Blazing Trails: AI-Powered Innovation Shaping the Future of PR
In the fast-paced world of public relations, it’s not just about keeping up – it’s about leading the charge. And artificial intelligence (AI) is the wild stallion reshaping the PR landscape like never before. From revolutionizing analytics to blazing trails in process automation, AI isn’t just shaking things up – it’s leaving its mark in a big way.
When I first encountered Chat GPT about six months ago, I typed in a few queries and was blown away by the immediate results that surfaced. I continued to utilize the tool for research, idea generation, and editing. Despite encountering a few blips, I signed up instinctively, knowing it would revolutionize the way I worked. It reminded me of the early days of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where I recognized the need to jump on board fast. Becoming an early adopter and influencer approximately 15 years ago paved the way for my successful career as an author, speaker, influencer, consultant, and PR powerhouse. I witnessed others struggle to adapt, refusing to accept new tools, and subsequently faltering or getting left behind. The same phenomenon is bound to occur with AI. You can either embrace it, learn from it, and utilize it to soar above your competition, or risk being left in the dust. In the past six months of AI use, I’ve halved my research and writing time. While AI can generate amazing results, it still requires editing, verification, and personalization. This very article began with an AI query, which I expanded upon, adding a personal touch, double-checking facts, and here we are. I’m now obsessed with AI and poised to elevate my career to new heights, much like I did in the early days of social media.
I’m going to get a bit nerdy here for a moment. I want to make sure I cover the fact that the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has actually been around for several decades, with its roots tracing back to the mid-20th century. Did you know that the term “artificial intelligence” was coined in 1956 during a conference at Dartmouth College, where researchers discussed the possibility of creating machines capable of intelligent behavior? I know, pretty cool, huh.
Early AI research focused on symbolic or rule-based approaches, where computers were programmed with explicit instructions to perform specific tasks. However, progress was limited due to the complexity of human cognition and the challenges of representing knowledge in a machine-readable format.
In the 1980s and 1990s, AI experienced periods of both enthusiasm and skepticism, often referred to as “AI summers” and “AI winters,” respectively. Advances in machine learning algorithms, computational power, and data availability reignited interest in AI in the early 21st century.
Today, AI is everywhere, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether it’s the helpful advice from Siri and Alexa, personalized recommendations, or the marvel of self-driving cars, AI surrounds us. And it’s not slowing down. This rapid evolution, fueled by breakthroughs in deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics, can be a bit daunting, I’ll admit. But you know what’s even scarier? Falling behind because we’re afraid to embrace it. So here I am, diving in headfirst.
Let’s fast forward to today, AI has officially surfaced in a user-friendly way, and to me, it is so apparent that AI-powered tools are now the unsung heroes of not only content creation but opportunity tools. In the PR world, AI has Meltwater and Cision (my daily go-tos) exemplify this – using AI algorithms to scour the digital realm, they sniff out brand mentions, track trends, and analyze sentiment faster than you can say “howdy partner.” (Yes, I am a huge Yul Brynner fan and love a good western movie!) Anyhow, I digress…with these digital deputies by your side, you’re not just reacting to the news – you’re shaping it. Did you read that and absorb it? YOU ARE SHAPING THE NEWS! Oh, this is going to be fun!
But AI isn’t a one-trick pony – it’s more versatile than a Swiss Army knife in a gunfight. Platforms like TrendKite (now owned by Cision) and CoverageBook are the sharpshooters of the PR world, offering precision insights and real-time reporting that would make even the toughest outlaws tip their hats. From audience engagement to sentiment analysis, these platforms give you the firepower you need to ride off into the sunset with a smile on your face and a fistful of data.
Of course, every shootout comes with its showdowns and high noon standoffs. One of the biggest concerns? The potential for AI algorithms to play fast and loose with the truth, perpetuating biases and misinformation like a rattlesnake bite. Without proper oversight and ethical guidelines, AI-powered systems can be like a wild stallion – powerful, unpredictable, and liable to throw you for a loop if you’re not careful.
But for those bold jump on the AI wagon, the rewards are as sweet as a shot of bourbon after a long hot day summer ride. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are the new gunslingers in town, revolutionizing customer service and crisis management faster than you can say “Yeehaw!” With personalized responses and round-the-clock support, these digital desperados are the secret weapon in your PR arsenal, ready to ride to the rescue whenever trouble comes a-knockin’.
And let’s not forget about the power of AI in media relations and influencer outreach – it’s like having a posse of sharpshooters at your beck and call. With tools like HARO and Onalytica, you can wrangle the wildest journalists and influencers on the frontier, forging alliances and securing coverage like a seasoned prospector striking gold.
As I wrap up this post, consider this: in today’s digital frontier, we all operate as our own media enterprises, irrespective of our field. With social media platforms, blogs, and websites readily available, both individuals and businesses wield the ability to mold their narratives and directly engage with their audiences. Platforms like WordPress, now powered by AI, exemplify this trend. From SEO strategies driven by AI to various other innovations, technology ensures that amidst the digital cacophony, voices are heard. Do you aim to stand out and make an impact? Then saddle up your horse and join the posse, my friends. Otherwise, you might find yourself stranded on a street corner, watching the world rush by without a horse in sight. It’s a swift-moving world out there, and without adaptation, you risk being left behind, unseen and unheard. Now, that’s something to ponder.
PS- the image for this post was generate compliments of AI
NOTE- I will be sharing some PR AI case studies over the next few weeks from client campaigns I’ve been working on, stay tuned!
Your PR Partner,
Starr Hall