Emerging Public Relations (PR) trends, Part 1 — How to humanize your brand

Public relations (PR) is a term that conjures ideas of sharp-dressed, smooth-talking spokespeople answering press questions at podiums or a bustling conference room in damage control mode. But the truth is: that’s just the PR you see in TV and movies.

What is PR in real life? It’s an everyday tool companies use to actively set the tone about who they are and how they’re perceived by customers and the general public. And it can be used for strategic growth purposes or to help control the narrative in times of crisis.

In either case, according to Forbes, there are some new PR trends you should watch out for in 2024. And chief among them is using PR to humanize a brand. In other words, while you’re using PR to exercise more control of your public image, you can also give it a personal touch and add a human tone to your brand’s communications.?

Here are some tips for how you can stand out from the crowd and grab people’s attention while also fostering a genuine connection and showing the uniqueness of what you have to offer.

• Use a conversational tone, and keep it consistent. ?If you want the average person to get to know your company, talk to them as if you’re having a conversation. Keep it simple and direct, and be steady in tone, wording and the terms you use — just like you do in real life.

• Be genuine. Don’t try to pretend that your company is something it isn’t. You're offering something that has real value, and you believe in your products and services — so stick to that. Just be confident in being honest about who you are, how you work and what prospective customers can expect.?

• Leverage social media for awareness and connection. You want your personality to come through in your social posts, but make sure that every post is meaningful in some way. Even if it’s making followers laugh or feel good about their day, don’t forget to go beyond the clever and add value.

• Celebrating the big (and small) wins. Make your audience feel like they’re a part of your story. Share your achievements, and how you feel about them. It’s a great way to show that you’re a real person working with other real people to make customers happy.

• Use your platform to make positive impact. The stage you’ve built for yourself has value beyond day-to-day business purposes. Explore how you can put it to work to promote people who are doing good in the world. Start by seeking charitable partnerships that are aligned with your brand or personal interests.

The world of PR today is far removed from yesterday’s formal and rigid way of communicating. And that’s a good thing! Your customers and prospects are flooded with information, so making your brand seem more approachable and relatable is a great way to stand out and be outstanding.?

Want help with humanizing your brand?

Let’s talk! You can reach me at [email protected], and you can learn more about my company at www.rosarium.work.

Thank you for reading!