The impact of emerging technologies on branding and public relations
We can't run from tech, so we'd need to embrace it - yes, even the PR industry. Here are some ways emerging tech is changing the PR landscape.
Technology has permeated almost all facets of business, including the PR industry. Since almost everything is digital now, a company's reputation strongly depends on what's occurring online, and naturally, public relations strategies today are entirely different from those of a decade ago.
Here are some ways emerging tech has and will continue impacting the public relations sector.
AI in branding and public relations
The use of AI in branding and public relations is expected to increase, as AI algorithms can be used to collect and analyze data, identify trends and insights, and personalize content and experiences for audiences.
The only businesses that can stay on top of the wave and satisfy client needs are those that completely embrace new technology.
The media is the central focus of PR. In the past, this often entailed monitoring the media like newspapers, radio programs, and television to see what the general public is saying about your brand.
Influencer marketing can be a particularly effective way to improve a brand’s presence and help with sales. However, it can be difficult to find the right influencer or brand ambassador.
Enter data-driven platforms such as Upfluence, which uses AI across multiple services such as quickly understanding the campaign's goals and then provide a list of specifications to discover eligible applicants.
Additionally, businesses can use AI to track news stories, analyze news stories, and track social media posts. AI helps with coverage monitoring, finding trends, and evaluating the tone of online discussions. Some examples of platforms offering such services include Cision and Meltwater.
Cloud computing and public relations
The growth of cloud computing has enabled many businesses to store and access large amounts of data and to collaborate with their team and partners more easily without needing to spend too much time and money.
Businesses may switch to internet-based voice and data communication that use cloud communication, allowing employees to use services like real-time chat, video conferences, and even incorporate 'virtual whiteboards' that emulate real life whiteboards – a feature that's often crucial for collaborative processes such as brainstorming.
When it comes to collaboration and data access, shared hosting and communications services are all situated on the cloud.
The following are some examples of the range and possibilities of cloud computing:
- Google Docs - Users may access work spreadsheets and presentations saved on the cloud whenever they need to, from any place, or on any device, which can increase their productivity.
- Email, Calendar, Slack - These make use of the cloud's capacity to give users remote data accessibility so they may access their private information on any device, at any time, and from any location.
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams - These are cloud-based video and audio conferencing platforms that enable users to record meetings and save them out there, so they can view them from anywhere at any time.
- Canva Teams – When it comes to branding, marketing and media teams, Canva helps workers cut down on time with a huge database of pre-designed templates that caters to all sorts of media needs. Users can collaborate in real time on media tasks, and businesses can easily share and access tools like brand kits or visual guides to ensure consistency across all organizational media and documents.
Blockchain technology and public relations
Web3 technologies, such as blockchain, provide new ways for businesses to connect with their audience and build trust and credibility.
PR experts use blockchain technology to monitor media coverage, provide new data for analysis, and more accurately evaluate the success of campaigns.
PR experts may also use blockchain technology to confirm if a potential customer actually read an article or viewed an advertisement for their company. It entails putting the material in "blocks" accessible to anyone who wants to view it.
It enables companies to precisely track where their titles showed, how many users saw them, where they were positioned on the homepage, and what other content was standing alongside them.
Metaverse and public relations
The development of the metaverse, or virtual reality, is expected to change the way businesses engage with their audience and create immersive brand experiences.
This new format of gathering, talking, networking, and educating has benefits for public relations as a field in the future.
The possibilities for virtual meet-and-greets, podcasts, and interviews with "live" audiences are just a few of the possibilities that are now achievable.
Overall, the impact of AI, cloud, web3, and the metaverse on branding and public relations is significant. Businesses need to stay up to date with these technologies in order to remain competitive and effective in their marketing efforts.
Understanding the interaction between technology and PR is essential since it will continue to evolve, and PR professionals will move their businesses and themselves forward by understanding that technology is meant to help, not hinder.
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