Stay Ahead of the Game: PR trends for your strategies in 2023

We have often heard the adage, “Change is the only constant in life,” from Heraclitus, the famous Greek philosopher. This rings true in every aspect of life, including our profession. As someone who has worked in the field of PR and Communications for almost two decades, I have experienced the industry’s progression first-hand. In the past, the spotlight was on print media, and everything revolved around it. However, with the advent of the online medium and then the pandemic, this field has constantly been adapting to new ways by combining traditional tools like press releases, events, and ambassadors with more recent mechanisms such as mobile communication, blogs, social media, collaborating with influencers etc. This blending of old and new has given PR practitioners a sharper definition of their role and purpose.

It has indeed become imperative to keep track of the changing pulse of PR and stay updated on the hot trends, to shape up the brand’s perception. Hence, today, let me share four PR trends that will help you remain on top of the game:

1. Straightforward brand messaging 

When developing a PR strategy, one must focus on simplifying the brand messaging. Consider basing it on the acronym CAP (not formal), which means concise and consistent, appealing, and precise. However, always be mindful that your message should resonate with your target audience. Consequently, if the brand language permits, communication professionals should also attempt to employ visuals and videos to deliver the message. By following this simple formula, businesses can effectively share their value proposition with their core demographics and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

2. Leveraging Micro-Influencers

The value of influencer marketing is widely known. In recent years, working with social media specialists has helped brands reach a larger audience and draw in new customers. This type of marketing can also be valuable when combined with public relations (PR), as it helps to establish credibility and trust while acting as social proof. This is primarily since their followers view them as objective, which raises their credibility.

However, in this shifting environment, it has also become crucial to concentrate on micro-influencers who are becoming more well-known and who may significantly benefit a company’s marketing operations. Micro-influencers, who have an audience of 1,000 to 10,000 followers compared to well-known influencers, are highly regarded in their field and, as a result, continuously maintain strong engagement rates with their audiences. As a result, working with them can help you save money, increase brand recognition, and develop relationships with future customers. According to a Hubspot survey, 82% of respondents stated they were likely to buy a product recommended by a micro-influencer. As a result, businesses can collaborate with them for product reviews, provide product details, or promote to their social groups to capitalise on their fame. Implement this marketing strategy, though, only after, you’ve chosen the right influencer for your company.

3. Increased use of AI

The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses has and will only increase in the coming years. Communications specialists, too, have leveraged it to their advantage to obtain pertinent information, which has assisted in augmenting the efficiency and effectiveness of PR campaigns. For example, Google Analytics is frequently used to analyse media coverage and customer sentiment. Similarly, various AI tools are also being used to identify and utilise the latest trends to amplify the campaigns. In addition, organisations are also enhancing customer assistance and interaction with chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI.

Thus, to keep up with the rapid changes in the business landscape, the use of AI-powered tools in communications can help businesses gain valuable insights, improve messaging, and target the right audience. So, don’t shy away from exploring this new medium and the related technological advances while also remembering that AI should be used as a supplement to traditional PR methods, not a replacement.

4. Empathy

Empathy has become a critical element in PR, especially in 2023. Today, consumers expect brands to be socially aware and demonstrate concern for social and environmental issues. Therefore, it is essential for brands to position themselves as sympathetic and responsible and to convey this through their messaging when developing a successful PR campaign. Ultimately, empathy is key to building brand trust and loyalty in today’s socially conscious landscape.

PR and communications are ever-evolving fields. However, adapting to the change and following the new-age PR trends by blending them with old strategies will enhance brand perception, awareness, and reputation. But stay authentic and stay ahead of the game.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the author’s organisation or the publisher.

Geetika Bangia

Geetika Bangia is a story teller and true believer in story living professional with 18+ years of experience in the industries such as consumer durables, auto motives and healthcare. Geetika is a performance driven Communications leader offering rich & prolific exposure in the realm of PR, Corporate Communications, CRM and mitigation of Crisis Management, who has strengthened the core of business that I have been associated with and delivered the objective of connecting the brand to its target audience.