PR TRENDS 2025: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CREATES SPACE FOR HUMAN-CENTRED APPROACH, NEW KNOWLEDGE AT A PREMIUM

2024. The year 2024 has passed swiftly, with news events of all kinds unfolding in a rapidly changing landscape. As we approach 2025, it’s time to reflect on what the upcoming year holds for public relations and the communications industry.

Reviewing available sources in the vast online space, it’s encouraging to note that the leading PR trend for 2025 is a human-centred approach. This is particularly significant given that 2024 was marked by numerous discussions and dilemmas related to artificial intelligence, legislative frameworks, and the extent to which AI will replace human roles.

We’ve learned that artificial intelligence and its tools can be valuable allies in the daily operations of various sectors and individual lives. However, the imperative now is acquiring the necessary knowledge and continuous education on its use. Delving deeper into the realm of co-existence with AI, each of us has undoubtedly discovered numerous advantages, as well as drawbacks, which, with sufficient understanding of the tools at hand, can be transformed into strengths.

Consequently, a significant opportunity arises for a human-centred approach, as certain operational tasks can now be delegated to AI assistants, allowing for more meaningful relationship-building. This shift is expected to positively impact the quality and development of essential relationships, a crucial component of any communication strategy. By ensuring we maintain control, we achieve sustainability, transparency, and ethical stances that will play an increasingly prominent role in public relations in the coming year. Enhanced personal and corporate responsibility, along with clear positions on important societal issues and associated values, become integral to a brand’s identity, fostering a competitive edge. #ESG

In 2025, the significance of employee voices will continue to rise. In the age of social media, employees are as influential as messages disseminated through other communication channels. Their authentic stories and experiences contribute to strengthening brands both internally and externally. It’s essential to recognize that employees are not merely a workforce but brand ambassadors who can and should forge strong connections with the audience. This underscores the importance of employer branding in communication strategies.

Technological progress and trend monitoring will continue to profoundly impact the PR industry. The ongoing integration of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and platforms – some of which we may not yet envision – along with changes in algorithms, will influence communication strategies and brand communication methods. Those who can effectively manage and utilize these tools will create distinct points of differentiation.

A strategic shift in public relations will be conditioned by the emergence of new opportunities for influence and connectivity, emphasizing the need for rapid adaptation in an increasingly challenging business environment. Data and information on engagement, visibility, and reach are becoming more accessible and sought after. The influence of micro-influencers is growing, effective management of LinkedIn profiles is opening new avenues for professional positioning, and an increase in PR budgets is anticipated.

Videos, podcasts, infographics, and other increasingly prevalent forms of multimedia content will become indispensable components of numerous PR strategies. Today’s audience largely expects dynamic and engaging content that conveys messages in an easily understandable, entertaining, and emotionally resonant manner. Standing out in an oversaturated digital space will require skill, and those who can navigate this landscape effectively will find opportunities for success.

Challenges and risks in the upcoming period must be managed proactively. Whether it’s shifts in public sentiment, media policies, declining trust, malicious activities, or traditional crisis situations, every brand must be prepared to handle them. The world of online media and social networks doesn’t permit slow reactions, making issues management and crisis communication even more critical.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and content creation will play increasingly vital roles. Through detailed analyses and data management, along with crafting targeted messages, these tools become indispensable for enhancing visibility and engagement, aiming to reach intended audiences effectively.

In the year ahead, our profession will delve deeper into the study and application of sophisticated technological tools, the intelligent use of data, and the refinement of defining target audiences and messages with an emphasis on SEO. However, success will not solely depend on technology. The true challenge lies in strategically thinking and creating or maintaining a human touch, returning to values that artificial intelligence cannot and will never replicate. We will continue to employ established communication models and strategies, which, when combined with new tools, will gain additional value, paving the way for the advancement of PR professionals, individuals, and companies.

#prtrendovi