This week’s curated list of articles that explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the PR and Corporate Comms world from around the globe. Stay informed and stay relevant.
Happy exploring over the weekend!
AI in Corporate Communications and Marketing
- Consumers Aren’t That Comfortable with Brands’ Use of AI in Advertising
(Marketing Charts): Research shows consumers are uneasy about AI in advertising, especially replacing human ambassadors with virtual ones. About 51% of respondents are uncomfortable with AI-generated virtual influencers. This discomfort highlights a gap between technological advancements and consumer acceptance.
- Meta Will Enable Influencers To Create AI Versions of Themselves
(Social Media Today): Meta's "AI Studio" allows Instagram creators to make AI versions of themselves to interact with fans via DM. These AI bots, marked with a stars icon and disclaimers, aim to enhance fan engagement. However, it raises questions about authenticity and user experience.
- The AI bear trap: when thought leadership becomes thought laggardship
(Edelman): AI is transformative but not a magic solution for B2B thought leadership. Many companies face pitfalls when replacing human roles with AI. A tech editor's team was replaced by generative AI, highlighting challenges in maintaining quality and originality in AI-generated content.
- 7 of the Best AI Image Generators for Creators and Marketers + Example Images
(Buffer): Buffer tested various AI image generators, finding them fun and effective for creating unique visuals. The article reviews how these tools work, their costs, and performance on specific prompts. AI image generators are praised for their creativity and potential in content creation.
Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
- Top 10 Benefits of Publishing a Press Release
(PR Newswire): Despite numerous digital tools available, the press release remains a cornerstone of PR strategy. It provides credibility, visibility, and an official narrative for companies. Press releases help reach a wide audience, garner media coverage, and support marketing and PR campaigns effectively.
- Five things journalists hate to see in a pitch
(Influence): Journalists receive countless pitches, and certain mistakes can lead to automatic rejection. Common peeves include irrelevant pitches, lack of news value, overhyping, poor timing, and follow-up harassment. Avoiding these errors can improve the chances of getting media coverage.
- Study Shows Top Concerns, Common Tasks, Average Salaries for PR Professionals
(PR Say): Muck Rack's State of PR report reveals PR professionals feel valued but face challenges like resource limitations and journalist responses. AI integration is increasingly important, with strategic planning as a priority. The report provides insights into the evolving PR landscape.
B2B Marketing Challenges
- Too many discussions in B2B marketing begin with: “You’re doing it wrong”
(Sword and the Script): B2B marketing struggles often stem from internal issues such as poor differentiation, inadequate measurement, and low budgets. New marketing hires frequently criticize existing strategies. The article suggests focusing on clear, data-driven approaches to overcome these challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Is The Shifting Media Landscape Changing How Consumers Are Being Influenced
? (Institute for PR): Business success relies on influencing consumers, which is increasingly challenging in a fragmented media landscape. A study by HUNTER explores factors influencing purchase decisions, highlighting the importance of understanding media channels. The rise of digital platforms and social media has transformed consumer influence.
- The Worst Branding Blunders of the AI Era – So Far
(Fast Company): ?Many brands are eager to showcase their AI capabilities, but rushing to incorporate AI can backfire. Toys “R” Us's AI-generated video was intended to impress but was widely criticized as creepy and disrespectful to human creatives. Fast Company's Jeff Beer called it an "abomination."
Reputation Management and Crisis Management
- Silence Speaks Volumes: Surge in Nonresponses Signals Shift in Media Relations
(PR Say): The phrase "did not respond to a request for comment" is more common in news stories. With the rise of social media, organizations prefer controlled messaging via owned media over engaging with journalists. This trend reflects a shift in media relations and crisis communication strategies.
- How Communicators Can Help Manage Disinformation in the Workplace
(Institute for PR): The Institute for PR's study advises communicators on managing election disinformation. It distinguishes disinformation (intentional deception) from misinformation (unintentional errors) and provides strategies for handling both. Understanding the science behind disinformation is crucial for effective communication.
- Asking a journalist for a correction 101
(PR Moment): Requesting corrections from journalists requires tact. Mistakes in coverage can affect client satisfaction, so handling correction requests delicately is vital. The article offers best practices for approaching journalists, ensuring accuracy while maintaining good relations.
Branding and Graphic Design
- The Silent Communicator: The Importance of Graphic Design
(Forbes Councils): Graphic design is essential in branding, acting as a company's visual voice. It conveys brand identity and values, cuts through digital noise, and creates memorable impressions. Understanding design principles is crucial for PR and marketing success, ensuring messages resonate with audiences.
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