The Sprout PR

[ Case Study ]

Von Baer: Crafting a Digital Legacy for a Heritage Luxury Brand

Von Baer is a luxury leather goods brand rooted in Italian craftsmanship and based in Tallinn, Estonia. Known for full-grain leather accessories that combine timeless design with modern functionality, the brand stands out for its sustainability, personalization, and transparency.

Sprout PR partnered with founder Albert Varkki to elevate Von Baer’s digital visibility — transforming its heritage story into a powerful online identity that mirrors the brand’s quality and authenticity.

Campaign Duration: 11 Months
Pieces of Coverage: 35 Domain Authority: 45
Estimated Views: 98K

The Challenge

Though Von Baer’s products exuded craftsmanship and sophistication, its digital presence lagged behind its physical quality. The brand’s online experience lacked the richness and exclusivity of its leather goods — a serious concern for discerning global consumers accustomed to seamless, luxury-level storytelling.

Key Barriers:

  • Craftsmanship Gap – Difficulty translating tactile craftsmanship into an immersive digital experience.

  • Audience Reach – Limited connection with affluent global consumers through modern digital channels.

  • Market Clutter – Risk of blending into the crowded e-commerce landscape of generic leather brands.

Without a digital identity that reflected its heritage, Von Baer risked losing visibility and credibility in the luxury space.

The Strategy

Sprout PR designed a multi-phase strategy to transform Von Baer’s reputation online:

  • Phase 1: Build credibility through niche luxury journalists and digital media outlets open to covering emerging craftsmanship brands.

  • Phase 2: Develop tailored narratives around sustainability, timeless design, and modern heritage.

  • Phase 3: Use early coverage momentum to secure placements in top-tier international media such as Forbes, Business Insider, and HuffPost.

  • Phase 4: Strengthen digital authority through consistent PR backlinks, SEO integration, and long-term brand visibility.

The goal: ensure Von Baer’s story of authenticity and craftsmanship reached high-value audiences where they research, read, and buy.

The Execution

Sprout PR identified journalists and influencers across luxury, lifestyle, and business verticals, crafting targeted pitches that positioned Von Baer as a modern heritage brand.

Through consistent media outreach and data-driven storytelling, Von Baer secured coverage in:

  • Forbes

  • HuffPost

  • Business Insider

  • Vogue Business

  • The Independent

  • The Washington Post

Each placement was strategically tied to digital PR goals — enhancing backlinks, domain authority, and organic discoverability — while strengthening the brand’s image as a trusted global luxury player.

The Results

The campaign produced tangible visibility and authority gains:

MetricBeforeAfter
Media MentionsMinimal coverage35+ features in tier-one & niche luxury media
Search PresenceLow visibility; weak domain authorityStrong SEO authority (DA 45) with organic rankings
Brand DiscoverabilityDepended on paid ads or direct linksBuyers now find credible third-party stories and reviews
Website TrafficLimited global reachSignificant organic growth across UK, US, Italy & Germany

Von Baer now appears on the first page of Google, backed by reputable media features that validate its craftsmanship and values. Organic search and inbound inquiries grew, reducing reliance on paid ads and boosting brand trust.

The Impact

The transformation extended beyond coverage metrics.

Von Baer evolved from a digitally-invisible artisan brand into a recognized luxury label with global credibility. The consistent PR narrative created enduring visibility across Europe and the U.S., positioning Von Baer as a serious contender among heritage luxury names.

Founder Albert Varkki became a visible thought-leader in sustainable craftsmanship, receiving interview invitations, partnership offers, and opportunities to expand his content presence, including the launch of his YouTube channel.

Client Testimonial
“The coverage wasn’t just about seeing our name in big outlets; it changed how people found us. Now, when someone searches Von Baer, they see independent stories that reflect our craftsmanship and values.

Sprout PR got us into Forbes, Business Insider, and more — opening doors I never imagined. With their help, we’re building a brand people believe in: timeless, honest, and true to its word.”
Albert Varkki, Founder & CFO of Von Baer

Conclusion

By aligning Von Baer’s rich heritage with a modern digital PR strategy, Sprout PR turned an under-the-radar European label into a globally recognized luxury brand. The campaign exemplifies how thoughtful storytelling, strategic media outreach, and data-driven PR can elevate legacy craftsmanship into the digital age — crafting a brand presence as timeless as the products themselves.