Spilling the tea: PR lessons from the Love Island Villa

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Scottish PR experts get ready for a summer of fun using strategies from your favourite reality TV

The team at Holyrood PR share the top 5 public relations takeaways from hit reality TV series, Love Island.

TONIGHT, on Love Island; heads are turned, the newcomers get grafting and a relationship hits the rocks…

Just like the familiar Spanish villa, the PR landscape is full of drama, challenges and making meaningful connections. And similarly, to its contestants our team of PR experts are in it to win it, battling it out for public support, attention and ultimately engagement!

So, grab your sunnies and put on your best beachwear as its time to crack on and count down the top lessons to be learnt from our favourite sexy singles!


1 – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

The single mistake that sees many islanders fall at the first hurdle is focusing their attention exclusively on one person and shutting themselves off to other potential suitors.

It’s not uncommon for businesses to get trapped in a singular approach to PR, shutting themselves off from new and innovative ideas. Just as the contestants risk missing out on potential connections, companies too can miss out on exciting opportunities by sticking to the conventional PR path.

Taking risks can be daunting, both in love and business, but it’s often those bold moves that yield the best outcomes. So, why not break free from the confines of traditional PR strategies and venture outside your comfort zone? Embracing new and unconventional approaches might just lead to your business’s happily ever after.

Our PR experts curated a classic multi-disciplinary campaign covering media relations, visual communications, event/influencer management and social media (paid and earned):

Sizzling and spicy campaign delivers launch success for Thai restaurant


2. Can I pull you for a chat?

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful endeavour, be it flirtatious banter on the terrace or a professional client zoom call. Getting to know every detail of your partner is crucial, and delving into the intricacies of your client’s needs and preferences is essential for a strong relationship.

Love Island is the ultimate challenge of compatibility, with those who have showcased unwavering commitment through open and honest communication emerging victorious.

Similarly, in the world of PR maintaining a constant flow of conversation with clients is paramount to extract engaging and story-worthy information.

By actively engaging in meaningful dialogue, you can uncover valuable insights, preferences, and unique angles that have the potential to create captivating headlines and captivating narratives. Leveraging everyday client interactions can lead to impactful PR campaigns that capture attention and drive success.

Our Contact Reports (Con Reps) help drive constant communication with clients – find out more about the humble ConRep:

Forget Con Air – create your own business blockbuster with PR Con Reps


3. Be a bombshell

Each season, fans witness a recurring pattern in the villa. A new bombshell stirs up the dynamics, leading to the demise of existing couples. These bombshells aim to capture the attention of the islanders, generate buzz, and make a name for themselves.

In the world of PR, this strategy is considered a resounding success. To propel your clients into the media spotlight and secure extensive coverage, you must employ tactics that stand out from the crowd.

Just as the bombshells want to turn heads, PR professionals aim to do the same for their clients. Whether it’s introducing a unique perspective to an otherwise mundane story or presenting captivating PR photography, the objective is to grab attention and secure a victory.

Take it from Molly Mae

Stand out from the crowd and do things differently? Check out the amazing podcast campaign we delivered for Paths for All, featuring Edith Bowman:

National walking charity’s podcast is a smash hit, thanks to digital PR and social media experts


4. Don’t panic if a relationship hits the rocks

Love Island has consistently demonstrated that situations can take a turn for the worse in the blink of an eye. A seemingly innocent kiss on the balcony, a revealing challenge, or the infamous Casa Amor antics are just a few examples of how crises unfold within the villa.

Fortunately, with expert crisis communications services, there’s no need to panic. A proactive and skilfully executed response can help any client navigate the storm of media backlash.

Just as Ekin-Su showcased to the nation, it’s possible to bounce back from even the most challenging circumstances.

Through comprehensive training and adept navigation of public and media scrutiny, no crisis is too daunting. By implementing strategic crisis communication measures, clients can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of negative events, protecting their reputation and regaining public trust.

When Bupa Care Homes faced a reputational crisis our experts turned it into a massive opportunity:

Curry loving centenarian helps serve up a PR success story


5 – It’s time to recouple!

The anxiety-inducing words ring out, sending shivers down the spines of Love Island contestants as they gather around the firepit, awaiting the fateful announcement that could lead to someone’s departure from the villa.

In this critical moment, only one thing can save our islanders: coupling up. By forming new connections, they not only embark on exciting new journeys but also secure their place in the villa, garnering the support of the public.

In the realm of public relations, recoupling can take various forms. It may involve partnering with another brand or company to achieve a shared outcome, or collaborating with influencers to enhance social engagement.

Just as coupling up on Love Island strengthens contestants’ chances of staying in the game, forging meaningful partnerships in public relations can be a game-changer for your brand. It amplifies your reach, increases brand recognition, and elevates your overall standing in the industry.

Embrace the potential of strategic alliances and watch your brand thrive in new and exciting ways.

Find out how we coupled a campervan firm with a series of celebrity chefs to create a media and video success story:

Cooking up a storm in the back of a campervan


There are plenty of PR lessons to be learnt from Love Island, from concise communication to reputation management – and who better to implement these lessons than an award-winning public relations agency?

Offering services in media relations, PR photography, crisis communications, PR video, media training Digital PR, social media, influencer marketing and more it is safe to say the islanders would thrive under our watch.

So, with the hit reality series dominating headlines for another year, why not do the same for your business and take a leaf out of the islander handbook?

Are you looking to couple up with a Scottish PR agency and have the summer of a lifetime?

We’re a chatty bunch and we would love to hear from you. Simply give us a call on 0131 561 2244 or take a few minutes to fill in the form below and one of Scottish PR experts at Holyrood PR will get straight back to you:

Contact Form.