When someone searches for “public relations examples,” they are usually not looking for a complex technical definition. What they want are real stories: what a brand did, what problem it faced, what PR action it implemented, and what results it achieved.
That is exactly what we will explore in this article: iconic cases, highly creative recent campaigns — both within the B2C sector — and B2B examples backed by measurable results. The goal is to give you a practical framework to better understand the scope of public relations or, why not, inspire your next strategy and success story.
What makes a good public relations example valuable?
Before diving into the cases, it is worth clarifying something: a strong PR example is not just “a beautiful campaign.”
Behind it, there is usually:
- a clear objective (reputation, visibility, brand values, or customer acquisition)
- a defined audience and a well-understood context
- a story connected to real actions, not just a slogan
And in most cases, it is part of a broader public relations plan. This means that, instead of being an isolated action, it becomes part of a larger brand strategy.
Remember: PR is NOT the same as advertising or marketing
Keep in mind that public relations is not designed to sell directly, but to influence perception, build reputation, generate organic conversation, and connect brands with their audiences through third parties: media outlets, opinion leaders, communities, or strategic alliances. That is the key difference you will see reflected in each case below.
Successful public relations examples that made headlines worldwide
These public relations examples are frequently referenced because they perfectly demonstrate what the discipline can achieve when creativity, context, and purpose come together.
1. Burger King – “Order from McDonald’s”
At the height of the pandemic, Burger King France publicly encouraged people to order food from… McDonald’s and other competitors. The message was not focused on immediate sales, but on supporting the restaurant industry during a critical moment.
The campaign went viral, generated headlines around the world, and positioned Burger King as an empathetic and bold brand willing to prioritize the industry over rivalry.
2. Aeroméxico – “DNA Discounts” (H3)
Aeroméxico invited U.S. residents who distrusted Mexico to take a DNA test. The percentage of Mexican ancestry they had translated into an equivalent discount on flights. The campaign video combined humor, identity, and a message against prejudice.
The result: millions of views, global media coverage, and a significant increase in bookings from certain regions. A perfect example of how public relations connects social conversation with business objectives.
3. Dove – #KeepTheGrey (H3)
After a Canadian TV host was allegedly fired for wearing her natural gray hair, Dove launched the #KeepTheGrey campaign to denounce ageism and sexism. The company changed its logo to gray and encouraged women to upload grayscale photos of themselves.
The initiative generated hundreds of media mentions, high levels of conversation, and reinforced Dove’s image as a champion of real beauty. A case where the brand did not just “talk about values,” but activated them through public relations.
4. Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s touch-up during the Super Bowl (H3)
During her halftime show performance, Rihanna took a few seconds to touch up her makeup with a Fenty Beauty compact in front of more than 100 million viewers. It was not a traditional commercial, but a gesture seamlessly integrated into the show.
Searches for the brand skyrocketed, and social media conversation turned that small moment into a massive global showcase. Another great PR example where a simple but well-executed action became more powerful than an expensive advertising spot.
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Public relations examples that combine creativity and virality
For several years now, public relations campaigns have increasingly taken place in digital environments. That is why it is worth looking at cases designed specifically for social media, digital culture, and authentic audience engagement.
5. Grupo Bimbo – #MexicoWithoutPlastic
In 2025, Grupo Bimbo launched #MexicoWithoutPlastic, a public relations campaign that went beyond environmental messaging. Instead of simply communicating commitment, the company activated real actions: partnerships with NGOs and government authorities, workshops in schools, educational materials, and visible changes at points of sale to reduce single-use plastics.
The campaign succeeded because it combined measurable actions with a relatable and citizen-focused storytelling approach. This public relations example strengthened Bimbo’s reputation as a responsible brand, brought a global issue closer to millions of people, and demonstrated that sustainability can be communicated authentically — without empty promises.
6. Solo Stove – “Snoop Dogg goes smokeless”
Snoop Dogg announced on social media that he was “giving up smoke,” sparking global speculation. Days later, he revealed he was actually referring to Solo Stove’s smokeless fire pit, officially becoming the brand’s “Chief Smokesman.”
The previously lesser-known brand suddenly became part of the global conversation, generating headlines and memes everywhere. A PR case where the teaser, creative twist, and right spokesperson did most of the heavy lifting.
7. Barbie x Oaxaca – Cultural co-creation with global impact
In 2023, Barbie introduced a collection inspired by Oaxacan textile art, created alongside local designers and artisans while ensuring visibility and recognition for their work. The story was amplified through interviews, documentary-style content, and coverage in fashion and culture media outlets, extending the narrative from Mexico to the world.
The success came from authenticity: it was not cultural appropriation, but genuine collaboration. This public relations example showed how a global brand can generate positive conversation when it works with cultural sensitivity, builds a human-centered narrative, and places creators at the center of the message.
8. LEGO – Toy MRI scanners
LEGO created and donated MRI scanner models made from its iconic bricks so hospitalized children could become familiar with the equipment before undergoing actual medical scans.
Media outlets highlighted how play helped reduce children’s fear during the process. The brand reinforced its reputation as an ally to childhood beyond entertainment. This PR example demonstrates how the strongest narratives often emerge from genuinely helping people.
B2B public relations examples with measurable impact
So far, we have looked at highly visible campaigns. Now let’s move into the B2B space, where public relations is often connected to SEO, lead generation, and technical authority.
9. Identity verification technology company
A company specializing in identity verification wanted to position itself as a leader in regulatory compliance. It combined interviews in specialized media outlets, optimized articles, and a strategic link building campaign.
The result: more than 150 publications, sustained growth in referral traffic, and a strong reputation among regulators and corporate clients. In this case, PR became a direct driver of credibility and business growth.
10. Cold chain transportation company
A leading cold chain transportation company sought to strengthen its leadership position across Latin America. The strategy focused on a narrative centered around innovation and sustainability, supported by presence in specialized media outlets, buzz marketing initiatives, and social media activity.
The campaign generated dozens of published pieces of content and more than 36,000 interactions, consolidating the company’s image as a regional leader in logistics and smart mobility.
11. Large-format printing company
This printing brand had a strong presence at specialized trade shows, but limited digital impact. Through digital public relations, optimized content, and coverage in niche media outlets, the company successfully amplified each event participation.
The accumulated reach surpassed 650,000 people and strengthened the company’s positioning as a leader in customization and industrial design. In this case, PR acted as a bridge between the physical trade show environment and online visibility.
12. Global technology infrastructure company
A global company elevated its regional vice president as a thought leader. The strategy focused on specialized content and distribution through LinkedIn and X.
The executive increased his social selling index by 25 points and reached nearly one million users, strengthening the company’s digital authority in sectors such as energy, construction, and telecommunications. A B2B case where strategic spokesperson positioning translated into business opportunities.
What these public relations cases have in common
If you look closely at all these public relations campaigns, you will notice clear patterns:
- Defined purpose: the goal is not simply to generate noise, but to change perception, defend a cause, or support a business strategy.
- Human stories: there are almost always people at the center — customers, patients, artisans, employees, or spokespeople.
- Digital integration: traditional media + social media + search engines + content. These are not isolated actions.
- Measurement: whether through bookings, impressions, traffic, engagement, or reputation, there are indicators demonstrating impact.
If you are looking for inspiration to design your own campaign, remember that the goal is not to copy large-brand public relations examples, but to understand the logic behind them: read the context carefully, identify an authentic story, and amplify it strategically.
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FAQS
1. What are public relations and what is an example?
According to the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), public relations is “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” One example is Dove’s #KeepTheGrey campaign, which aimed to challenge ageism and sexism after a TV presenter was allegedly dismissed for wearing her natural gray hair.
2. How is a strong PR campaign different from a simple advertising action?
An advertising action is primarily focused on driving direct sales. A strong public relations campaign works on reputation, trust, and long-term conversation. It relies on media outlets, spokespeople, and credible content, and its success is measured through strategic visibility, perception, influence, and support for areas such as marketing and sales.
3. How can I start creating my own public relations success stories?
Start by defining what you want to change or strengthen: reputation, digital discoverability, authority, or trust. From there, develop a story aligned with your brand, choose the right channels, and establish metrics from the beginning. A specialized partner can help transform your ideas into a comprehensive and measurable public relations strategy.
