It’s that time of the year, new year, new you. Or rather new PR trends. We’re a few days into 2021 and already there are some predictions that are going to reshape the PR industry. 2020 was definitely not a skate in the park and we’re all hoping there are some improvements on the horizon for 2021. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any predictions in the PR world. Matter of fact PR is ripe with changes amidst COVID. What worked for you last year probably will not be as impactful. 

Here are our 5 predictions shaking up PR 2021 

1. Pitch and Prove 

The days of simply sending out a press release are gone. The media wants proof and rightfully so. Pitching a client simply for the sake of pitching will no longer hold weight as there needs to be some sort of proof within to solidify the story ideas. 

2. Niche It 

PR will continue to be more streamlined in the sense that you will see specialty PR agencies. With new industries being birthed throughout the pandemic, PR pros are also changing the way they work by focusing on a specialty area of practice. 

3. PR & Marketing Becomes One 

If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s happening. Marketing and PR are starting to meld into each other. Consumers are becoming savvy to traditional marketing tactics, so it would make sense to combine both disciplines. The benefit of this is that it will further solidify your transparency efforts with your brand. 

4. Numbers Speak 

Today with all the tech-savvy platforms that give voice to brands and causes, your data will be relevant. It’s the measuring stick for success and failure of campaigns across the board whether you’re talking digital or traditional marketing. Get clear on your numbers, it will only help you. 

5. Human Experience 

During the pandemic, so many of us crave human connection. This year we will see that more and more brands will be speaking straight from the heart. Consumers are demanding honesty, compassion, empathy and so much more that goes into creating that authentic human connection. At the end of the day, it’s going to boil down to the kind of experience that you will give to your audience base and customers. 

As 2021 continues to morph and play out we’re going to see some more seismic changes in the industry. PR professionals will have to be nimble this year. Many of the strategies from last year will not work and we all continue to find new innovative ways to serve our clients.