The Evolution of PR: Does it Still Work?

Ever pondered the origins of public perceptions about PR? The 90s/early 2000s pop culture depicted it as lavish champagne lunches and glitzy product launches. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has transformed. Digital media, SEO, and targeted social media ads raise questions about PR’s relevance. However, the shift in media dynamics has only made PR more versatile.

The historical portrayal of PR in pop culture is far from accurate in today’s world. While digital media and technology have reshaped the media landscape, traditional PR activities remain vital. The synergy between traditional and digital PR strategies has made campaigns more creative and technical than ever.

Here are five reasons why PR remains relevant in 2024:

1. Media Consumption Habits: A 2024 eMarketer survey reveals that the UK population spends over 6 hours on digital media and 4 hours on traditional media daily. PR allows brands to reach their audience across various media outlets.

2. Credibility Boost: PR builds credibility by having unbiased third-party media outlets speak positively about a brand. Research shows that decision-makers prefer information through articles, enhancing a brand’s reputation.

3. Backlink Building: Digital PR campaigns contribute to high-quality backlinks, a crucial factor in SEO. Incorporating relevant links in press releases and outreach articles helps improve a site’s visibility and ranking on Google.

4. PR and Social Media Synergy: Social media and PR campaigns complement each other. A well-executed PR stunt can go viral on social media, amplifying its impact. Social media enhances PR efforts in sharing information and building brand trust.

5. Content Is Key: Original content, including blogs, thought leadership articles, and case studies, plays a crucial role in PR. B2B companies with blogs generate more leads, and our PR team excels in producing impactful content that influences customer purchasing decisions.

As an integrated agency, our PR and SEO teams collaborate to create keyword-rich articles, increasing web traffic and providing more opportunities for leads and sales. If you’re ready to elevate your brand, consider a PR campaign. Reach out to us for a conversation about how PR can work for you.