Search Results for “authenticity” – DSM | Digital School of Marketing https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za Accredited Digital Marketing Courses Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:58:31 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-dsm_favicon-32x32.png Search Results for “authenticity” – DSM | Digital School of Marketing https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za 32 32 Content Marketing Tips for Writing Clearly and Engaging Online https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/content-marketing-blog/content-marketing-tips-for-writing-clearly-online/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:14 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24414 The post Content Marketing Tips for Writing Clearly and Engaging Online appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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In today’s digital universe, attention is the most valuable asset. Get attention for your brand, sweet! That’s not so easy lately, what with millions of blog posts and social updates getting published every day, and it turns out good ideas alone are no longer enough. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or content writer, being able to write clearly and persuasively is fundamental to successfully winning at content marketing.

The best online writing is not just about clever words; it’s about human connection. The clearer, more emotion-stirring, and beneficial your content is to read, the longer visitors stick around, engage with it, and trust you. In an age when readers are skimmers before they’re readers, clarity and engagement are what separate decent content from great content.

Consistency, relevance and user experience make up the bedrock of content marketing. You might have the best product or service in the entire world, yet if your content doesn’t make sense to the reader or bores them, they will scroll right past. Good content writing involves balancing and combining art and science, which requires a trained eye.

Know Your Audience Before You Write a Single Word

All good web content starts with one crucial question: Who am I writing for? In the world of content marketing, clarity and engagement begin with knowing your audience. It’s impossible to write well if you don’t know who you’re writing for, what they care about and how they consume information.

Begin by establishing your demographic profile for your target audience, age, career, interests and pain points. Look beyond superficial attributes and think about what they stand for. For instance, a personal trainer writing blog posts for beginners might use easy language and confidence-boosting words, while someone addressing an elite athlete would do the complete opposite. The tone and diction you customise for the reader will ensure your message hits its target with accuracy.

Creating audience personas can help. These are not real people, but somewhat fictional characters who represent your target audience. For example, “Alex the Entrepreneur” could be a 35-year-old small business owner interested in productivity tips and marketing knowledge. Writing for a persona helps keep your tone aimed and avoids wandering into generic or vague messaging.

Another key point is to study how the specific audience behaves. Leverage instruments, including Google Analytics, Hotjar or BuzzSumo, to figure out what content your audience finds engaging. Are long-form narrative guides better, or do they want something short and sweet like a listicle? Do they reblog educational posts, or are they sharing emotional stories? Once you are clear on this, you can create your content according to your style and the topics you choose.

Within content marketing, empathy is the source of clarity. When you know how to think like your reader, the writing feels more relevant, natural, and practical, three things that lead to robust engagement.

Focus on Clarity and Structure: The Backbone of Effective Writing

In the world of online writing, clarity isn’t optional; it’s essential. Your readers are busy, and increasingly multitasking. Clients scan, don’t read, so you must be immediately legible. Great content marketing isn’t just about creativity; it is all about structure and readability as well.

Start with a clear central idea. Each article, blog and post should have one topic they are aiming at. Don’t overload your piece; try not to hammer too many points into one story. Instead, conceptualise each paragraph around a clear takeaway. Use small sentences and paragraphs for easy reading of your text.

Then write it in a way that is easy to read. Headings and subtitles are there to help keep sections distinct from one another; they are signposts to ensure that readers can navigate smoothly through your material. Use bullet points or numbering for important highlights and steps. This makes your writing scannable, something essential for mobile readers.

Clarity also depends on language. No jargon unless your audience knows what you are talking about. Substitute simple words for complicated ones — “use” instead of “utilise,” “help” instead of “assist.” Clear writing is not about dumbing down your message but about making it as sharp and accessible to the many rather than the few.”

The layout of your content also has an impact on SEO. Naturally, use relevant keywords throughout your article, particularly in titles and the first 100 words. This is useful for search engines and keeps the flow natural.

Conclude each section with a summary or transition that ties these ideas together. This keeps a reader’s eyes moving and helps them follow your argument from A to Z more effectively. In other words, clarity breeds trust, and engagement is what fuels content marketing.

Engage Through Storytelling and Emotional Connection

Facts inform, but stories inspire. When it comes to content marketing, nothing captures the reader’s heart or the potential client’s attention quite like storytelling. Clear writing gets people to pay attention; emotional storytelling keeps them there.

We are wired to respond to stories; they trigger empathy, curiosity and imagination. There is nothing like a good story that carries information you can relate to your life and gives things an even more twisted twist. In this way, an ordinary blog post becomes something akin to an experience. Whether you’re sharing a customer testimonial, behind-the-scenes adventure, or personal lesson learned, telling stories makes your brand more human and reinforces your credibility.

To communicate with data, begin with structure. Every story requires three basic things: a challenge, a journey and an outcome. For example, if you’re writing about productivity tools, include a story about a small business owner who struggled to manage her time but eventually found a method that increased her efficiency. Readers recognise themselves in these stories and get inspired to act.

Be yourself, write as if you were speaking. In online writing, forced enthusiasm and over-promotional language can be detected by readers within seconds. You’re writing as though you’re addressing a friend: accessible, candid, helpful.

Emotion is also a significant factor in engagement. Information is then more about the feeling that your IDs created, rather than what they said. Use emotional triggers judiciously, such as optimism, curiosity, relief, or empowerment, according to your brand’s voice.

Graphic your stories. Visual: Engaging visual storytelling with images, infographics and video to aid in comprehension and recall. When your readers can connect on an emotional level, they’re more likely not just to read your content but also to share it, growing your reach and influence in the digital world.

Edit Ruthlessly and Optimise for Readability and SEO

The most inventive ideas are also the least impactful if they’re poorly edited. The distinction between good writing and excellent content marketing is often found in the editing process. Editing is the stage in which clarity, tone and polish merge to help your work shine.

First, review for clarity. Ask yourself: Is my message clear in the first paragraph? Would a reader be able to get the gist of my main points without reading again? If not, simplify. 4) Cut out the fluff, Slash filler phrases, and redundant words. For example, don’t write “because” when you can write “because.”

Next, refine your tone. Your voice should match your brand personality, whether that’s professional, friendly or inspirational. Be consistent with the tone of voice in your post so others can identify it’s you across platforms.

To edit for readability means to concentrate on flow and format. Lead your reader through it by using short paragraphs, sub-heads and transitional phrases. Valuable tools such as Grammarly, Hemingway Editor or YoastSEO can help with grammar, sentence structure and readability scores.

Editing is also a time to focus on SEO optimisation. Place your keywords strategically in the headings, metadata and introduction, but don’t force them at the expense of natural language. Sprinkle in some internal links to category or post types as well as external links to reputable sources, the good stuff, and you’ll boost your credibility and search rankings accordingly.

Proofread thoroughly. Read your writing out loud to notice clunky lines or missing transitions. Good editing means the difference between a message that is readable and persuasive and one that is not.

Conclusion

This is because writing on the web isn’t just a form of art; it’s a strategic skill that runs through the heart of content marketing success. In the Information Age, clarity is the best path to trust, and engagement is how you connect. When your content is highly organised, emotionally appealing, and clear as crystal, it breaks through the digital cacophony and sticks. When you know who your audience is, then you are not speaking in a direct dialogue or to an intimate concern. By emphasising clarity and structure, you allow any audience to access your writing, no matter what their background or expertise.

Then storytelling comes in and makes it emotional and information-connected. And after editing and optimising it, your message becomes polished, forceful and present in search results. The key to good content marketing isn’t writing more, it’s writing better. Clarity produces authority; engagement produces loyalty. But as algorithms change and fads come and go, one thing does not: a yearning for authenticity and clarity. Write with both, and you’re not only getting clicks but also creating relationships, driving decision-making, and motivating people to act.

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Do you want to become a content marketer? If you do, then you need to do our Content Marketing Course at the Digital School of Marketing. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarity is the bedrock of a good content marketing strategy, making your message easy to understand and act upon. Online readers have supershort attention spans, so unclear or convoluted writing sends them clicking away in a hurry. Nothing articulates value like explicit content, which builds trust and engagement. It also enhances SEO, because search engines prefer content that directly addresses user intent.

Storytelling is perhaps the most potent weapon in the content marketer’s arsenal when it comes to forming emotional connections. It turns facts into experiences people can relate to, and helps your reader connect to what you’re saying on a human level. Through stories of hardship, transformation, and triumph, brands can make abstract concepts personally meaningful and influence opinions. Being able to tell a story also promotes more extended reading and more social sharing.

Creating compelling online content begins with understanding your audience. Adjust the tone, vocabulary and examples of your reply to their interests and difficulties. In content marketing, structure is also critical — break up text with subheadings, short paragraphs and bullet points so it’s easy to skim. Use storytelling and visuals to keep readers engaged, and be sure to include data. Close out with a strong call to action so that people can get involved.

Balance is the key to writing in a way that’s both digestible and SEO-friendly. Write in small paragraphs and sentences. Targets content marketing keywords naturally. Organise your content with clear headlines and break up text to make it easy for readers and Google to read. Hemingway and Yoast SEO are great tools to help ensure readability and keywords. Use internal links to cross-link keywords and external ones from trusted sources.

Common mistakes in content marketing writing include using jargon, lacking structure, or simply not providing anything to the reader. Too much jargon can alienate readers, as can long, unformatted blocks of text. Failing to grasp the basics of SEO, such as where to place keywords or how, when and why to employ meta descriptions or internal links, could make you invisible online. The second mistake is not knowing your audience’s pain point and motivation before you write.

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This is where your content goes from good to great: editing. It crystallises your message, strips away clutter and lifts the flow. In content, writing succinctly and flawlessly adds credibility and captivates readers. After you write, simplify it: Cut out fillers, shorten some of your sentences and make sure that the point comes through nicely and clearly. Reading out loud can catch any clunky passages or muddy transitions. Editing also includes SEO optimisation, rewriting keywords and links, and other related tasks.

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Why Visual Content Is Crucial for Modern Content Marketing https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/content-marketing-blog/visual-content-is-crucial-for-modern-content-marketing/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:27 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24402 The post Why Visual Content Is Crucial for Modern Content Marketing appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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In today’s digital media climate, people are fed information at every turn. From relentless social media feeds to round-the-clock advertising, brands battle one another head-to-head for attention, and only the ones that communicate fast win. That’s where visuals can be helpful. Whether it’s an image, infographic, video, or animation, visuals have emerged as the soul of contemporary content marketing because they convey messages more quickly, forcefully, and memorably than words alone.

It is a fact that the human brain interprets visuals 60,000 times faster than text. In the age of skimming over reading, visuals fill the chasm between short attention span and meaningful exchange. They not only help people comprehend information, but also make that information more engaging, emotionally resonant and shareable.

From social media campaigns to blog layouts and virtually every platform, web performance is now influenced by visual content marketing. It commands attention, promotes understanding, and forges stronger emotional ties, all of which are invaluable attributes in an age of scrolling and swiping.

The Science Behind Visual Content: How the Brain Processes Images Faster Than Words

It’s not just about looking good, either; pictures are scientifically proven to grab our attention and enhance our memory. Humans are visual creatures by nature. Nearly 90 per cent of information that comes to the brain is visual, which means people tend to remember up to 80% of what they see and just 20% of what they read.

This mental preference claims visual content marketing as indispensable to the marketing world. In a digital world where users have seconds to decide whether to stay or scroll, visuals allow brands to communicate their message almost instantaneously. An impactful image, infographic or video thumbnail can convey intricate concepts with a touch, inspiring users to dig deeper inside.

And it’s a psych thing. Graphics stimulate the visual and emotional centres of the brain, enhancing comprehension and emotion. Colours, for example, can affect mood and behaviour; blue signals trust, red signals urgency, and green signals balance. Visual design, when used well strategically to strengthen brand perception, is a stimulus for subconscious associations.

Moreover, visuals improve retention. A message with an image is much more likely to be remembered than a purely text-based sentence. That’s why companies invest in logos, recurring imagery and brand colours, to make sure you’re instantly recognised and trusted.

In other words, visual content is more than mere decoration; it’s a cognitive shortcut. It empowers brands to babble, appeal to emotion, and remain memorable in a fast-scrolling world, which is probably why visual storytelling has become so fundamental in digital marketing today.

Visual Content and Engagement: Why People Click, Share, and Remember

In the world of content marketing today, engagement is the name of the game, and no kind of content drives it better than visuals. Social networks such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest exist for a reason: people enjoy looking at images. According to many marketing research posts that include pictures or videos, they get up to 650% higher engagement than those without.

Why does this happen? Visuals evoke immediate emotional responses. A great picture, graphic or video tells a story more effectively than words alone and will draw people in to comment and share. Visuals make that human story easy to share because we are social storytellers. Whether it’s a quote in an image, an infographic, or a video about something that really makes you feel something, how great was that content marketing? It triggers emotions, big secret here: Emotions are what make people tick and get social.

Video, in particular, reigns supreme when it comes to engagement metrics. Videos are prioritised because they keep users watching longer, ultimately ensuring higher algorithmic ranking. Short-form videos like TikToks or Instagram Reels are designed perfectly for today’s audience, fast, fun and emotionally charged.

Visuals add clarity and credibility, too. For instance, infographics help boil down complicated data into something you won’t choke on and can trust. In a world of information overload, people have little attention span for all but the most pithy and direct visualisations to help them learn and act more quickly.

Visual Storytelling and Brand Identity: Building Emotional Connection and Trust

Each brand has a story to tell, but not all stories are communicated well. And that’s where visual storytelling is compelling. In content marketing, visuals are more than communication tools; they’re the language of emotion. They influence how people think about your brand and how attached they feel to it.

Visual storytelling is more than just slapping up pretty pictures. It’s the surety, the symbolism, the emotion. From colour scheme to imagery, every design element reflects your brand identity. For instance, there are minimal styles which suggest elegance and confidence, as well as playful, bright styles that communicate creativity and light-heartedness.

When it’s done well, visual storytelling engenders trust. Nowadays, people don’t buy the ad; they buy the truth. Authentic photos, user-generated images and behind-the-scenes shots create the faces of brands, revealing transparency and personality.

Consistency is also crucial. When the logos, colours and style are repeated enough times, they will become something your audience can instantly identify as yours. This visual continuity creates familiarity, which eventually leads to priori trust. There’s a reason corporations as big as Apple, Coca-Cola, or Nike have powerful visual identities — their designs can move feelings before words are even read.

Also, visuals can clarify the lengthy and intricate brand names. One picture can depict an entire mission statement and deliver it to people all over the world. In a global marketplace, many barriers have developed due to language differences. Visual content is now automatically the spokesperson for them. When brands pair visuals with real stories, they create far more than marketing;  they form a bond. And in a digital environment where emotional engagement begets loyalty, that kind of connection is invaluable.

Practical Strategies for Using Visual Content in Modern Content Marketing

Knowing the importance of visual content is one thing – putting it to great use is a whole other beast. If you want to make the most of visual content marketing, that’s a strategy that makes your creativity work for your business.

  • Diversify Your Visual Formats: Don’t depend on just one kind of visual. Combine pictures, infographics, GIFs, videos, charts and interactive aspects to continue making your content dynamic. Each method is for a different purpose: infographics educate, videos engage, and photos humanise your business.
  • Optimise for Each Platform: Visual culture is different on every social platform. Horizontal videos are effective on YouTube, vertical content rules on TikTok, and carousels resonate on LinkedIn and Instagram. Customise your visuals based on how the audience interacts with them on a particular platform and according to its specifications for reach and participation.
  • Focus on Quality and Consistency: Good quality images show professionalism and trustworthiness. Invest in sound design and stick with the consistent branding – colour, typography and tone of voice. Its presence strengthens identity and creates awareness.
  • Integrate Data and Emotion: Combine data with storytelling to balance logic and emotion. For example, use infographics to turn statistics into comprehensible visuals or combine emotional images with actionable facts. The former is more of an intellectual, left-brain appeal; the latter is designed for the emotional right brain.
  • Leverage User-Generated and Interactive Content: Encourage your audience to participate. Re-share user-generated images, run a contest or produce a poll or quiz. Interactive content marketing is community building, and it’ll get you some good organic reach.
  • Measure and Refine: Leverage analytics to determine which visuals generate the most engagement. Track metrics such as click-through rate, shares and completion rate of videos. Reposition your visual content based on what engages your audience the most.

Done right, visual content turns your marketing from something you passively consume into an engaging experience that creates awareness, builds trust and loyalty.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when visuals were nice to have; now they’re a must. In a world dominated by the Internet and information overload, visuals are what make your message cut through the clutter and stick in our often-scattered minds. They serve as the artery between brand and audience, transforming a concept into an experience or data into emotion. These days, content marketing is much more cutthroat and visual, serving to accomplish what text alone can’t: grasp attention spans, incite curiosity, and evoke emotion in seconds.

Videos, infographics, and fantastic imagery transcend boundaries, cultures, and platforms. Not only do visuals increase engagement, but they also enforce brand identity. They establish your brand and protect its reputation, imprinting in customers’ minds the idea of who you are. When you share, visually relationships are built, not just clicks.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a content marketer? If you do, then you need to do our Content Marketing Course at the Digital School of Marketing. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visual media categorises all imagery, video, infographics, animation and design that conveys a message visually. When it comes to content marketing, images can be very effective at distilling complicated concepts, grabbing attention and increasing engagement. Images make information more easily understandable compared to text-heavy content, and people are far more likely to remember pictures than words.

Visual media is crucial in contemporary content marketing because visuals are processed much faster by people than text, allowing for quick and succinct communication. In today’s attention-based landscape, audiences are scrolling quickly, and visuals can help stop the scroll and communicate juicy messages immediately. They’re emotional, too, giving a boost to branding connectivity and recall.

The best types of visual media will vary depending on your aims and the kind of audience you’re targeting. Still, proven visual media formats include infographics, short-form video, branded images or graphics, data visualisations and animations. Infographics distil data and enhance shareability, while videos, particularly Reels, Shorts and TikToks, encourage emotional engagement and further retention.

Visual is creating relatable content and fostering an organic connection between people through its Informative, Emotional, & Memorable Information. They engage faster and react more when they see content instead of reading it. In content marketing, form graphics boost platform engagement (likes, shares and comments on social) and lower their bounce rates. Videos and infographics are powerful; people pay attention to them longer and engage with them more. A post is more likely to be shared if it has a compelling visual, which allows your content to be seen by more viewers organically.

Making good visual-style content demands three key points: clarity, consistency, and creativity. It begins with strong brand guidelines, the colours, fonts and imagery that create recognition. Just concentrate on great visuals that support your message and avoid messy designs. Properly format each version for its platform, e.g., vertical videos on mobile and clean thumbnails on YouTube. Story is king, so everything you create should either teach, awaken or resonate. If there is a prominent CTA, use it.

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Businesses might add visuals to their content by incorporating them into an overall marketing plan instead of treating them as an afterthought. Begin by finding the right topics that are perfect for visual material. Explainer videos, infographics, and product images all fall under this category. Employ imagery across sites, social media and email campaigns to help cultivate a strong brand identity. Promote user-generated images to create authenticity and engagement. Invest in design tools like Canva or Adobe Express and keep an eye on analytics to see what works best.

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Content Marketing Psychology and What Makes People Click https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/content-marketing-blog/content-marketing-psychology-and-what-makes-people-click/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:14 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24403 The post Content Marketing Psychology and What Makes People Click appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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In the fast-moving world of digital media, where people scroll past hundreds of posts a day, getting someone’s attention is both art and science. Why do some pieces of content get all the shares while others go unheard by anyone? Why do you click on one headline immediately and not another? And the answer is perhaps in the psychology of good content, the unseen forces that make you curious, emotional and trustworthy to a human mind.

Good content isn’t accidental. There’s a psychology behind every interesting post, article or video, one that explains why people think, feel and act the way they do when it comes to the internet. So, whether you’re writing blog posts, ad copy or designing social media campaigns, there’s a tremendous amount of psychology that goes into how your message is perceived and acted on.

In content marketing, the factors influencing success are not what you say, but how it makes people feel. By understanding human psychology, marketers and creators can craft marketing messages that resonate on a deeper emotional level. So you’re able to turn aimless scrollers into dedicated readers or subscribers (or customers).

Curiosity and the Click: The Power of the Unknown

Curiosity is among the most potent forces in human psychology, and one of the primary reasons people click on content. The human brain is actively engaged, seeking answers and attempting to close information gaps. When content offers just enough to pique interest but not everything needed for the viewer’s complete understanding, it creates something psychologists call the curiosity gap.

In content marketing, this is tactically deployed through headlines, intros and visuals that drive curiosity. Consider terms like “You won’t believe what happened next” or “The secret to…”; these pull directly on the reader’s instinctive tendency to want more information. However, the key is balance. Clickbaiting too often or not delivering on promises breaks trust and destroys credibility.

Instead, great content generates genuine curiosity by speaking to issues or desires that matter. A blog headlined “Why Your Morning Routine May Be Making You Tired,” for instance, naturally piques a reader’s curiosity by going against the grain when it comes to assumptions and proposes a solution.

Curiosity also thrives on storytelling. Readers won’t be able to resist continuing reading if they’re left with a sense of mystery, an element of surprise, or something unresolved. Engagement shoots up when they sense that reading on will give them fresh insight into a topic.

To harness curiosity effectively:

  • Pose interesting questions in your headlines and ledes.
  • Make use of contrast — pointing up the distance between what readers think they know and what they don’t.
  • Keep your audience on the edge of their seats with a slow reveal.

In other words, curiosity gets the click grease, but authenticity and value substantially increase momentum.

Emotion and Connection: The Heartbeat of Good Content

Where curiosity drives people to click, emotion makes them stay. The key to great content is psychological; it all comes down to emotional pull. As they do, remember that what people remember is the feeling of content, not just the information. Whether funny, inspiring or frightening, emotion motivates attention, storage and sharing.

Emotional content triggers the limbic system, which is central to decision-making. Research demonstrates that stories are up to 22 times more memorable than facts alone. This is the reason why brands that tell human-centred stories tend to inspire greater customer loyalty.

In content marketing, leveraging emotion does not need to be manipulative. It’s about knowing the emotional needs of your audience and crafting a message that fits into their personal experience. For example:

  • Empathy: Content that acknowledges the pain or struggle of your readers, such as “Why Burnout Isn’t Your Fault,” creates trust and demonstrates your understanding.
  • Inspiration: Inspirational narratives cause hope and optimism, thereby prompting readers to take action.
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Calls to action with deadlines or secrets engage urgency and interest.
  • Humour: Energetic, amusing content that creates likeability and shareability.

Tone also matters. It’s warm, friendly language that makes it easy to connect with your prospect, while a strong voice of confidence demonstrates you know what you’re talking about. Merge emotion with genuine-ness — readers can tell when the feelings are squeezed in or exaggerated.

After all, emotion is the way we bind information to action. Numbers, however, are forgettable. People might remember the story that made them laugh, cry, or feel known, and that’s what makes them come back again and again.

Trust, Credibility, and Cognitive Ease: Making People Feel Safe to Click

In the misinformation age, we’re all inundated with digital overload, so that good content will be built on trust. People are more likely to click and read content that feels credible and safe. Here’s where cognitive ease comes in.

Cognitive ease is the psychological idea that humans prefer things that are easy to think about. As it turns out, when you have clear language, clean design, and logical organisation in your content, the reader’s brain registers an impression of trustworthiness and competence. On the other hand, complex language, cluttered designs, or inconsistent messages cause friction and doubt.

These are the three elements to keep in mind when you want to build credibility for your content marketing:

  • Transparency: Be clear about your privacy reasons and avoid hype. Readers appreciate clarity.
  • Authority: Back up the claim by citing credible evidence, experts, or examples. Citing sources or external links to reliable material reinforces your trust.
  • Consistency: Keep a consistent voice, design and post schedule in the blog. Becoming familiar leads to brand trust.

Visual trust cues also matter. Conveying a professional image, straightforward typography and good layouts all subconsciously reflect reliability. Readers make a snap judgment in seconds about whether your page feels authentic, long before they’ve read it. Social proof strengthens trust. Clients, viewers and engagement stats prove that people think your content is valuable. When they see validation from peers or experts, they’re more likely to click and stick.

The Role of Visuals, Format, and Cognitive Flow in Engagement

In a digital world awash in data, how information appears visually can make the difference between an inviting and daunting reading experience. Content Marketing isn’t just about the psychology of words, though; it’s also about how you present those words.

Our brains like things to be neat and visually harmonious. Clean, clean design and simple formatting, coupled with lots of whitespace, help promote cognitive flow, the way in which readers lose themselves in the content. With enjoyable content, consistent typography, bite-sized paragraphs and clear headings, you create a sense of flow that keeps readers there longer and leads them to retain more.

In content marketing, visuals aren’t mere decoration; they’re the thing we use to tell a story. Infographics, charts and visuals break down complex meaning and evoke emotion. Videos and GIFs automatically gain attention and provide quick, visual information. Even colour psychology affects behaviour, blue fosters trust, red creates urgency and green is often associated with calm or growth.

Formatting also affects readability. Employ hierarchy in your structure: Use main headings for big ideas, a subheading for organisation and bullet points for digestibility. This visual rhythm keeps readers clicking instead of noticing they’ve stumbled onto a reel’s worth of Down the Shore longing.

Moreover, the interactive is known to produce even greater engagement. By themselves, interactive elements like polls, sliders and clickable graphics make room for participation that transforms passive readers into active participants. The more intimately engaged a customer is, the more likely they are to share and remember your communication.

At its core, visuals and structure direct how the brain interprets your content. When everything hits you both in a sexy, smooth, and artistically consistent way, the visuals feel good, the information rests nicely in your brain, and it all tends to magnify the impact of your words.

Conclusion

At the heart of every click, share, or comment is a psychological trigger – curiosity, emotion, trust or clarity. The psychology of great Content Marketing isn’t just about words on a screen; it’s about understanding how people think and feel online. Combine human intuition with measured writing, and your content not only grabs attention, but it sparks connection and action. Curiosity generates interest, readers clicking away.

Emotion is the glue that keeps content memorable and shareable. Trust creates credibility, letting your readers know you’re a worthwhile use of their time. Visually appealing and well-formatted text is attractive, making readers want to return repeatedly. In the universe of content marketing, the most successful brands do not simply push information; they create experiences that tap into our human psyche. Both speak as much to the heart as the mind, and both chart a path that seems real, meaningful, and emotionally satisfying.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a content marketer? If you do, then you need to do our Content Marketing Course at the Digital School of Marketing. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The psychology of great content is all about recognising how human emotional and cognitive behaviours make us interact with material online. It’s the science of why people click, read and share. And by employing psychological tactics such as curiosity, emotional resonance, trust and wanting, or visual appeal driven by content marketing, marketers can develop stories that resonate with people. When your messaging relates to readers’ own motives and aspirations, it feels more genuine, making you inherently more memorable.

People click on things that stimulate their curiosity, emotions or relevance. Psychologically, people are attracted to closing information gaps; we seek answers to questions or solutions to problems. Interesting headlines, emotional stories, or convincing value propositions generally win you more clicks. According to the principles of effective content marketing, people are drawn to information that is relatable and appeals to them on a personal level.

Nearly every step in the process of engagement is motivated by emotion, from a click to a share. Content marketing psychology shows us that emotional content lights up the limbic system in your brain, which is responsible for memory and decision-making. Joy, surprise, empathy and even fear can make content relatable and memorable. When readers feel something, they are more likely to comment, share and return. Brands that leverage storytelling and emotional triggers create stronger connections with their readers.

It’s hard to teach trust when it comes to Content Marketing. People only spend so much time with brands and creators they aren’t already convinced are trustworthy. This is psychological, and it’s called cognitive ease: the mind’s fondness for what’s familiar and straightforward. Good writing, readable messaging and professional design can build trust fast. What establishes authority is then reinforced by including themselves, if you will. When readers trust your content, they can click on it, read it and act upon it safely.

Visualisation is a considerable aspect of the psychology behind Content Marketing consumption. We process images much more quickly than text, and beautiful imagery will instantly grab attention. Clear layouts, whitespace and legible typography create cognitive flow, a state in which information seems to flow into our mind with little effort on our part. With infographics, visuals and videos that keep it simple but elicit emotion. Colour psychology also affects mood and perception: blue inspires trust, and red sparks urgency.

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The psychology of good Content Marketing fuels all aspects of marketing, from copy to conversion. The more we learn about what makes consumers click and pay attention, the better brands can tailor their stories to grab others by the shirt collar and earn their undivided trust. Marketers can raise engagement and loyalty by tapping curiosity gaps, emotional appeal, and credibility cues. Content Marketing psychology also guides design, tone and timing, all of which play into reader behaviour.

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Building Brand Trust Through Digital Public Relations https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/public-relations-blog/building-brand-trust-through-digital-public-relations/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:30:34 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24382 The post Building Brand Trust Through Digital Public Relations appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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In the digital age, when everything is at our fingertips, brand trust has become one of the most valuable assets a company can possess. Consumers are no longer dependent on adverts or product claims. They use Internet-based reviews, social media, and digital communities to form their opinions instead. This is where digital public relations (PR) plays a significant role in building credibility. When done right, a digital PR strategy builds reputation, profile, and credibility by fostering real-world relationships with real people.

Customers’ long-term support and business operations are based on brand trust. A brand that can be trusted not only attracts customers but also retains them. In a competitive climate, trust is what separates a cherished brand from one that falls by the wayside. Digital PR operates between the corporate message and how it should be exposed to consumers, where a communication strategy turns into transparency and authenticity, digitalisation becomes publicity, and vaporisation takes place.

Transparency and Authenticity as the Foundation of Brand Trust

In the digital age, trust is based on transparency and authenticity. In a world inundated with information and advertising, consumers want realness more than ever. Digital Public Relations provides brands with the tools and outlets they need to speak transparently, engage in candid discussions about issues, and demonstrate genuine integrity. As the brand becomes more transparent, it gains credibility; as the brand becomes more authentic, it also builds an emotional connection.

The foundation of the digital PR agency is straightforward and transparent communication. Whether it’s a product detail, price, or company value, brands should provide information that is straightforward, clear, and accurate. Honesty is established by not making exaggerated claims and admitting limitations. Viewers can sniff out a fraud, and once trust is violated online, it’s tough to earn back. Far from lessening lecturers’ personal and professional market value, openness about mistakes or difficulties can enhance one’s reputation by building credibility.

Authenticity and its counterparts are closely tied to transparency. Being authentic in digital public relations means being conversational, having a human brand personality, and engaging with stakeholders, not at them. Brands that are real about sharing their stories tend to be accessible and believable.

For instance, some companies may utilise blogs, podcasts or LinkedIn posts to provide behind-the-scenes perspectives on decision-making or company culture. These initiatives help make audiences feel a part of the brand’s journey. When transparency and authenticity are the consistent tenets of a digital PR strategy, they change how people perceive an organisation —not just an esoteric company with no name, but a values-driven, empathetic, and honest brand.

Building Credibility Through Social Media and Content Strategy

In an era of digital communication, social media and content strategy are essential tools in establishing brand trust. Digital Public Relations leverages these platforms not only to disseminate information, but also to share, educate, learn, and listen. Trust is gained when brands deliver high-quality, useful, and authentic content that aligns with their audience’s needs.

Social platforms offer a direct channel for brands to communicate with clients in real-time. This will give your brand a human aspect, telling the story of who is behind and within it. Thorough and prompt answers to customer queries are a testament to listening with interest and being dependable. Whether through LinkedIn thought leadership articles, Instagram stories or Twitter threads, regular communication helps to build trust and public perception.

But trust-building means more than just posting often. It’s the quality, tone, and appearance that really count. The content must align with the brand’s values, rather than merely being a form of advertising. Articles, user posts, testimonials and case studies are all ways to boost an image of authority and authenticity.

Consistently across platforms, another key factor in digital PR is consistency. Mixed signals or incongruent branding can lead to misunderstanding and doubt. When messaging, style and tone match visuals, it communicates professionalism and trust.

Adding transparency to information adds credibility. Confidence comes from sharing data, sources, and proofs that support the claim. Audiences instinctively respond to brands that defend their messages with evidence and truth. In a nutshell, a great social media and content strategy provides digital PR with the kind of trust-building boost it needs — one that not only encourages engagement but also fosters long-term respect and advocacy.

Leveraging Influencer Partnerships to Strengthen Trust

As for digital Public Relations, influencer marketing has become a significant player in reaching and cultivating brand trust. The individuals people trust are those they can relate to, not direct messages from corporations. Influencers act as intermediaries between brands and consumers, providing credibility, relatability, and authenticity that are often missing from conventional advertisements.

However, influencer relationships must remain authentic to be effective. In the digital PR space, this involves working with influencers whose beliefs and association with the brand come naturally. A mismatch can feel inauthentic and damage trust. Good partnerships, however, read more like endorsements than advertisements.

In this area, micro-influencers have become incredibly successful at building trust. They are likely to have fewer followers but also more engaged ones, those who see them as genuine voices and not marketing pawns. A micro-influencer’s authentic view of a product or service makes followers see the post as an actual recommendation rather than canned ad copy.

Transparency is also a massive deal in influencer partnerships. Partnerships between influencers and brands must be clearly disclosed to ensure that their audiences are not misled. This can be aligned with compliance and represents the ethical side of two-way communication, which helps maintain trust by keeping people as informed as possible.

Influencers can also amplify digital PR campaigns by providing a human face to the brand and crafting stories that resonate with their audience. They also help brands connect with audiences through storytelling rather than selling. When executed well, influencer partnerships can not only amplify reach but also enhance authenticity in a way that converts recipients into loyal proselytisers. Ultimately, trust is built through open and consistent engagement.

Managing Crises and Protecting Brand Reputation Online

No brand is crisis-proof, especially in an age where news travels at the speed of light. Whether it’s a product issue, societal outrage, or a misunderstanding that the company fails to address, how a company reacts in a crisis can significantly impact its reputation and credibility. Strategic digital public relations is vital in managing crises, transparency, and rebuilding trust.

The first key to digital crisis management is being prepared. A brand’s Communication Plan should detail who is responsible for what in a crisis, how the response is assembled, and what is communicated. During a crisis, coordinated and timely action helps reduce misinformation and speculation. In turn, AI monitoring tools can assist PR by enabling the early identification of negativity from the audience and facilitating faster action in response to an issue before it escalates.

I believe there is a significant role of transparency here. Attempting to cover up or downplay a problem typically exacerbates it. Instead, companies that admit their mistakes and take responsibility are those most likely to win back the public’s trust. Sincere apologies, detailed explanations and regular updates demonstrate accountability as well as respect for the audience’s intelligence.

During times of crises, social media is both a hazard and an asset. It’s a vessel for negativity, but it also enables direct, real-time communication. Non-response can become a professional opportunity when responded to with empathy.

Post-crisis reflection is vital. Reflecting on what has gone wrong and gathering feedback to inform lessons learned strengthens future resilience. Essentially, it turns out that effective crisis management through digital PR is not so much about damage control as it is about trust strengthening. When managed with honesty and empathy, crises can even increase the public’s respect for a brand.

Conclusion

Trust, after all, is the new currency of our digital society, and digital public relations is one of the ways we generate brand trust. At a time when information is shared at the speed of light and consumers demand honesty and authenticity, brand trust can no longer be built on slick advertising;  it must be earned through honest dialogue.

Candidness and authenticity build credibility. Companies that are open and show human sides build enduring emotional connections. Content and social strategies further the trust by continuously providing high-quality messaging. Influencer relationships give credibility an extra reach and a human voice. Strong crisis management, meanwhile, means that even when things go wrong, the brand remains in solid shape.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a digital public relations expert with the Digital School of Marketing? If you do, you must do our Digital Public Relations Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital public relations is a valuable tool for building brand trust in the way a brand communicates and engages online. This includes transparency, genuine content and helping to manage digital perception. Over time, by maintaining a clear voice, a compelling narrative, and a willingness to engage proactively with their audience, brands can demonstrate that they are credible and dependable.

Transparency creates trust by demonstrating honesty and responsibility. In the digital age, businesses that can talk honestly about what you’re doing with your stuff – good or bad – have more credibility. People are real, and they respond to genuineness. When brands are willing to acknowledge their mistakes, update information and share accurate accounts, it sends a message of trust and honesty.

Another great avenue for digital public relations is social media, as brands can interact with their audiences directly in real-time. In their responses to questions, feedback, or complaints, brands demonstrate that they care about their customers’ experiences and that it matters. This provides a sense of authority and consistency, which can enhance trust and establish a clear brand voice. Transparency in interactions, involving recognition of errors and honest updates, builds loyalty.

A key aspect of digital PR, influencer collaborations are effective because influencers are trusted voices within specific communities. Their genuine recommendations often carry more weight than brand messages themselves. Brands working with influencers who are aligned with their values and truly believe in the products can endorse in this format because it feels authentic to the audience. Transparency is crucial; both the influencer and the brand should clearly disclose any partnerships they have.

In a crisis, having digital PR support ensures that a brand can secure and re-establish trust by being honest and open in its communications and acting quickly with empathy. PR pros are monitoring online sentiment and responding promptly to correct any misinformation. Discussing the issue head-on demonstrates responsibility, and maintaining a steady, optimistic tone helps keep consumers calm. To that end, a good digital PR strategy also involves post-crisis analysis to learn from the lessons.

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Brands can preserve that trust in the long term by adopting continuous communication, authentic storytelling, and proactive reputation management. However, it’s also the constant communication with audiences on social media, blogs, and digital campaigns that keeps them visible and credible. Keeping an eye on online complaints ensures the brand can respond fast and openly. Working with influencers and sharing the user-generated content provides a touch of authenticity.

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How to Integrate Influencer Marketing into Public Relations Strategies https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/public-relations-blog/influencer-marketing-in-public-relations-strategies/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:48 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24388 The post How to Integrate Influencer Marketing into Public Relations Strategies appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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Influencer marketing is now just a part of modern communications. What started as a social trend is now almost mandatory for brands interested in building authenticity, generating strong user engagement, and gaining users’ trust. Combined with PR, influencer marketing has the potential to scale brand messaging, authority and targeted interactions. But it is easier said than done to do both.

Public Relations has always been about managing reputation, forming relationships and creating perception. Influencers are writing with the same mission in mind as other branded content: to inform, persuade and matter digitally. But within digital communities, trust isn’t earned from a logo or corporate branding; it comes from personal relationships. Together, the fields cover both old-school PR and the digital consumer mindset.

Aligning Influencer Marketing with Brand and PR Objectives

The first step in infusing influencer marketing into PR is alignment. These two efforts must align with the same brand and communication objectives. Without an effective bridge, influencer partnerships can seem jarring or disingenuous — taking away from credibility rather than adding to it.

A tightly integrated strategy begins with identifying the brand’s mission, values, and audience. Influencers should practice these same values, not just have a big audience. Selecting influencers who are genuinely aligned with the brand’s fundamentals enables each campaign to feel authentic and target the ideal audience. For instance, a sustainable fashion brand should partner with influencers who campaign for ethical production, not just well-known style idols.

Public relations experts are also significant storytellers. Whereas marketing teams might focus on conversions or impressions, PR teams seek to ensure influencer messaging reflects the brand’s story, tone, and long-term brand identity. They can amplify the brand’s Public Relations messages by reaching out to communities that the media might not cover through an influencer, and by incorporating a “Human” touch in video corporate communication.

Combining Public Relations and influencer marketing means being in sync on all communications channels. Whether it’s press releases, blog content, social campaigns, or influencer material, ensuring they all convey the same message and identity is crucial. This combination creates trust and avoids mixed messages.

Building Collaborative Relationships with the Right Influencers

It should be based on relationship-building not only for them but also for their clients, the publicists, or brands. The trick, she said, is to stop treating influencers as a marketing strategy and instead treat them as long-term partners who align with your brand’s mission and audience.

The selection process is crucial. Public relations professionals must focus through a lens of relevancy, engagement, credibility and shared value with the brand. A small, connected influencer who speaks to their followers and interacts with them authentically will achieve more results than a celebrity with millions of fans/followers. In addition, nano-influencers and local makers provide brands with a more authentic and grassroots connection to the community.

However, identifying the right influencers is the first step, and building trust is the most critical aspect. Transparency, a bit of creative license and a good understanding of the influencer’s voice are essential.

Unlike traditional ad campaigns, an influencer partnership sinks or swims based on authenticity. Messaging for PR Teams to Own: Encourage them to discuss it in their own tone, but in a very authentic way. This can make content more relatable and believable.

The partnership shouldn’t die with a one-off post. Consider forming lasting relationships where influencers become the enduring face of your brand. Regular collaborations bring continuity, create trust and position the influencers as real advocates.

Positive influencer relationships can complement media outreach. In fact, it is influencers who have already democratised how the public relations industry works when they can call up writers and online publications, which you will need on side if a campaign is going to go viral.

Using Influencer-Generated Content to Strengthen Brand Storytelling

Content is at the heart of both influencer marketing and PR. Storytelling is the engine of Public Relations, spurring reputation and emotional connection. In influencer marketing, the latter generates connection and trust. When you blend the two, it results in strong stories that will come across as real and resonate with your audience long after they hear them.

Influencer-created content can enhance brand storytelling and offer a more relatable human perspective. Whereas conventional public relations material, such as press releases and corporate videos, conveys official messages, influencers share on-the-ground experiences. They demonstrate how a brand seamlessly integrates into their daily lives, resulting in more convincing stories. This mix of professional savvy and personal touch creates room for emotional power.

Influencer content can ease the lives of public relations professionals. If there is any way that communications professionals can put influencer content to work, it’s by strategically recycling it on repeat across more marketing channels than you can count.

For example, influencer endorsements can enhance a brand’s presence in digital press kits, blog posts, newsletters, and other owned media properties. A press release can include a short influencer video or be shared on social media as part of a package. Combine user-generated content in your PR materials to unite company messaging with real consumer experience.

And as such, influencer content can be leveraged to supplement your brand’s storytelling when it comes to pivotal events and launches. Live play sessions, backstage compilations and personal impressions build up a lot of excitement along the way. This type of content promotes transparency and relatability, two key elements in current PR at work.

Through influencer-partnered stories, brands avoid telling audiences what to believe and instead show them. This creates an authenticity and trust, both elements that traditional media coverage alone may not necessarily instil in brands and influencer storytelling. If influencer storytelling supports a brand’s narrative, then digital public relations advances from self-promotion into authentic, experience-driven conversation.

Measuring the Impact of Influencer-PR Integration

You can’t have influencer marketing integrated into PR without measurement. Although Public Relations is notorious for focusing on intangible results (such as perception and reputation), the digital tools available today make it easier than ever to measure the influence that collaboration can lead to. Success measurement not only demonstrates value but also informs strategy moving forward.

Begin by setting clear goals before you launch any campaign. These can be brand awareness, sentiment improvement, increased engagement or traffic to your site. And each goal should be associated with quantifiable KPIs, including reach, impressions, referral traffic and conversion.

Using social media analytics tools such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite, or Later can help you obtain detailed information on audience activity and post success. PRs can monitor hashtags, mentions and sentiment to gauge audiences’ perception of influencer-led campaigns. You can use UTM parameters or custom tracking links to easily track the number of website visits and conversions from influencer content using Google Analytics.

It’s not just numbers, but also qualitative assessments. Following its media profile, features, comments, and feedback have been illuminating about the positive impact of working with influencers in improving brand interpretations. Sentiment analysis applications, such as Brandwatch and Meltwater, measure emotional reactions and trends in the public mood.

Compare influencer performance against traditional PR channels. At the same time, this 360° perspective demonstrates how influencer alliances complement earned media and enhance digital exposure. Over time, data-driven insights start to inform the strategy and identify which influencers are your best performers in terms of content performance and ROI.

Conclusion

Influencer Marketing and Public Relations’ Common Goal. Both influencer marketing and public relations serve the same underlying goal: to create trust, credibility, and meaningful relationships between a brand and its audience. Strategically combined, they work to lift each other and change communication from a purely one-way message into an interactive story.

Effective integration starts with alignment. The most effective influencer campaigns are driven by PR values such as authenticity, transparency and continuity. Selecting influencers that truly embody the brand guarantees authenticity and emotive content. It’s about building stronger, longer-term relationships with influencers that result in long-term advocacy rather than fleeting exposure.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a digital public relations expert with the Digital School of Marketing? If you do, you must do our Digital Public Relations Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using influencer marketing alongside PR can help ensure that brands maintain empathy, trust, and a human touch in their engagement. Influencers are the voice of trust, serving as the bridge between corporate messages and audience engagement. When combined with PR tactics, influencer relationships can help scale storytelling, extend reach and enhance brand equity.

The optimal influencer will vary depending on a brand’s values, audience demographics, and campaign goals. PR pros are better off when they focus on authenticity, rather than the number of followers, and connect with influencers who truly resonate with the brand’s mission. It preserves credibility when addressing engagement, content quality, and how friendly they are to the audience. Micro-influencers’ engagement rates are higher than those of celebrities, as they typically have a niche audience.

Authenticity is the foundation of an effective PR campaign. Influencers who remain authentic and consistent in their messaging win the trust of their audience. If an influencer truly believes in a product or brand, their endorsement seems genuine and convincing. PR teams should allow influencers to distribute messages in a way that’s authentic to them, just as they would share their own, so it doesn’t feel forced.

User-generated content is a personalising lens on brand storytelling. Old-school PR is based on newsy press releases and formal announcements, while Influencers spin relatable real-world stories. This content features real people using or endorsing a product, making the messaging more convincing and relatable. PR teams can not only amplify the reach of influencer content by incorporating it into press materials, blogs or social media campaigns but also generate more traffic to owned media channels.

You can even quantify or at least qualify success. With the help of software like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or Brandwatch, Public Relations teams can monitor KPIs, including reach, impressions, and engagement rates. These days, they also check referral traffic. Sentiment analysis can help gauge your audience’s opinion of you, while share of voice indicates how visible your brand is compared to your competitors. You can also reference media pickup and influencer trust to gauge impact.

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There needs to be closer integration between influencer content and public relations messages. Start with concrete, measurable goals and a commitment to the influencers that are consistent with your brand’s values. It’s about keeping the channels open and working creatively together to tell real stories—name names with branding everywhere, including press releases, social media, and influencer posts.

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How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Digital Public Relations https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/public-relations-blog/artificial-intelligence-is-the-future-of-digital-public-relations/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:11 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24384 The post How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Digital Public Relations appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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The digital public relations (PR) space is changing rapidly, with AI leading the charge. What was once considered a futuristic idea, AI has truly disrupted the way organisations manage their reputation, audience engagement, and impact measurement. From data-backed storytelling to real-time tracking of tweets and public sentiment, AI is transforming the way PR professionals plan, execute, and evaluate campaigns.

PR was very intuitive, experience-based and manual. Professionals would spend hours tracking media, writing pitches, and putting out fires with very little insight into the data. Today, AI completely disrupts the game. By eliminating grunt work, analysing public sentiment, and surfacing advice that makes a difference, AI is freeing PR pros to focus on strategy, creativity, and relationships.

Transforming Media Monitoring and Trend Analysis Through Artificial Intelligence

Media monitoring has long been a staple of public relations, but it used to involve an arduous manual process. Public Relations teams would watch news sites, social networks and blogs for brand mentions and patterns among competitors. This process has been significantly disrupted by machine learning, transforming it from a reactive, opportunistic approach to one that is data-driven.

Media monitoring technology and techniques have evolved to enable AI-based tools that can process and make sense of millions of online conversations, articles, and posts in real-time. They’re not just listening for mentions, they analyse sentiment, pinpoint the most critical influencers, and identify trends before they appear in more mainstream sources. This is a powerful tool that PR professionals can use to get ahead of the story.

An AI system might, for instance, notice a sudden surge of social chatter around a product or issue, analyse the sentiment and instantly alert the communications team. This means brands can act fast, capitalising on opportunities or mitigating risks before they spiral. This predictive power is turning digital PR from a reactive force to a proactive one.

PR, meanwhile, can utilise AI to comprehend context, tone, and sentiment in online conversations, thanks to its natural language processing capabilities. This understanding enables more precise media responses and strategies that are informed by public sentiment, rather than speculation.

Machine learning can also help improve competitive intelligence. By constantly monitoring digital spaces, it uncovers what competitors are saying, what reactions the audience is giving, and identifies market voids. This intelligence enables digital PR pros to make better, quicker decisions using real-time insight instead of guesswork.

Personalising Communication and Audience Engagement with AI

One of the more thrilling effects that AI has for digital PR is its capacity to personalise communication. In an age of content overload, personal messaging has become the currency that guarantees capturing audience focus and cultivating relationships. AI is enabling this by interpreting audience behaviours, interests and engagement trends, allowing brands to put the right message in front of the right person at precisely the right moment.

Public Relations pros can now leverage AI solutions to slice & dice audiences in unimaginably precise manners. Using demographic information, online behaviour and even mood (sentiment) analysis, the systems create very detailed audience personas. That data can guide the AI to recommend certain types of content, tones and channels of communication that resonate most with each segment.

For instance, an AI-powered platform could reveal that one group of the audience resonates more with video content on LinkedIn, while another prefers short-form updates on Twitter. This level of specificity allows public relations professionals to develop campaigns that are most meaningful for their audience.

Real-time engagement has also been redefined with the advent of chatbots and AI virtual assistants. Brands can now communicate around the clock, providing journalists and customers with real-time responses to questions, updates or customer support. Brand interactions are becoming increasingly human-like due to machine learning, delivering consistent and responsive experiences.

Additionally, predictive analytics enable PR teams to anticipate which themes or narratives will resonate with their audience next. They can help define trends instead of merely reacting to them.” AI is helping digital PR stand out from the crowd by combining data precision with human creativity to create more powerful, more meaningful audience relationships.

Enhancing Crisis Management and Brand Reputation with Predictive AI

Crisis communications are among the most critical and challenging PR functions for digital practitioners. In the past, organisations frequently reacted to crises after harm had already occurred. Now, artificial intelligence is changing that, giving brands the ability to predict and detect potential crises, rather than waiting until they spiral out of control.

AI-based sentiment analysis tools constantly analyse social media, news sites and forums for early warning signals. For example, if negative mentions of your product or service suddenly spike, AI can instantly alert PR managers. This early warning helps them respond more quickly to issues, allowing them to address them before they escalate into viral scandals.

AI plays a crucial role in determining the scope and severity of a crisis. It can measure how quickly a message is disseminating, identify the key voices framing the conversation, and predict where sentiment is headed. Armed with such intelligence, sales and PR teams can best determine how to address and to which prospects or stakeholders to devote resources.

AI helps craft communication during a crisis. Natural language generation tools can provide response statements to help maintain brand voice integrity and reduce risk. Powered by human oversight, this accelerates communication while preserving its authenticity.

And AI also supports post-crisis analysis, analysing public sentiment, media coverage and message effectiveness. Using this system, PR teams can learn from each instance and refine their strategies for future use. Through predictive analytics and real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence is making crisis management a proactive, data-driven practice, a complete game-changer for contemporary digital public relations.

Measuring Campaign Effectiveness with Data-Driven AI Insights

Measurement was always a struggle in public relations. But PR can’t be measured and quantified as easily as advertising, because it deals with perception, reputation and influence. However, artificial intelligence is enabling us to change the way digital Public Relations measurement influences and provides better, more actionable insights.

Now, AI tools process massive amounts of information from numerous sources, including social media buzz, news coverage, web traffic, and even audio mentions from podcasts and videos. It’s this kind of transparency that enables PR professionals to quantify not only reach, but also sentiment, audience behaviour and conversion impact. A.I. can determine which stories, keywords and even influencers precipitate the highest levels of engagement, allowing teams to adjust their tactics on the fly.

Advanced AI systems also monitor how public sentiment changes over the course of a campaign. They can pick up tones in copy that you might miss, as well as how your messaging will perform across various channels. This allows sales and PR managers to adjust their tactics on the fly, enabling them to maximise the value of every interaction.

There are also machine learning algorithms to aid in the benchmark process. By integrating campaign data with industry trends and competitor insights, PR professionals can gain a deeper understanding of their standing. AI not only quantifies what happened but also explains why it did, revealing the cause-and-effect relationship between communication activities and outcomes.

AI adds value to PR reporting. Perhaps the most significant impact that AI has on PR is making reporting more meaningful and effective. Rather than relying on fuzzy metrics like “media impressions,” managers can now point to hard metrics to demonstrate the ROI: sentiment improvement, engagement growth, and share of voice. In this manner, AI provides digital PR pros with a way to explain how their approach aligns with the broader marketing ecosystem.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing public relations professionals; it’s making them better. The new face of digital public relations will be a collaboration between human inspiration and machine intelligence. By providing structure, speed and accuracy to an industry that has always been built on gut feel and experience, AI is enabling Public Relations teams to work smarter, tell more personalised stories and develop better data-driven strategies.

From real-time monitoring to predictive crisis management, artificial intelligence is changing nearly every corner of the PR industry. It empowers professionals with new insights into their audiences, the ability to respond more quickly to emerging issues, and a way of measuring impact far more accurately than ever before. Automation takes care of the ‘busy work’, affording PR teams more time for what really counts: creativity, storytelling and relationship-building.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a digital public relations expert with the Digital School of Marketing? If you do, you must do our Digital Public Relations Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

AI is disrupting digital Public Relations by enabling automation of repetitive tasks, enhancing data analysis and empowering intelligent decision-making. AI can track media attention, read public feelings and forecast upcoming trends. This helps PR practitioners respond more quickly, create more targeted messages and measure the effectiveness of campaigns more precisely. By marrying human creativity with AI-driven insights, PR teams can develop data-driven strategies that are both intelligent and innovative, enabling brands to lead as the world becomes increasingly digital.

AI has numerous advantages in digital public relations, including the automation of mundane tasks. Before we dive into the ways AI is implemented in digital PR, here are a few of its main benefits. It’s great for public relations professionals because it allows them to understand opportunities and risks more quickly, personalise communications better, and target audiences more effectively. AI also enhances reporting by providing quantifiable data on engagement, sentiment, and brand perception.

Media monitoring tools track millions of digital sources in real-time, allowing you to see how audiences are discussing brands, trends, or competitors. They understand tone, sentiment, and reach, enabling Public Relations professionals to catch potential crises or opportunities in their infancy. Artificial intelligence also identifies emerging trends before they become widespread, allowing the teams to adjust their strategies in a forward-looking manner.

Yes, artificial intelligence greatly enhances the management of crises in digital public relations. AI-based tools crawl the internet to scan online platforms and notify Public Relations teams of any suspicious activity or spikes in bad sentiment. These warnings help in quick reaction before the situation gets out of hand. AI can monitor information, challenge its spread, identify influential players driving it, and provide targeted communication strategies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances audience targeting by analysing metrics such as demographics, behaviour, and sentiment to identify patterns and preferences. This enables PR professionals to craft tailored messages that will appeal to groups of people. Through machine learning, models can anticipate which character an audience will connect with and suggest specific platforms for outreach.

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Deeper integration, more intelligent automation, and predictive insights are the future of artificial intelligence in digital Public Relations. AI will further evolve how we analyse media, engage with audiences and track sentiment, empowering PR professionals to make data-led decisions more quickly. In the future, as natural language processing continues to evolve, AI-generated content will become increasingly indistinguishable from human-authored and authentic content, with minimal human oversight.

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Sales Management for Green and Eco-Friendly Products https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/sales-blog/sales-management-for-eco-friendly-products/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:28 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24342 The post Sales Management for Green and Eco-Friendly Products appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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The world economy has entered a new era of commerce, where sustainability is no longer the exception but the rule. Today’s consumer is increasingly environmentally aware and seeks products that embody sustainable values. Whether it’s alternative energy or organic products, packaging that can be recycled and clothes made from a mix of hemp and cotton, consumers are demanding green options. Successful Sales Management is a requirement for companies in this field to compete and win.

When it comes to eco-friendly sales management, it’s more than just selling a product; it’s about fostering a sustainable approach to business. It calls for grasping consumer motivations, educating customers about sustainability benefits and fostering trust by being transparent. Contrary to conventional sales, price and convenience are not the only concerns: for green products, Selling Management is also about values, ethics, and long-term impact.

Strategic Sales Management for Eco-Friendly Products

The sales approach when selling green products Has To be a sustainable one. Strategic Sales Management helps organisations develop a cohesive commercial perspective that aligns with social and environmental values in selling to eco-aware customers.

An early step in an advertising strategy is to determine the target audience. Green-minded consumers can be found at either end of the spectrum, ranging from environmentally conscious millennials to corporate buyers seeking sustainable supply chains. Sales leaders need to effectively segment their audiences and create strategies that resonate with targets based on their specific motivations and needs. For example, one customer may prioritise reducing their carbon footprint, while another might focus on ethical sourcing or long-term cost savings.

Pricing is another critical factor. Environmentally friendly products are typically considered more costly. “Strategic Sale Management teaches us how to talk about values in terms of lifetime, long-term efficiency and environmental.” Teaching customers about cost efficiency, such as energy savings from solar panels or reduced waste from reusable packaging, can rationalise premium pricing.

Sales managers also need to concentrate on market position. Creating a distinction between environmental products and traditional products through a strong message and benefit orientation is necessary. The transparency of certifications, eco-lables and sourcing practices promotes trust.

Finally, scalable strategic Revenue Management planning is needed. With green products gaining popularity, companies must build frameworks for expanded distribution and sustainable supply chain management. Failure to do so would cause growth to sabotage the very values that make green products appealing.

Building Customer Trust Through Authenticity and Education

Trust is key in selling green. Consumers are wary of “greenwashing,” which involves making false or exaggerated claims about environmental benefits. “Good Selling”: Revenue Management Made Real. There are credible, informed sources in the market: building long-term reputation and responsible businesses that educate customers.

Transparency is essential. Sales managers must ensure that these sales teams understand the certifications, materials, and production processes. This type of transparency ensures that customers can verify claims of eco-friendliness. For instance, a clothing brand that emphasises organic certification or tells the story of water savings is authentic.

Education is equally important. While many consumers are concerned about sustainability, they often lack a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of eco-friendly products. Sales Management can help close this gap by providing training that explains the benefits in an easy-to-understand manner. You can also draw on storytelling, since nearly any product or service helps reduce waste, save energy or make people healthier and more productive.

Storytelling is another powerful tool. Sales managers could reinforce the sharing of brand stories that focus on the environmental mission, ethical practices and community involvement. This creates stories that encourage trust and further emotional connections with consumers.

Revenue Management requires building a mechanism to close feedback loops. The more you listen to your customers and respond appropriately by either focusing on their products or messages, the closer the relationship will become. When people know they’re being heard, they are more likely to stay.

Leveraging Data and Technology in Green Sales Management

Technology and Big Data are changing the way we manage sales, and it’s especially true when it comes to selling green products. For tracking this data quickly and staying ahead in a competitive market, digital tools equip sales managers with the intelligence and efficiency needed to succeed.

One such domain is customer relationship management (CRM). Common Lead Management issues. Fortunately, there are CRM systems that can help sales managers organise the chaos in their leads and interactions, and tailor their contact to the individual they are dealing with. When it comes to eco-friendly goods, customising is key.

A consumer looking for renewable energy solutions might require different information than someone seeking sustainable fashion. CRM platforms help ensure that messaging aligns with each customer’s values and preferences.

Data is also invaluable in shaping pricing strategy. Sales leaders can identify which eco-friendly purchases to group, as well as when and where to demonstrate long-term savings. For instance, when you motivate your buyer to compare the costs of energy for traditional versus renewable, they perceive and then experience value beyond the transactional price.

Technology is also increasing the transparency that’s so important in green markets. Blockchain solutions, for example, enable companies to track their supply chains and establish the provenance of their ethical sourcing. These sales manager apps help managers serve their customers with accurate and authenticated information, thereby building their trust.

On the other hand, digital platforms have enlarged market reach. E-commerce, social media, and content marketing can all provide a platform to broadcast eco-friendly products and educate customers at scale. Sales Management takes these channels and integrates them into larger plans and campaigns, all of which are seamless promotional efforts that create awareness and encourage people to make a purchase.

Empowering Sales Teams for the Green Economy

A great sales strategy can only go as far as the teams that are supporting it. Effective Sales Management is a program specifically designed to equip salespeople with the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to sell green products successfully.

Training is essential. Managers should be sure that employees understand all aspects of environmentally friendly products, not just their features. This will help sellers articulate value and answer questions with confidence. Training sessions, product demos, and sustainability briefings keep knowledge up to date.

Motivation is equally essential. It can be particularly challenging to sell eco-friendly products when customers doubt the pricing or suspect greenwashing. Revenue Management needs to develop incentives that reward customers, not just close sales. Acknowledge Success. Celebrating success is a morale-boosting activity that fosters long-term commitment and dedication.

Adaptability is another critical skill. Sales teams must overcome a range of customer concerns — from a sense of “not in my backyard” to financial savings. Providing teams with flexible scripts, case studies, and real-world examples enables them to respond effectively to challenges.

Collaboration is also key. Sales managers should establish a communication structure that enables seamless communication between sales, marketing, product development, and other departments. This means that customer feedback actually meets the product plan and messaging, and sales become more effective.

Creating a purpose-driven culture is a key passionate motivator for teams. Environmentally conscious companies tend to draw employees who care about sustainability. Revenue Management, which directly links day-to-day work with a broader environmental cause, builds team motivation and engagement.

Conclusion

The emergence of green and environmentally friendly products is emblematic of a larger shift in consumer values worldwide. There is an opportunity for businesses in this space to do very well, but it takes more than just great products; it requires solid Sales Management.

Strategically, Sales Management focuses on eco-friendly products that are well-placed, priced correctly, and scaled responsibly. It combats consumer cynicism and creates long-term loyalty by establishing trust through authenticity and education. Using data and technology, you can identify the actual insights required to personalise strategies and stay transparent, while your sales team is proving that you have what it takes in terms of human capital needed to drive growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Revenue Management team ensures our eco-friendly products thrive by being both financially healthy and environmentally friendly. It informs strategy, pricing and positioning, while putting consumer scepticism about cost or greenwashing to rest. Good management also involves education – we can help our customers see that there is long-term value and environmental benefit in the development of these resources.

Trust is critical in green markets, where customers are sceptical of misleading environmental claims. Sink into this comfortable chair and feel relaxed as you read that when it comes to Sales Management, ‘everything has been clear from the start’ with ‘documents verified’ and a commitment to an ‘ethical source’. Teams are trained to teach shoppers about the actual benefits, such as saving energy and reducing waste. Authentic storytelling bonds customers to the brand on an emotional level.

Technology is a valuable revenue management tool that can enhance a sales manager’s role by providing analytical insights, increased visibility, and a broader reach. CRM software personalises sales tactics and processes in a way that better addresses customer needs. Proof of sustainability: Blockchain and tracking tools are utilised to verify that radio components are sustainably sourced, thereby adding credibility to the product for end users.

Eco-friendly products are often assumed to be costlier. Sales Management addresses this hurdle by shaping value. Rather than just focusing on price, managers now emphasise long-term savings, durability, and environmental benefits. Because renewable technologies may be more expensive initially, but they can save a significant amount of costs later. Training salespeople to articulate these benefits helps customers rationalise premium prices.

Revenue Management gives the team the tools, training, and knowledge they need to be effective. The team not only understands products but also the environment in which they have an impact, and thus can educate its customers. Motivation is born of being seen, rewarded and tied to something greater than each day’s work on a sustainability mission. Flexible working arrangements and effective communication between departments facilitate adaptation.

Strong Revenue Management is suitable for companies, consumers and the world. Sustainability and Strategy do bring profitability and market growth for companies. The result is better education for customers, reliable products and long-term value. Adopting more eco-friendly alternatives at scale is good for the environment. Sales teams also do well, finding a sense of purpose in driving sustainability. Revenue Management fosters a win-win environment where eco-friendly businesses can thrive alongside global environmental challenges and consumer demand for sustainable practices.

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Public Relations for Tourism and Destination Marketing https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/public-relations-blog/public-relations-for-tourism-and-destination-marketing-2/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:19 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24232 The post Public Relations for Tourism and Destination Marketing appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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Competing for attention around the world is fierce, and no more so than in one of the most competitive industries, tourism. In this context, Public Relations is a valuable way for you to make a lasting impression and attract people. PR helps tourism boards, travel companies and destination marketers to shine the spotlight on what makes a place special, keep reputations in check and tell engaging stories that attract visitors from all corners of the world. Corporate Communications differs from traditional advertising, which focuses on pushing features, services, or products; PR, on the other hand, focuses on telling real stories and creating strong impressions.

Tourism PR is not just about sending press releases. It fuses media relations, influencer collaboration, community involvement and crisis handling as one planned strategy to increase profile and reputation. Destinations are successful not just based on the product, but more importantly, based on how it is perceived. Public Relations is a good job, and it’s crucial – not only is the world flat, but to attract travellers and for tourism to take off, these images need to be positive. They need to be consistent in their actions and increasingly align with our values.

Creating a Strong Destination Brand Through Public Relations

When it comes to tourism, branding is everything. A recognisable, robust brand allows destinations to shine in a competitive marketplace. PR maintains this identity while moulding and communicating it. It ensures a city or place isn’t only known but also remembered for its distinctive aspects, cultural vibrancy, and visitor experiences. PR is not based on features, as advertising tends to be, but on the values, stories and emotions of travel that travellers can connect with.

Here, too, as a part of destination brand-building, we are telling stories. “Public Relations folks write stories about what makes a place: its culture, history, scenery and people. For instance, a city on the coast may promote its clean beaches, seafood-oriented lifestyle and colourful festivals. By embedding those stories in media campaigns, PR provides travellers with an emotional motive for their visit.

Consistency in branding matters as well. Public Relations is also essential in making sure messages are consistent across all interfaces, including press releases, websites, and social media. The more trustworthy a destination is, the more recognisable it becomes on an international stage.

Having people who vouch for you is another good PR tactic. Tourism boards can collaborate with local businesses, arts, and cultural communities to develop campaigns that are true to life. It would increase the credibility while indicating that the community is proactive in supporting tourism.

At the end of the day, this is what Corporate Communications does; it turns places into desirable brands that people dream about visiting. By telling great stories, connecting with messaging and being authentic, PR pros give destinations the competitive advantage in the global tourism marketplace. Strong branding is the cornerstone of successful destination marketing.

Building Media and Influencer Relationships in Tourism PR

The currency of tourism PR is media and influencer contacts. Travellers today increasingly lean on bona fide sources of inspiration, be it some magazine feature, a travel blog post, or an influencer’s doings on Instagram or YouTube. PRs are the connectors, connecting destinations with these voices and making sure their stories are told honestly to the right people.

However, traditional media is still a key factor in tourism PR. Travel magazines, newspapers or television programs give credibility and broad exposure. PR pros pitch irresistible stories, coordinate press junkets and deliver media kits filled with the destination’s hot spots. Such earned media coverage places the destination on a must-visit list without associated advertising expenses.

In the digital era, Influencer marketing is now essential. Influencers add authenticity and relatability that resonate with today’s travellers. Public Relations units will also seek to find taste makers whose image and values correspond to the destination’s ethos; they are invited out, usually tuned into a theme that complements what excites them about the destination and asked to share it with readers in their networks. These partners create compelling content, including Instagram reels and travel vlogs that bring the destination to life in an intimate and empowering way.

Solid relationships are built over time, not just one-off campaigns. Its Corporate Communications certainly does building long-term relationships with media and influencers, which is a key principle that builds trust and credibility. Through these connections, destinations achieve ongoing coverage that keeps them top of mind for prospective visitors.

Managing Crises with Public Relations in Tourism

The industry is susceptible to crises of all kinds – be they natural disasters, political instability, pandemics or bad press. Because for some destinations, how they handle a situation can either sully or bolster their reputation. Corporate Communications offers the skills you need to handle these challenges, retain trust and ensure that damage is kept to a minimum.

Crisis communication begins with preparation. Public Relations pros create crisis communications plans that map out what scenarios could develop, what the key messages should be and who needs to speak. They identify the responsible authority figures and ensure that, in the event of an issue, the destination can reach out promptly and with a consistent message. And in tourism, where bad news travels around the world in minutes, preparation is key.

Honesty and transparency are key in managing a crisis. The role of PR is to cut through the nonsense and get communities to respond on a personal level, telling their story while providing up-to-the-minute on-the-ground updates, complete with calls to action from destinations. For instance, when a natural disaster occurs, timely information about safety precautions, relief efforts, and community outreach will help preserve credibility.

Public Relations also works in changing the narrative after a crisis. As the worst passes, campaigns emphasise recovery, demonstrating resilience and increased confidence in travel. Sharing stories about safe attractions, hearing from return visitors, or involving us in the restoration of your local community can help restore faith and inspire demand.

At its core, Public Relations is arming a destination with the tools it needs to handle a crisis without destroying credibility. With preparation, transparency and a focus on recovery, PR helps destinations transform challenges into resilience opportunities.

Leveraging Digital Platforms for Destination Public Relations

The digital revolution has completely re-engineered tourism and destination marketing, as well as any Public Relations role within it. Today’s travellers research, plan and share their experiences online, so destinations must actively control their online presence on multiple digital platforms. PR ensures that its visual presence is not only engaging but authentic and reflective of the portfolio’s brand identity.

Social media is one of the most effective tools in tourism PR. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, destinations can display beautiful visuals, share traveller stories and engage in direct conversation with followers. PR pros design campaigns that highlight cultural experiences, small-town communities, and quirky attractions in a way that sparks wanderlust. Interesting hashtags, participation contests, and live-action games help to increase the reach significantly, as well as delivering a sustained impact.

Websites are still crucial for credibility and accessibility. Your guys should be the advocates reminding destination websites that they need to have easy-to-use, fact-filled resources along with blogs, press kits and testimonials. When planning travel, optimising these sites for SEO is vital for targeting customers as destinations rise to the forefront in search results.

Email marketing also complements digital PR by serving up custom updates to travellers, media and stakeholders. Newsletters promoting new events, attractions, or travel offers that are available keep the audience in the know and engaged. Analytics tools are a whole other level of clever. PR pros can measure engagement, track a campaign’s performance, and adjust based on what works by analysing the numbers. This guarantees that resources are well spent, and results can be quantified.

Conclusion

PR is the base of booming tourism and destination marketing. In an industry of experiences and impressions, PR helps a destination to differentiate itself, establishing credibility, fortifying resilience. Through the development of brand identities, building media and influencer relationships, and crisis management, coupled with leveraging social media opportunities, PR provides that strategic edge to destinations seeking a point of differentiation in competitive environments.

Beyond marketing, Public Relations in tourism is storytelling. It differentiates destinations as a brand to remember that stimulates and motivates travellers, increases community pride, and drives sustained loyalty. Whether through authentic storytelling, influencer collaborations or open lines of crisis communication, it’s PR’s job to make sure that destinations feel confident and trustworthy places to visit.

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Do you want to become a digital public relations expert with the Digital School of Marketing? If you do, you must do our Digital Public Relations Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tourism public relations efforts are dedicated to shaping favourable destination images, presenting the beauty of cultural and natural values, and boosting relationships with stakeholders. Using this insight, PR professionals weave compelling stories, secure media coverage and engage with influencers to showcase the one-of-a-kind attributes of an area. In this way, PR contributes to placing cities in the limelight, bringing visitors and enhancing local business economies.

Public Relations creates destination brands by communicating a coherent and true story that represents the culture, highlights, and attractions of a location worth seeing and visiting. Storytelling is enormous, as it’s the way to reach people on an emotional level who might want to travel one day. PR ensures your messages are consistent across press, social, and campaigns, thereby reifying that recognition. Public Relations helps bring authenticity and credibility into the narrative by working with the community and local businesses.

Media and influencers play a critical role here as they are the trusted voices when it comes to inspiration for travellers. PR professionals foster traditional relationships with reporters but work closely with influencers for modern, human stories. Writer press trips, media kits and influencer campaigns are key for destinations to be able to show their offerings to broader audiences. And these collaborations are worth a genuine exposure that ads can’t often replicate.

Tourism is a sphere with a high level of crisis susceptibility, including threats of natural disasters, pandemics, and adverse publicity. Public relations assistance is crucial in the immediate, transparent, and reassuring communication of all involved participants. Prepared crisis management plans include predefined key messages, spokespersons, and communication routes. Following the crisis, PR continues with recovery campaigns focusing on safety, community unification, and demonstrated favourable experiences.

Digital PR uses the Internet to connect destinations with a global audience of travellers: blogging, social media campaigns and videos highlighting experiences. Feedback and engagement inspire. Travel websites with SEO ensure that travellers find the facts they’re looking for, and email newsletters keep them up to date. Analytics tools quantify success and help PR professionals continue to iterate on what is working. PR makes sure that what we talk about is engaging, disciplined and true.

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Public Relations increases community engagement by incorporating local culture, traditions and businesses in tourism campaigns. PR tactics focus on local stories, local events and resident-tourism board collaboration. This imparts greater authenticity to the destination brand, as it effectively addresses the community’s role in capturing the growth of tourism. Fostering inclusion and transparency, Public Relations cultivates local pride and conditions visitors for an enriched, authentic cultural exchange.

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Public Relations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/public-relations-blog/public-relations-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:00:52 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24230 The post Public Relations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), the battle could be savage. SMEs, unlike their large-budget counterparts, must be able to generate exposure in a way that is light on budget. This is when the support comes from Public Relations (PR). Corporate Communications assists SMEs by shaping their public image, capturing attention with stories that drive behaviour, and forming trust between businesses and their audience. Whereas traditional advertising can get costly, PR is all about relationships, storytelling and earning media coverage, creating genuine exposure.

For SMEs, every impression matters. One group is sales-oriented, the other works in Public Relations. The fact is, whether you’re trying to get news coverage, managing customer feedback or raising brand awareness by engaging with your community, PR teaches tactics for getting the most from what you have. Good PR enables SMEs to stand up to bigger rivals on an equal footing, showcasing their individual benefits, personal service and creative initiatives.

Building Brand Awareness Through Public Relations

Awareness of brand targeting is a fundamental characteristic for SMEs’ development. What is unknown may remain underrated, and without recognition, even the best products or services can go unnoticed. Corporate Communications specialises in raising the profile of small to mid-size businesses through storytelling, community and media relations. Unlike a paid ad campaign, PR is about generating real visibility by promoting why an SME is special and matters.

An electrifying brand story is key to a successful PR campaign. This involves sharing the story behind how the business was founded, what it’s trying to achieve and the values it embodies. People respond to authenticity, and SMEs can leverage this by sharing their entrepreneurial inner journey and customer-centric drive. Posing customer success stories, staff accomplishments, community initiatives or anything else with substance establishes an emotional bond and makes your brand top of mind.

“You want to leverage media relations as well to raise awareness. PR reps develop relationships with their local journalists, bloggers and/or influencers, which result in features, interviews or product reviews. For small businesses, local media coverage is essential as it places them at the heart of the community.

Being part of events (hosting workshops, taking part in trade fairs and sponsoring local initiatives) is another strategy PR employs to enhance brand visibility. These are opportunities for SMEs to engage directly with their audience and reinforce their credibility.

In summary, the creation of brand awareness through Public Relations enables SMEs to differentiate in noisy markets. It ensures that potential customers understand who they are and why they matter, laying the groundwork for long-term success.

Creating Trust and Credibility with Public Relations

Trust is a crucial thing for SMEs. People tend to buy from companies they trust, and it’s easier for investors or partners to contribute their precious capital (whether monetary or human) when a company comes across as trustworthy. PR provides SMEs with the blood that enables them to build and maintain that trust.

Here’s one way that PR can help with credibility: third-party validation. A positive article from a businessman or influencer is worth many times more than a paid advertisement. “It’s the sort of coverage that Public Relations specialists strive to win for their clients, which can play a vital role in establishing officials or policy makers as authorities in their fields,” says Delaware-based Corporate Communications consultant Stefan Pollack.

Transparency is another critical component. ‘Transparency is key’ for SMEs to share successes and achievements, Corporate Communications urges. For instance, providing behind-the-scenes footage or the company’s approach to sustainability can demonstrate that you are a truthful and accountable organisation in the eyes of the customers. This openness creates loyalty and deeper connections over the long haul.

There’s also a strong focus on PR, or reputation management. By staying attuned to online reviews of your company, responding to customer feedback, and addressing any complaints promptly, you can demonstrate to customers that customer service is a priority for you. Corporate Communications tactics guide these interactions to be both professional and empathetic.

Finally, thought leadership is a great PR opportunity for credibility. They can author expert articles, participate in panel discussions, and speak at industry events, positioning themselves as leaders in their respective fields. By delivering value regularly, they establish themselves as an authority and foster trust.

Navigating Crises with Effective Public Relations

Despite being successful, even SMEs can experience a crisis, a bad review, operational problems, supply of goods and public criticism. It is how the SME responds that can either break or enhance its brand reputation. Crisis Communications Public Relations provides the foundation to manage crises effectively and communicate clearly, openly, in line with the brand ethos.

Crisis communication starts with preparation. Corporate Communications practitioners frequently assist SMEs in preparing crisis management plans, which document the possible threats and responses. These plans identify spokespeople, develop holding statements and establish procedures for the delivery of rapid and consistent news messaging. This is particularly necessary for smaller teams in SMEs to prepare and avoid making disastrous miscommunications when the heat is on.

Transparency is essential in times of crisis. Corporate Communications tells people the truth, acknowledges that there’s a problem, apologises when appropriate, and explains what you’re doing to fix it. Responsibilities are often perceived more positively by customers and stakeholders than explanations that focus on avoiding blame. They can directly address the problems, establish trust again, and express the driving recovery force.

Corporate Communications also empowers SMEs to shape the story. PR also keeps everyone informed by disseminating the truth in official media statements, on social media accounts and through direct customer communication, downplaying opportunities for rumours and misinformation. After the crisis is dealt with in the short term, PR moves to positive news, which can restore and build the reputation of the SME.

Leveraging Digital Platforms for SME Public Relations

Digital platforms have transformed Public Relations; they have given SME’s access to affordable and effective ways of spreading the word about their businesses. Thanks to social media, websites and online publications, even a small firm can promote its messages, interact directly with customers and build a name for itself. For SMEs with limited budgets, digital PR offers the best value for your money.

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok enable SMEs to tell their stories, display products and values. From a PR standpoint, the emphasis is on creating videos, posts, and interactive things that are easily shared and get media attention. Regular contact with followers creates a community and encourages loyalty.

Websites are yet another bastion of the digital Corporate Communications strategy. Its professional, user-friendly website serves as the company’s home base for posting press releases, case studies, and customer testimonials. Blogs and thought-leadership articles lend credibility and SEO, enabling prospects to find the SME online.

PR is bolstered by email marketing, which provides direct access to audiences. Company updates, product launches and community stories are shared in company newsletters to keep stakeholders informed. The “corporate message” often contains the mission statement and a summary of the company’s products and/or services. Corporate Communications accomplishes this task by conveying corporate messages to targeted audiences and data necessary for making completed ideas easily accessible.

Analytics tools additionally bolster digital PR. Through monitoring engagement rates, site visitors, and campaign performance, SMEs can optimise their strategies for improved outcomes.

Simply put, digital platforms have democratized Public Relations for SMEs to compete against the giants. By being creative and persistent, SMEs can develop firm online profiles that encourage growth, loyalty and long-term success.

Conclusion

To small and mid-sized businesses, Public Relations is not just a marketing function; it’s a strategic imperative. By forming brand awareness, demonstrating credibility, dealing with escalations more professionally and achieving success using digital media, the SME’s can be competitive against some of these more cash-rich competitors. PR offers SMEs a low-cost means to share their story, engage with audiences and bolster their reputation. PR also helps SMEs in building long-term relationships with clients, investors and partners. Built on trust, these enterprises can take loyalty to the bank and attract further opportunities.

Effective PR in crisis protects reputations, and resilience is shown by adversity turned into an opportunity for growth—corporate Communications for SMEs in the digital age. However, the new voice-based system has enhanced what PR can do for SMEs. Cheap tools like social media, websites, and email campaigns can help get your name out in public, and analytics make it easy to hone your pitch data-driven style. The longest journey begins with the first step, and power is guiding how we take it – even by you, small business owners.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIGITAL SCHOOL OF MARKETING

Do you want to become a digital public relations expert with the Digital School of Marketing? If you do, you must do our Digital Public Relations Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corporate Communications for SMEs to Increase Visibility, Direct Traffic, and Boost Credibility. It uses storytelling, drama, media and community engagement to showcase the distinct value of the business. Unlike paid advertising, PR is focused on genuine storytelling and the development of long-term relationships. PR and Reputation Management give small businesses a way to boost name recognition, bringing in customers, investors and partners cost-effectively.

PR is beneficial for SMEs as it is a means to develop trust and knowledge without the big budget of advertising. This makes it easier for small businesses to tell their stories, interact with local communities and manage feedback. PR also establishes the credibility and professionalism of SMEs in their field, which is essential to customers and investors, particularly in fostering relationships with small firms. To the extent that Corporate Communications is so much about shaping reputation, it’s a strategic tool for growth and resilience in smaller companies, shaping their environment.

Corporate Communications can also raise awareness of a brand by securing press coverage, nurturing relationships with journalists and championing stories that reflect the values and successes of an SME. They also use events, partnerships and social media campaigns to engage directly with their target audience. By adopting these tactics, businesses can gain exposure that enhances their awareness, loyalty, and brand differentiation in the market compared to their rivals. Corporate Communications helps small businesses get noticed and target the right audience regularly.

Through PR, SMEs can create trust by emphasising openness, quick communication, and authenticity. Telling customer stories and communicating about online reviews, as well as being transparent about business practices, creates accountability. In addition, PR focuses on thought leadership through articles, expert commentary, and community engagement, all of which build credibility.

SMEs should consider PR and comms when dealing with a crisis such as bad reviews or service failure, or public criticism. A well-prepared PR plan enables you to maintain open and clean communication, ensuring minimal damage to brand identity. For instance, PR professionals help SMEs recognise the issues and communicate clear updates and corrective measures. And it’s not just a way to reassure customers; it shows responsibility. Often, good PR can turn a crisis into a positive reflection of resilience and integrity.

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SMEs can easily amplify their Public Relations efforts on digital platforms, which are cost-effective. Social media can reach users, while websites and blogs demonstrate expertise and support search efforts. Stakeholders are kept in the loop via email newsletters, and campaign performance is measured with analytics tools. Public Relations is the department that ensures all messaging on these platforms is professional, congruent, and reflects the brand’s aspirations. Enabling digital lets small and mid-size enterprises match up against bigger rivals on a more level playing field, all while keeping costs in check.

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How to Create a Winning Social Media Strategy https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/social-media-marketing-blog/how-to-create-a-winning-social-media-strategy/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:00:05 +0000 https://digitalschoolofmarketing.co.za/?p=24182 The post How to Create a Winning Social Media Strategy appeared first on DSM | Digital School of Marketing.

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Through the constant innovation of technology, social media has evolved to become the pulse of digital communication that connects, shares and discovers all the above. For businesses, it’s much more than merely a tool for sharing updates; it’s a robust platform for forging relationships, driving traffic, and selling products. However, many companies leap into Digital Platforms without a strategy in place (if you fail to plan, you plan to fail), and they end up lost in the abyss, missing out on opportunities that fly right by.

Standing out in crowded feeds requires a strong Digital Platforms strategy. But with billions of users scrolling through every single day, brands need more than sporadic postings — they need consistency, creativity and measurable goals. Social media isn’t about being everywhere – it’s about being intentional and providing value where your audience is most attentive.

Successful Digital Platforms planning means that every post, comment, and campaign has to mean something. It is aligned with business goals, is trusted, and generates meaningful conversations. Selecting the right platforms and then analysing the results, a great Social Platforms strategy pairs creativity with decision-making based on data.

Why a Social Media Strategy Matters for Business Success

The Lifeblood is A Digital Platforms Strategy. Without it, companies are posting into the void, wasting time and energy, and failing to truly connect with their audience. A plan will provide direction to Digital Platforms’ work and set clear objectives.

First, strategy creates clarity. Social Media can have multiple objectives: establishing a brand, answering questions, generating leads, or capturing a community. Without a detailed plan, businesses tend to overextend themselves. Being a strategy, it enables us to concentrate on what is more important, without getting too busy with little outcomes.

Second, strategy enhances consistency. Sporadic posting only creates confusion and low engagement. Tone, style and frequency are determined by a Digital Platforms Strategy to keep content uniform. Conducting themselves in the same way over time breeds familiarity and trust, so your audience knows what to expect.

Third, strategy makes measurement possible. You name it; Facebook measures it on their platform. When it comes to goals, a plan can help you identify the metrics that matter most to you. For instance, a company looking to create brand awareness may concentrate on reach and impressions, while a company that drives sales monitors conversions.

Finally, practice also leads to efficient use of resources. Time and money are limited, and not all Digital Platforms are created equal. A strategy involves finding where they all hang out and going there.

A Social Media strategy is essential because it puts premeditation behind action. It is what provides order, establishes credibility, allows for measurement, and makes every action one that contributes directly to growth. Businesses that deploy a strategy far outpace those who guess.

Setting Goals and Choosing the Right Digital Platforms

Building a successful Social Media strategy is achieved by clearly defining your objectives and choosing the proper channels to meet them. Without these, companies risk being generic and lacking a persona to engage with their market effectively.

Goal setting begins with alignment. Digital Platforms’ goals need to be tied to larger business goals. If you’re trying to fold in brand awareness, suddenly metrics like reach, impressions and engagement become the priority. If the goal is to drive sales, then the only thing that matters are conversion rates, clicks and leads. SMART goals can also provide direction and focus.

It’s equally important to know which platforms you should be on. Each Digital Platform channel is unique, serving a different purpose and audience. For example:

  • The visual storytelling of Instagram is perfect for lifestyle brands as well.
  • LinkedIn is where you go to do professional networking and make B2B marketing magic.
  • TikTok is all about short-form creative videos, and it’s popular among the younger crowd.
  • It supports real-time updates and conversations on Twitter/X.
  • Keep Facebook for paid ads and community groups.

Marketing departments should investigate where their consumers are spending their time and adapt their strategies. A business targeting Gen Z may prioritise TikTok and Instagram, whereas one catering to executives might focus on LinkedIn.

Additionally, resources matter. It’s better to do two platforms well than to be a mile wide and an inch deep across six. With social media, it’s a careful balancing act between being widespread enough to reach a large audience and being specific enough to be relevant and engaging.

Overcoming Challenges in Social Media Strategy

There are unprecedented opportunities in social media, but there are also challenges. These barriers need to be carefully considered by organisations to reach sustained success with their Digital Platforms strategy.

One challenge is content saturation. When there are millions of posts being uploaded every day, it can be tough to stand out. To break through and succeed, brands will need to double down on originality, quality and storytelling. You can copy trends for the moment, but originality makes a long-term impact.

Consistency is another hurdle. Few businesses survive for the long term. Irregular posting can confuse your audience and make it more difficult for your brand to become memorable. A content calendar planned by the Digital Platforms team guarantees steady updates and consistency in the long run.

Engagement fatigue also occurs. And don’t just post and ghost on social media; reply to others. Comments, DMs, and even reviews are things that must be responded to. Without a strategy, they risk overlooking their communities.

Algorithm changes pose ongoing challenges. On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, algorithms are constantly changing, causing visibility to fluctuate. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. A successful Digital Platforms Strategy is one of adaptation, constant trial, and cross-media diversity.

Finally, negative feedback is inevitable. Public denunciations can ruin reputations if handled the wrong way. Effective Social Media management is the ability to respond to issues in a timely, open and professional manner. If trust remains more critical than it’s ever been, could it be that turning criticism into golden opportunities to educate and improve can build trust rather than tear it down?

Actionable Steps to Create a Winning Digital Platforms Plan

Building a successful Social Media strategy takes careful planning and execution. The following are tangible things that marketing teams can do:

Define your target audience. Employ demographics, interests and behaviour insights to learn who you are trying to reach. Social Platforms campaigns triumph when content addresses specific audience needs.

Conduct a Social Platforms audit. Review current accounts, evaluate activity, and identify voids. It helps you figure out what’s working, what’s not and what needs work.

Build a content strategy. Align plan media types, videos, images, blogs, polls, stories with goals. It’s a good balance of education, entertainment & promotion which creates variety and keeps people’s interest.

Create a posting calendar. Scheduling also brings regularity and can be used to regulate resources. Automation and scheduling are possible with tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer or Sprout Social.

Leverage paid advertising. On most platforms, there’s limited organic reach. A successful social media plan also factors in fund allocation for ads that target desired demographics and broaden reach.

Measure and optimise. Monitor metrics regularly (engagement, clicks, reach, conversions) and make changes to strategies based on performance. The cycle of continuous improvement has data informing decision-making at its core.

Encourage user-generated content (UGC). Customer stories, reviews, or testimonials can add credibility and a sense of fellowship. It makes campaigns more real, and by definition, more credible.

A Social platform strategy that works is adaptive. It changes with fads, audience habits and platform updates. And in doing so, companies develop strategies that are not just impactful but durable.

Conclusion

In today’s world, a good Social Media strategy is not a choice but a must-have for business growth. Social Platforms are no longer just a way to communicate; they’re a turbo-charged platform for exposure, interaction and revenue. But there’s no magic in posting whenever and however you feel like it; there’s strategy, consistency and mapping your efforts back to business goals too. The journey begins with clarity, understanding why Social Platforms are essential and how they align with objectives.

From there, companies need to select platforms wisely, build a cohesive content strategy, and confront obstacles like saturation, algorithm changes, and demands for engagement. Authenticity and Community Social Platforms are all about authenticity and community. The success of these strategies extends beyond self-promotion, as they establish trust, nurture interaction, and amplify customer voices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Social Platforms strategy is necessary because it provides clarity, focus and objective for your online engagement. Lacking a plan, businesses often operate in the dark, wasting valuable resources aimlessly. A well-defined strategy makes sure that each post supports your bottom line, builds brand awareness, and establishes relationships with the correct audience. It also allows businesses to monitor performance, adjust campaigns, and respond to changes from the platform.

To be effective, goals are created with the SMART structure: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, rather than “growth followers,” a SMART target could be “acquire 1,000 new Instagram followers in three months.” Goals should also align with broader business objectives, such as increasing traffic, strengthening engagement, and boosting sales. Clear goals provide a means to measure success, prioritise resources, and concentrate effort. Effective Social Platforms campaigns are focused and results-oriented, which is where specific, strong goals come into play.

The best platforms are based on your target audience and what you are trying to achieve. Instagram is great for visual brands, TikTok for younger audiences, LinkedIn for B2B, Twitter/X for real-time updates, and Facebook is versatile for ads and community engagement. Businesses should not be on too many platforms. Marketing efforts are more substantial when focused on what matters most. Part of a successful Social Platforms strategy involves examining how your audience behaves, selecting the most effective platforms on which to present yourself, and delivering a dedicated approach to ensure you achieve the most from your content within the market.

Struggles include saturation, inconsistent publishing, algorithmic challenges, minimal organic reach, and difficulties in engaging with your customers adequately. Criticism can also be dangerous when it is not managed effectively. Many businesses launch and take off strong, only to peter out without a clear plan. Suppose there were a few fewer creeks along the way. In that case, Social Platforms’ strategies can help power through the dips by staying consistent, paying attention to the analytics, and being able to adjust rapidly.

Performance is measured through key statistics such as reach, impressions, engagement (likes, shares, comments), click-through rates, leads obtained and conversions. The correct metrics depend on goals, not the least of which is to raise awareness and conversions for sales. Insights from analytic tools such as GA, native analytics or Sprout Social can give you a gold mine for data. Performance measurements enable businesses to fine-tune their campaigns, understand what resonates with their audience, and optimise resource allocation to enhance their Social Platforms tactics.

Here are six steps for a winning plan: Pick the platforms, set SMART goals and conduct audience research to start your plan. Next, businesses need to craft a content calendar that mixes things up with videos, posts, stories and ads. Having a routine and using scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can help with posting. Paid advertising helps with reach, while the user-generated content brings authenticity. Finally, analytics should guide optimisation. Master the art of creativity-driven, data-led, Social Platforms planning. A sure-fire way to make your Social Platforms Plan come to life!

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