The Effect of AI on the Future of Public Relations

In the world of public relations, our ultimate mission has always been clear: deliver the right message to the right people at the right time. But let’s face it; the game has changed dramatically in our digital age. Gone are the days when we relied solely on print media and traditional storytelling to connect with our audiences. As technology surges forward, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era for PR, transforming how we strategise, create content and engage with our target demographics. It’s not just a buzzword; AI has become an indispensable ally in modern public relations.

While the acceptance of AI in our field may have been gradual, its role has become undeniable. AI is now a cornerstone in helping brands navigate the complex landscape of audience engagement. It’s remarkable how AI swiftly tracks and analyses media impressions, providing invaluable insights to shape our strategies. Businesses that have harnessed AI for research, strategy formulation, data analysis and impact assessment are on the fast track to growth. With most of our audience immersed in the digital realm, AI acts as a bridge, seamlessly connecting our brands with this vast, digitally savvy demographic.

Let’s dive into the ways AI is transforming the future of PR.

The Rise of Data-Driven PR: AI systems excel at handling, analysing, and evaluating the data critical for successful promotional and marketing endeavours. They effortlessly monitor customers and competitors in the digital space, making tasks like creating media lists, distributing press releases, and tracking media activities a breeze. This not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of our work but also frees up time for strategic thinking and creativity. Tools like AI and data analysis platforms such as Google Analytics and Hootsuite empower PR professionals by providing insights into web traffic, user behaviour, and audience demographics, allowing us to fine-tune strategies and measure success.

AI and Automation Transforming PR: As AI and automation continue to reshape various industries, PR is no exception. According to a report by Technavio, the AR (Augmented Reality) market value is set to grow by $163 billion from 2020 to 2025. AI-powered tools, including chatbots and predictive analytics are making PR professionals work smarter. They can craft compelling press releases, curate targeted media lists and monitor social media for brand mentions, all while optimising time and resources. Generative AI not only saves time but also lays a strong foundation for our content. Human connection remains vital in storytelling, and AI enhances the efficiency and quality of videos, audios, and written content, enabling brands to deliver highly personalised messages tailored to their audience’s specific needs and interests.

Sentiment Analysis and Social Listening: AI-driven tools offer powerful insights into customer perceptions, a boon for PR campaigns. We can now adapt brand messages and communication strategies in real-time to engage the public more effectively. This ability to monitor sentiment and respond promptly is a game-changer in reputation management.

Time Savings and Efficiency: AI significantly reduces the time needed to plan a campaign. Audience research becomes simpler, and content development gains a head start. By leveraging AI, businesses can streamline operations, freeing up human resources for more strategic tasks. AI-powered solutions span a wide range of opportunities, from content creation to data management, and even crisis communication assistance.

Crisis Management’s Growing Importance: In our digital age, crises can erupt at any time, and the speed of information dissemination is astonishing. A study by Deloitte Insights reveals that nearly 60 percent of crisis management executives believe organisations face more crises today than a decade ago. To safeguard their reputation, companies must respond swiftly and effectively, with well-prepared crisis management plans.

By embracing the immense potential of AI in PR, we blur the boundaries between technology and imagination. PR strategies that incorporate AI are redefining the realm of possibilities in our increasingly digitalised environment. As long as AI continues to support PR from the backend, our industry is poised for unprecedented growth, thanks to the collaborative efforts of talented professionals. By embracing AI-enabled software and technology, public relations and communications can become more effective, productive, and time-efficient in achieving their objectives.


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

Akshaara Lalwani
Founder & CEO, Communicate India

At an age when most 20-year olds are still undecided over what career to choose, a 23-year-old Akshaara founded Communicate India as a home-grown Indian public relations consultancy. Her journey began with a mere INR 10000, of which half the amount were gift vouchers for a printer, given to her by friends. Since then, over the last seven years, Akshaara has built a firm that is a force to reckon with. Today she has over 100 employees and works with MNCs and Blue-Chip companies including Hershey’s, Mindshare, SKF Bearings and The World Bank, among others.

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