The Barbie PR Effect: Harnessing pop culture to propel your brand to new heights

July 21, 2023 | Amanda Green
Written by Derek Mora, Publicist

“Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie, Hi Barbie!”

That is the phrase heard around the world!

In the fast-paced world of public relations (PR), staying relevant and capturing the attention of target audiences is a constant challenge. However, one valuable strategy that can catapult your brand into the spotlight is harnessing the power of pop culture. When brands tap into current trends and connect with popular phenomena like the Barbie movie, it presents a golden opportunity for publicists to create engaging content, craft unique pitches, and demonstrate their brand’s awareness of pop culture. The Barbie PR effect is real.

Pop culture holds an undeniable fascination for people across the globe. It is embedded in our daily lives through movies, music, social media, and more. As a publicist, recognizing and leveraging these cultural touchstones can unlock possibilities. The Barbie movie phenomenon, for instance, has captivated social media platforms, with brands curating their content to align with Barbie’s iconic image. This presents an invaluable opportunity to ride the wave of excitement and connect with audiences already partaking in the conversation.

Timeliness is key. Monitoring current trends and understanding what captures the public’s imagination is vital for publicists. By aligning your pitches with the Barbie movie release or other timely events, you demonstrate your brand’s ability to stay in tune with the cultural moments. This connection creates a sense of relevancy and freshness, making your pitch stand out from the competition.

Tying pop culture or current events to your pitches provides a compelling hook that piques your interest and engages your target audience. By incorporating elements from the Barbie movie, you can infuse your brand narrative with themes, characters, or messages that resonate with the public. This approach demonstrates your brand’s understanding of the cultural landscape and positions you in the ongoing conversation. Moreover, it allows you to create relatable and shareable content, amplifying your brand’s reach.

While pop culture phenomena may have a limited lifespan, their impact can endure. By leveraging the Barbie movie buzz, publicists can create lasting brand associations and connections with their target audience. Organizing events, promotions, or collaborations inspired by the movie’s themes not only boost engagement in the short term but also leaves a lasting impression in the minds of consumers, reinforcing brand affinity long after the trend has passed.

Incorporating pop culture and current events into your public relations efforts is a powerful strategy that can propel your brand to new heights. By riding the wave of timely trends like the Barbie movie, publicists can create unique and engaging pitches, connect with their target audience, and amplify brand visibility. The key lies in being aware of what captures the public’s imagination, crafting compelling narratives, and leveraging social media platforms to foster meaningful conversations. So, embrace the power of pop culture, and watch as your brand becomes an integral part of the ever-evolving cultural landscape.


Want to see our PR team harness the power of pop culture for your brand? Reach out to our account executives to get started.