Media trends: How to get UK press coverage in March

Looking to get featured in consumer or national press? Over 60% of the journalists that used the ResponseSource Journalist Enquiry Service in February just happened to be working for consumer magazines, or national newspapers. 

Find out below what topics and areas the media were looking to cover last month, and how you can assist with features and articles for March and beyond.

Mum’s the word

Mother’s Day was already gaining traction in January, but last month saw a real jump in the amount of journalists sending requests around it with over 3% of the total centring on the annual celebration as it draws closer.

A lot of the enquiries are focused on gift guides or products to review, covering everything from food & drink items to beauty products. However, a few looked to cover different angles with one request for retail experts on ways to buy Mother’s Day presents on a budget, and another looking for the best places to take mums in and around Wiltshire and Somerset.

Going forward? With Mother’s Day not taking place until the end of March in the UK, journalists will still be sending in last minute requests for gift ideas and experiences. Make sure you have gift guides ready and samples you can send, and you could feature in the Daily Mirror, The Sun, Good Homes, or Stylist Loves.

Money worries

The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t get the same media attention it did a couple of years ago, but money remains a big concern for many and journalists are still keen to cover it. Last month, over 3% of the total enquiries contained the word ‘money’. Plus, with energy prices set to rise in April, ‘energy’ featured in over 2% of the requests.

Enquiries included asks for money saving experts to discuss how to escape the pay day cycle, information on practical tips for families to save money, and for a case study of a single mum struggling with the energy rise. Journalists at The i paper, The Daily Express, Metro and Money Marketing all sent money related requests in February.

Going forward? The personal finance category on the Journalist Enquiry Service was up by 10% last month, compared to February 2024, and with the Spring statement set to be announced on 26 March,it will get even more interest this month. Journalists tend to want comment from money experts but case studies around the budget’s potential impact could also help you to gain media coverage.

Interest in beauty experts and gardening gurus grows

Perhaps surprisingly, ‘beauty’ generated the most interest in February with over 5% of the enquiries containing the word. Many of these were looking for launching products as we head into Spring, as well as specific requests for Ramadan beauty products, beauty treatments, and data around the teen beauty market.

Gardening always gains in popularity as we head into the Spring and Summer months and 3.5% of the requests last month centred around this topic. The Home & Garden category is also up by 9% compared to this time last year. Requests included the best vegetable plants to sow in the garden during March, how to design an accessible garden, and gardening experts to comment on the different ways to reuse old soil.

Going forward? ‘Gardening’ featured as a keyword in 4.5% of requests in March 2024 and we would expect to see a similar volume of enquiries this year. You could get your gardening experts featured in Homes & Gardens, The Guardian, or Ideal Home. New beauty products are likely to remain in demand too, as well as topics like skincare. Get samples ready to send and gain potential coverage in Cosmetics Business, PA Media, and Marie Claire.

Other opportunities for PRs in March and beyond

Easter is already getting attention with just over 2% of enquiries last month. This will increase throughout March with requests mainly for eggs and other gifts. Plus family days out and potential last-minute trips on holiday to go on during the break from school.

World Sleep Day (15 March) is approaching and journalists will look for expert commentary and advice on this topic. Any events or celebrations for St Patrick’s Day (17 March), could get you media coverage, and at the end of the month there is both World Poetry Day (21 March), and World Theatre Day (27 March), which could see a boost for the Arts & Entertainment category.

For more about how the Journalist Enquiry Service can help you secure coverage in the media, check out this explainer.