5 Trends PR Pros Should Know About Consumer Behaviors in 2021
Written by Jessika McComb, Input from Kristin Carpenter
The pandemic has proven that public relation professionals need a strong communications strategy and a crisis communication plan in place to achieve a stronger position after the pandemic. Also, the power of the pivot will be key for your brand.
PR professionals must learn how to adapt and navigate through the new trends that have surfaced due to the pandemic. Another important step PR professionals must follow is taking the time to understand their consumers’ needs and wants.
These five consumer trends will help build trust, earn loyalty, grow, and continue to thrive during the pandemic.
1. Promote Health and Safety
Due to the pandemic, consumers have been purchasing more health-related products, like hand sanitizer and immunity boosters. Consumers who perceive brands of being safe and promote minimizing unnecessary risks have sparked their interest. Consumers are 57% more likely to support a brand that promotes healthy products over a brand that doesn’t.
2. Value Based Spending
The Black Lives Matter Movement along with COVID-19 has increased value-based spending among U.S. consumers. Consumers are not only looking to support Black-owned businesses but purchase items from local businesses who have similar values. Consumers want action and are looking for brands to drive the change in the industry and community. This will humanize your brand, earn good will, and trust from your consumers and stakeholders.
3. Creating Connections Online
Shutdowns have made it very difficult for businesses to get the foot-traffic they need through their stores. It’s important to put additional attention towards your website and social media channels because right now that is the front door to your brand or business. Investing into e-commerce, virtual events, online channels, and content will help you become more discoverable with consumers and increase engagement with your brand.
4. New Technology
Shoppers have been given the opportunity to use new technology like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to experiment or test products before they fully commit. When adding any new technology to your consumers’ shopping experience, make sure it caters to their needs and offers a high-level of service.
5. Data Driven
Consumers are starting to feel more comfortable with sharing their data if it is being used responsibly. According to Ernst & Young, 53% of consumers reported they are happy to share their personal data if it helps monitor and track an infection cluster. This trend alone is providing opportunities to businesses to understand their customers more and offer personalized promotion.
Headquartered in New York City, Bao Communications is a full-service bilingual PR Agency specializing in social media, media relations, content creation, and influencer marketing. We serve local, national, and global clients in the United States and China.