by Jamie Izaks, President at All Points Public Relations

Your 2025 franchise development awareness and lead generation strategy should now be in full swing. If you laid the groundwork early, you’re likely already seeing the benefits: increased brand awareness, higher engagement and stronger franchisee interest. A proactive, well-planned approach is the key to keeping your brand top of mind year after year. However, if your 2025 efforts feel scattered or reactive, it may be a warning sign that your planning process needs an overhaul. Here’s how to get back on track and make a meaningful impact, no matter where you stand.

The Hallmarks of a Strong Strategy

Because of the third-party validation, brand narrative and return on investment it offers, public relations (PR) is often the foundation of thoroughly planned franchise development marketing efforts. Beyond the earned media placements PR fosters, it provides a pathway to tell a compelling brand franchise development story that reflects values and vision across a collection of integrated PR channels. Thoughtful planning, creativity and a commitment to that story will drive qualified franchisees to your brand and amplify your exposure. Your brand story, in turn, should reflect your franchise goals, whether it’s increasing franchisee leads or establishing your reputation as an industry leader.

As mentioned, an effective strategy takes a 360-degree integrated approach, ensuring all PR channels work together seamlessly to convey the franchising value proposition. This means advancing PR efforts and carrying the compelling franchise storyline into social media, content marketing, digital marketing and more.

Timing is everything. The best franchise development strategies are planned well in advance, with the first stage taking shape in the early parts of the third quarter of the year, when creative brainstorming is in full swing. From there, ideas are transformed into strategies by late-October – PR plans formalized, content marketing and social media calendarized and paid advertising budgeted for the year ahead. This timeline sets up proactive planning that secures effective franchise development lead generation and positioning.

What to Do If You’re Late to the Game

So, what happens if you didn’t start 2025 with an effective plan? Thankfully, there’s still time to make an impact. Focus your efforts on the second half of the year by developing comprehensive strategies for July through December. Even a late start can build momentum—just focus on high-impact initiatives that deliver results fast and set you up well for next year.

When time is of the essence, prioritize low-hanging fruit. Public relations offers opportunities to present your concept to qualified audiences. The quickest way to gain traction with PR is through newsjacking and trendjacking to position your franchise as relevant and forward-thinking. Another strategy that can be used as low-hanging fruit is to ensure that your strategy aligns with the year’s trade show schedules and that you are actively contacting trade show attendee lists pre- and post-show about your franchise investment. A third option for quick dividends is to lean into franchise development digital campaigns, although a late-in-the-year start to channels such as Google Ads will challenge building significant momentum and campaign learning to hone in as effectively as possible on your idea candidates.

Even when starting late, don’t forget to consider all bases of your marketing strategy, ensuring that you address earned, owned and paid strategic tactics. By focusing on quick wins and maximizing opportunities that don’t require significant lead time, you can bring together your strategy and build momentum for the months ahead.

2025 Integrated PR Franchise Development Trends to Watch

Regardless of where you are in your 2025 PR strategy— whether you’re reevaluating or riding the high of a job well done— these are the emerging marketing trends you should be aware of this year.

1. AI-Generated Social Media Content
   The capacity for quality AI-generated marketing content in 2025 has increased exponentially. Franchise brands can use AI to generate copy for social media posts and even to generate graphics and videos. Tools like Canva’s Magic Design and Adobe’s Firefly model can speed up your content creation process, streamlining your marketing consistency while hooking new leads with eye-catching visuals and emotionally-relevant copy.
2. Using AI in CRMs
   In addition to using AI for substantial content creation, franchisors should explore how AI can enhance campaign effectiveness by using it in customer relationship management. For instance, infusing AI chat bots into your website or using AI to automate messages in your current CRM software means that potential leads can have their questions answered 24/7. Incorporating AI in your CRM will help personalize your messaging for each lead, provide nonstop customer service and move franchise inquiries through the pipeline more quickly.
3. LinkedIn Brand Newsletters
   LinkedIn remains a powerhouse for franchisors looking to establish credibility. Franchise brand pages in coordination with c-suite executive accounts should use the platform in concert to share expertise, engage in industry discussions and attract potential franchisees. One way to do this in 2025 is with a LinkedIn brand newsletter, which goes beyond thought leadership posts to land consistently in the LinkedIn feeds of potential franchisees, boosting your engagement.

An impactful PR strategy starts with early and thorough planning. By setting clear goals, integrating multiple media channels and staying ahead of industry trends, franchisors can position their brands for long-term success. Whether you’re planning for 2026 or playing catch-up in 2025, the key is to approach your marketing with intention and creativity.

Jamie Izaks is the President of All Points Public Relations, a franchise-focused integrated PR agency based in Chicago, www.allpointspr.com.