Influencer Impact

A shift in public relations

By: Tanisha Lewis, PR Account Supervisor

In the ever-changing industry of public relations, influencers have emerged as powerful catalysts, reshaping the traditional communication channels between brands and their audiences. As a result, the role of influencers in public relations has become critical, creating new opportunities and challenges for PR professionals.

Influencers, with their highly engaged online followings, provide direct channels for brands to connect with their target audiences. Leveraging influencers’ credibility and authenticity allows PR campaigns to reach a wider audience in more relatable and genuine ways.

Recognizing media is evolving and no longer only consists of traditional print and broadcast outlets, &Barr knew incorporating social media influencers into our media relations strategy across clients would be vital. Our team vets potential influencers by reviewing their content, engagement metrics, and audience demographics. Our research helps us determine if influencers are aligned with our clients’ values and target audiences. We also consider each influencer’s authenticity, reputation, and communication style as we search for partnerships that will seamlessly integrate with our clients’ brands and messaging.

However, influencer relations is not without its challenges. When working with influencers, the authenticity of their content is critical for a successful campaign. For many seasoned professionals, working with influencers is a bit of a phenomena as traditional PR practices were rooted in earned media, where coverage was gained through newsworthiness rather than paid partnerships. The shift to influencer relations often requires incorporating paid or complimentary services, products, or experiences. Additionally, from ensuring authentic brand alignment to managing audiences, striking the right balance between creative freedom and staying “on brand” can be intricate.

Despite the challenges, influencer relations has revolutionized the field of public relations. By harnessing the power of influencers, brands can amplify their messages and build lasting relationships with their target audiences. As &Barr continues to navigate and harness the power of this evolving trend, we invite you to contact us to help your company explore how we can introduce influencer relations to your media relations strategy.