The Art of Seeding: Why PR Takes Time and Patience
- Toni Ferrara
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28
In the fast-paced world of media and public relations, there’s an undeniable pressure to secure press placements overnight. Clients often expect instant results, and when they don’t see them, they’re quick to jump from one PR agency to another, hoping the next will deliver immediate success. But as journalist and contributor Keyaira N. Boone pointed out, “Pitching takes TIME and PR is a luxury service. Evaluate it properly.”

Understanding the Seeding Process
Public relations isn’t about throwing a name into the wind and hoping it lands in a glossy magazine. PR is about building relationships, crafting the right message, and strategically seeding a brand’s story into the media landscape. The process requires patience, trust, and the understanding that earned media isn’t a one-and-done transaction—it’s a long game.
Think of it like planting a garden. You can’t drop seeds in the soil and expect full blooms by morning. You must water, nurture, and allow time for growth before the results appear. The same applies to PR. A well-placed feature or an organic media mention is often the result of consistent pitching, follow-ups, and months (if not years) of relationship-building with journalists.
The Problem with Agency-Hopping
One of the biggest mistakes brands and businesses make is rushing from one PR agency to another, hoping for a quick fix. While it’s important to evaluate your PR team’s efforts and hold them accountable, it’s equally essential to understand that even the best publicists can’t guarantee instant features. Media trends shift rapidly, and what was relevant yesterday may not be tomorrow.
Switching agencies repeatedly doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get better results—it often means you’re starting from scratch each time, forcing new teams to rebuild relationships and refine brand messaging all over again.
“Pitching takes TIME and PR is a luxury service. Evaluate it properly.”
Why PR is a Luxury Service
Public relations is an investment, not an expense. It requires time, strategy, and expertise to execute correctly. When done well, it results in long-term credibility, increased brand awareness, and organic media opportunities that money can’t buy.
Rather than seeking instant gratification, brands should trust the process, communicate with their PR teams, and allow time for strategies to unfold. PR success doesn’t come from constantly hitting “send” on pitches—it comes from thoughtful storytelling, authentic connections, and the right timing.
The Bottom Line
If you’re working with a publicist or agency, give them the chance to seed your story properly. Understand that PR isn’t magic—it’s strategy, persistence, and timing. And most importantly, don’t jump ship at the first sign of slow movement. Sometimes, the best placements take time to bloom. 🌱✨
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