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Top 5 PR Mistakes Brands Make in India and How to Avoid Them

Public Relations (PR) plays a pivotal role in shaping brand perception, fostering trust, and engaging audiences. However, even the best-intentioned brands often stumble in their PR strategies, particularly in a dynamic and diverse market like India. With its unique blend of cultural sensitivities, evolving media landscape, and discerning consumers, India presents both opportunities and challenges for PR campaigns. This article examines the most common PR mistakes brands make in India, supported by real-world examples, studies, and expert insights. We’ll also provide actionable strategies to help businesses avoid these pitfalls while introducing Atom Communication expertise in effective PR management.

Mistake 1: Poorly Crafted Messaging

Because of India’s cultural and linguistic variety, message that appeals to one group may alienate another. Brands frequently undervalue how crucial it is to adjust their messaging to local quirks.

Example:

A well-known international food company unintentionally alienated its core Indian consumer by launching a campaign that emphasised a “Westernised” image. 72% of Indian consumers favour brands that are culturally relevant, according to a 2022 Nielsen survey. 

Solution:

Adopt a PR strategy that is highly localised. Cultural differences, for example, can be overcome by digital PR tactics like local influencer collaborations. Relatable stories can be produced by utilising area festivals and events and local languages. 

Mistake 2: Neglecting Crisis Management

When PR blunders occur, Indian audiences respond quickly, which frequently results in viral backlash on social media sites like Instagram and Twitter. Without a strong crisis communication plan, small problems might escalate into serious incidents that harm one’s reputation. 

Case Study:

During a national tragedy in 2023, a tech startup received negative feedback for a poorly written tweet. According to Brandwatch, the absence of a prompt apology caused a 40% decline in brand sentiment. 

Solution:

Create a thorough crisis management strategy that consists of: 

  • a well-defined procedure for handling PR emergencies.
  • a team assigned to respond quickly.
  • Staff members receive regular training on how to handle delicate circumstances.

With a focus on crisis communication, Atom Communication assists companies in effectively regaining consumer trust in trying circumstances.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Digital PR

Even though the majority of Indian consumers are digital natives, many firms continue to rely largely on conventional PR techniques, losing out on digital PR opportunities like influencer marketing, social media campaigns, and SEO-optimized news releases.

Industry Insight:

By 2024, there will be more than 900 million internet users in India, according to Statista. Sixty-five percent of Indian millennials get their news mostly from social media outlets.

Solution:

Integrate digital and traditional PR tactics in a well-rounded manner. For instance, using press releases that are optimised for search engines guarantees discoverability, while influencer partnerships increase reach. 

Mistake 4: Misjudging the Media Landscape

National newspapers, regional networks, digital publications, and specialised blogs are all part of India’s extensive media ecosystem. Targeting the incorrect platforms or failing to comprehend journalists’ preferences are common reasons why brands fail. 

Report:

Eighty percent of journalists like customised pitches over generic press releases, according to a 2021 PRCA India study. 

Solution:

  • Develop connections with editors and journalists who are pertinent to your field.
  • Choose the most effective platforms for your campaigns by using data-driven insights.
  • Cision and Meltwater are two tools that may be used to track media trends and maximise outreach. 

Mistake 5: Overlooking Measurable Goals

In India, a lack of quantifiable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and ambiguous goals cause many PR operations to fail. This negligence frequently results in financial waste and poor strategies. 

Example:

A retail company started a large-scale public relations campaign without specifying success criteria. According to a Kantar research from 2022, despite its tremendous awareness, it was unable to turn impressions into quantifiable return on investment.

Solution:

Define clear, measurable goals for your PR campaigns, such as:

  • Traffic to the website increased by X%.
  • Engagement on social media increased by Y%.
  • Z% increase in brand sentiment scores.

Atom Communication uses analytics-driven PR strategies to make sure each campaign is in line with corporate goals. 

PR Best Practices for Indian Brands

  1. Cultural Sensitivity: Campaigns should always take cultural, religious, and regional sensitivity into account.
  2. Consistency Across Channels: Make sure your brand’s voice is consistent throughout digital and traditional media. 
  3. Collaborate with Local Influencers: Make use of influencers who appeal to your target audience. 
  4. Leverage Data: Track campaign results and make real-time strategy adjustments with analytics tools. 
  5. Invest in Training:Give teams up-to-date information about the newest PR tools and trends. 
  6.  

Atom Communication: Your Trusted Partner in PR

We at Atom Communication are aware of the particular characteristics of the Indian market. We have experience with content marketing, influencer relationships, digital PR, and crisis communication. We provide specialised solutions that produce quantifiable outcomes, and we have a track record of successfully guiding both new and established brands through PR obstacles.

Atom Communication is available to help, whether you’re a multinational trying to improve your strategy or a fledgling company trying to get traction. To find out how we can assist you with creating and sustaining a powerful brand presence in India, get in touch with us right now.