment ☕️) and hit play. Your brand’s visibility will thank you.

🎧 Listen Now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — because who doesn’t love a little PR glow-up with their morning scroll?

Mid-Quarter PR Check-In: Is Your Strategy on Track?

Mid-Quarter PR Check-In: Is Your Strategy on Track?

We’re nearly halfway through Q1—can you believe it? 🎉 Time is flying, and now’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: Is my PR strategy actually working?

Whether you kicked off 2025 with a full PR game plan or you’re still figuring things out, a mid-quarter check-in can be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. It’s the sweet spot between launching goals and making the right tweaks before the quarter wraps.

🚀 Why a Mid-Quarter Check-In Matters

PR is all about momentum, visibility, and strategic positioning—but staying on track requires regular pulse checks. Without them, you could be missing opportunities or heading in the wrong direction without even realizing it.

Here’s what a simple mid-quarter review can help you with:

  • Spot Wins & Celebrate Them 🏆 – Recognize what’s working and lean in harder.
  • Identify Gaps & Pivots 🔄 – Notice what’s not clicking and adjust before it’s too late.
  • Realign Goals 🎯 – Ensure your PR goals still match your brand’s evolving needs.

✨ Join Me for a Live Q&A: Let’s Talk Strategy!

On March 29th at 10 AM CT, Brandi Sims, Founder of Brandinc PR, is hosting an Instagram Live Q&A to help YOU navigate your mid-quarter PR check-in.

We’ll cover:

✅ Quick PR audits you can do right now
✅ How to adjust your strategy without starting from scratch
✅ Ways to amplify your visibility before Q1 wraps up

This is your space to ask questions, share wins, and get actionable advice on how to fine-tune your PR goals for the rest of the quarter.

💡 How to Prepare

  • Review your Q1 goals – What’s been achieved? What still needs work?
  • List your challenges – What’s been blocking your progress?
  • Come with questions – Let’s make this session tailored to YOU.

🎧 Don’t Miss Out!

This check-in isn’t just about reflection—it’s about action. Join me on March 29th and let’s make sure you’re set up to end Q1 stronger than you started.

RSVP today and let’s get strategic! 💥

RSVP here: https://lu.ma/ygov2hgz 

Brandi Sims Featured on the Public Relations Review Podcast: Top 5 PR Trends to Watch in 2025

Brandi Sims Featured on the Public Relations Review Podcast: Top 5 PR Trends to Watch in 2025

Exciting news! Brandi Sims is featured on the upcoming episode of the Public Relations Review Podcast, releasing on February 24th. In this insightful episode, Brandi dives into her Top Five PR Trends to Watch in 2025, offering valuable predictions and strategies for PR professionals, brands, and entrepreneurs looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

📣 1. Media Pros Turned Content Creators

The traditional lines between journalism and content creation are blurring. Brandi explores how more media professionals are stepping into the creator economy, using their storytelling skills to build personal brands and new revenue streams.

⚖️ 2. Dialing Back on AI for All Content Creation

While AI has revolutionized content production, Brandi highlights a growing shift toward intentional, human-driven storytelling. She explains why brands will lean into authenticity and reduce over-reliance on AI-generated content.

🤝 3. More Online Media Collaborations

Virtual platforms have expanded collaboration possibilities. In 2025, expect more dynamic partnerships between media outlets, influencers, and brands to amplify messaging and broaden reach in fresh, creative ways.

💡 4. Creative Brand Partnerships

The future of partnerships is all about innovation. Brandi breaks down how brands will move beyond basic sponsorships, creating unique collaborations that align with shared values and capture audience attention.

🎤 5. Evolution of Speaking Engagements

Speaking engagements aren’t what they used to be. From hybrid events to interactive panels, Brandi shares how industry leaders can adapt to evolving formats and maximize their impact on stage—both virtually and in person.

💡 Don’t Miss It!
Tune in to the Public Relations Review Podcast on February 24th to hear Brandi’s full breakdown of these trends and how you can apply them to your 2025 PR strategy.

Let’s get ahead of the game together! 🎧✨

4o

When Sports and Scandals Collide: The Ethics of Crisis PR

When Sports and Scandals Collide: The Ethics of Crisis PR

Can Sports Teams Be Crisis PR Fixers?
When you think of crisis PR in sports, your mind might jump to player controversies, ownership disputes, or league-wide scandals. But what happens when a professional sports team steps in to manage a public relations crisis outside of their own organization? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on the next episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast!

Recent reports revealed that the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans were involved in crafting PR strategies for the local archdiocese amid a clergy abuse scandal. This raises an important question: Should sports organizations take on the role of crisis PR consultants for external entities, or should they stay focused on their own brand reputation?

Crisis Communications in Sports: A Slippery Slope

Sports franchises hold massive influence—not just in the game, but in their communities. Their involvement in external crisis management can blur ethical lines, especially when dealing with sensitive issues. While organizations often support social causes and philanthropic efforts, actively shaping crisis messaging for an external entity sparks concerns about transparency and accountability.

The PR Risks of Getting Involved

Aligning with a crisis outside of their control can bring unintended consequences. Sports teams risk alienating fans, sponsors, and stakeholders if their involvement appears as damage control rather than genuine support. History has shown that when brands fail to approach crisis communications with authenticity and clear ethics, public backlash can be swift and unforgiving.

Lessons in Crisis PR from the Pros

On this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, we’ll break down:
✅ How sports organizations should navigate crisis PR ethically
✅ The risks and rewards of stepping into external PR crises
✅ Best practices for high-profile brands managing public perception

If you’re a PR professional, brand strategist, or just a fan of sports and media, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and learn how top brands handle crisis communications while protecting their reputation.

Don’t Miss This Episode!

🎙️ Episode Title: When Sports and Scandals Collide: The Ethics of Crisis PR
📅 Release Date: February 20th
🎧 Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms

Subscribe now and be the first to tune in! Have thoughts on this topic? Drop a comment below or join the discussion on social media using #CrisisPR #SportsBusiness #BrandincPR.