Although the digital age has brought forth innovative tools and trends, certain “old-fashioned” public relations strategies have stood the test of time. From artful storytelling to powerful face-to-face communication, these classic approaches offer a solid foundation for any PR campaign. However, many of them can be complemented by modern tools and techniques.
Below, Forbes Agency Council members discuss how traditional PR methods can be revitalized and amplified using technology to reach new heights of success. From leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics to harnessing the power of social media influencers, the marriage of timeless tactics and cutting-edge tech can help PR professionals have a greater impact.
There is nothing more powerful than the power of human-to-human connection. In an era of digital everything, we cannot undermine the power of a handwritten note, a courtesy phone call or a personalized package that invites media and influencers to feel and touch your brand and offering. Today’s digital, immersive and agile ways of delivering content can definitely supercharge this human touch. - Lili Gil Valletta, CIEN+
Make your customers feel that they matter. Know what your customers want on an individual level. In years past, salespeople would get to know their clients and customers, front to back. Today, we can use AI to learn what they want and still give them the same level of satisfaction and personalization that they’ve always had. People crave connections, and AI can help keep those connections going. - Jason Hall, FiveChannels Marketing
The heart of PR—personalizing stories—will always be in style. With numerous communication channels, tailoring content uniquely is challenging. AI comes to the rescue by fine-tuning targeting and remembering details about reporters and outlets, making collaboration seamless. It’s not about replacing the personal touch; it’s about enhancing it, ensuring your message hits home every time. - Christine Wetzler, Pietryla PR & Marketing
Pitching to reporters will always be something we do; however, AI can help make it meaningful. For example, you can ask: “Can you help me write a pitch to a financial markets reporter covering current trends in the housing industry? I want to feature a renowned real estate expert who talks about trends, sectors and education for consumers.” You can now appear informed and up to date without spending hours researching a topic. - Trey Robinson, Story Amplify
One aspect of PR that remains timeless is the power of building genuine relationships with journalists and media outlets. This can be enhanced by leveraging AI-powered media monitoring and analysis tools. These tools can help PR professionals track journalist interests, sentiments and coverage patterns, enabling them to tailor pitches and outreach more effectively for higher success rates. - Scott Keever, Keever SEO
Press briefings are traditionally very formal and factual presentations, but you can use augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to create not only informational but also entertaining press shows. This way, the press can experience your story on an enhanced and more engaging level, which will in turn excite them more to write a story about you. - Nhu Khue Ngo, OSK New York Inc.
Personal relationships in PR are timeless. While tech such as AI enhances data analysis and trend prediction, the human touch in building and maintaining media relationships remains irreplaceable. We use tech to inform strategies, but rely on personal engagement to forge enduring connections. - Blake George, BMG Media Co.
Personalized communication has always been a cornerstone of effective PR. Brands can use AI to analyze vast amounts of data, from customer demographics to behavioral patterns, enabling PR professionals to craft messages that resonate specifically with each segment of their audience, ensuring relevance and resonance on a deeper level. - Lars Voedisch, PRecious Communications
Maintain relationships with journalists both in person and online. Many media outlets host networking events, which are a great place to meet with journalists who are typically active on social media platforms such as X, Instagram or LinkedIn. So, when you meet a journalist in person, connect online to extend the relationship, and be sure to like their content and comment on it as well. - Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications
Satellite media tours, a classic PR tactic, remain timeless due to their broad reach and effectiveness. But imagine mixing in the magic of today’s influencers, using them in these TV appearances and extending your reach by having them share on their social media profiles as well. This modern twist on a classic approach enables brands to extend their reach across both traditional and digital landscapes. - Danielle Wiley, Sway Group
Press releases will never go out of style, as they provide journalists with a complete narrative and information about a given topic. However, they can be enhanced now by using UTM tracking codes or vanity landing pages (for example: www.companyname.com/specialoffer) embedded in hyperlinks to help track how many people viewed the release—and by including key SEO terms the brand needs to rank higher for in search. - April White, Trust Relations
Incorporating voice search optimization into PR strategies harnesses the growing reliance on digital assistants. This modernizes press releases and public content for voice queries, ensuring brands stay at the forefront in the evolving landscape of how consumers access information, thereby amplifying brands’ reach in a tech-savvy world. - Vaibhav Kakkar, Digital Web Solutions
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