5 PR gimmicks for brand awareness that’ll Get Your Brand Noticed

PR gimmick Image

by Anthony Lopez-Rizzo

Let’s be real: attention is the new currency. In a world full of endless scrolling and instant swipes, your brand has seconds to make an impression. That’s where PR gimmicks come in. These bold, creative stunts aren’t just noise—they’re strategic moves that spark buzz and put your brand in the spotlight.

Here are 5 PR gimmicks for brand awarenessthat are actually worth the hype—with examples to show you how it’s done.

1. Pop-Up Moments That Hit Different

Think Instagrammable spaces, one-day-only shops, and immersive experiences that make people stop, snap, and share.

Example: Glossier’s pop-up shops weren’t just stores—they were selfie magnets. Their Los Angeles pop-up had people lining up around the block, giving fans a photo-ready brand moment and Glossier massive exposure.

Why It Slaps: It creates serious FOMO, fuels social media shares, and turns your audience into real-time hype machines.

2. Stunt Marketing With Shock Value

Stunt PR is all about making jaws drop. Go big, go bold, or go home.

Example: Red Bull’s “Stratos” jump? Legendary. They literally launched a man into space to skydive back to Earth. The result? Global headlines and unmatched brand alignment with adrenaline and energy.

Why It Works: Everyone talks about it, media covers it, and your brand becomes part of the culture.

3. Flash Mobs That Bring The Vibes

A good flash mob or street performance isn’t just a show—it’s an instant viral moment.

Example: T-Mobile’s flash mob takeover of Liverpool Street Station was pure joy. People danced, laughed, filmed—and shared. The campaign became a viral commercial that added major emotion to their brand.

Why It Works: Surprise + entertainment = engagement gold.

4. Fake Drops That Fuel Curiosity

Leaning into mystery with a fake product or tease can build hype fast. It’s all about the build-up.

Example: IKEA teased a fake cooking show, only to reveal it was actually a creative plug for their kitchen gear. The twist? It got people talking, watching, and buying.

Why It Wins: Curiosity triggers clicks. Intrigue leads to shares. And the reveal? That’s the payoff.

5. Guerrilla Giveaways With Feel-Good Vibes

Show up where people least expect you with gifts. Tie in a good cause or surprise theme, and it’s a recipe for PR magic.

Example: Coca-Cola’s “Happiness Machine” gave people free sodas, pizza, even flowers from a vending machine. The reactions? Priceless. The shares? Viral.

Why It Pops: Everyone loves a good surprise. Add emotional value, and your brand becomes unforgettable.

These PR stunts might look fun (and they are), but when done right, they’re seriously strategic. The best gimmicks reflect your brand’s voice, spark real emotion, and get people talking for all the right reasons.

Ready to shake things up? Pitchcraft Media Inc. has the creative chops to help you turn your next big idea into a buzzworthy moment.

Because in a world full of noise, your message deserves to be heard. Let’s make it iconic.