In recent years, we have seen a surge of new tools and techniques that have transformed the way we approach PR. At Cobb PR, we know how crucial it is to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. Here are some of the current and emerging trends and technologies that our clients have been loving, and some that are shaping the future of PR:
Podcasts
Podcasts have exploded in popularity recently and have become a valuable tool for PR. In fact, it seems every other conversation we have with our clients is about whether or not we can help them make a podcast – and the answer is always yes! Podcasts offer a unique opportunity for brands to tell their stories and connect with audiences in an intimate and authentic way. PR and marketing professionals should be leveraging podcasts to promote brands and products and to position themselves as thought leaders and experts in their fields, plus it makes great added content for a blog.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As we discussed in our previous blog post, AI is revolutionising the way that everyone is working. Although (in our opinion) it is currently lacking in exciting and creative content, AI-powered tools have been helping PR professionals in a variety of ways, such as automating media monitoring, analysing social media data, and even predicting future trends. There’s no doubt that AI will become a huge part of our lives in the coming years if it’s not already!
Data Analytics
Data and PR now go hand in hand. With the explosion of digital media, PR professionals have access to more data than ever before. We also have a fab sister digital marketing agency that can really help us and our clients get into the depths of data and help us measure the impact of campaigns, identify new opportunities, and make more informed decisions to help our clients. PR truly has become so much more than pen and paper.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is by no means a new concept, but it has become a critical component of PR in recent years. The rise of social media has created a new generation of influencers who have built massive followings and wield significant sway over their audiences.
Additionally, we are beginning to see the rise of ‘Virtual Influencers’, a computer-generated character or persona that is designed to engage with social media audiences, promote brands, and provide content in a similar way that a human influencer would.
Virtual influencers can be programmed to engage in activities similar to those of human influencers, such as creating sponsored content, collaborating with brands, and building a following. They can also be designed to appeal to specific audiences and demographics, which can make them an effective marketing tool for brands looking to reach a particular segment of the market.
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While virtual influencers are a relatively new concept, they have gained popularity in recent years and are increasingly being used by brands as a marketing tool. Although they may not have the same authentic feeling as human influencers, brands such as Marc Jacobs, Samsung and Prada have been leveraging them and the virtual industry is growing at a rapid speed as big brands continue to invest in them.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality are opening up new possibilities for PR and marketing professionals. Brands can now create immersive experiences that transport audiences to different worlds, allowing them to interact with products and services in new and exciting ways. This technology is being used to create virtual events, product demos, and even virtual showrooms, providing a new level of engagement for audiences. These types of virtual experiences have already made their way to large trade show events and no doubt we will see them increasingly more as they gain popularity.
Emerging technologies and trends are transforming the way we approach PR, and we continue to research new and exciting ways to help our clients reach their potential. Get in touch with us today to discuss all the ways we can help you amplify your marketing strategy, or even just to chat through new ideas.
