PR and marriage: 7 vows to keep the spark alive for the long run

Ever thought that maintaining a great marriage and executing a winning PR strategy is like navigating parallel universes? Both demand top-notch communication, a touch of excitement and the skill to balance visibility and discretion. 

Whether you're nurturing love or driving a campaign, it's all about playing the long game while keeping things fresh and engaging.

1. Share your brand's love story, but don't overdo it

Your content should stay captivating, just like a couple keeping the spark alive in their relationship. However, much like those who overshare on social media with overly sentimental posts, flooding your audience with too much self-promotion can backfire.

Every brand has meaningful stories, whether it's the impact on customers or the journey of its founders. These narratives are crucial for building an emotional connection with your audience. But while sharing is important, being overly self-promotional can be off-putting. A well-timed, heartfelt story resonates far more than constant promotion.

2. Speak clearly, listen closely

In relationships, it's not enough to just speak your mind—you have to listen, too. The same goes for PR. You want your brand's voice to be heard, but you also need to listen to your customers, the market and public opinion. PR isn't just about pushing messages, it's about creating a conversation. Talk too much without listening, and you risk having a one-sided relationship—whether with your partner or the public.

3. Celebrate your wins (without spilling all the beans)

Transparency is key but timing matters. When your organisation achieves something great—be it a new product launch, an award or a record-breaking accomplishment—don't be afraid to share it with the world. Flaunt your success confidently. However, just as successful marriages keep certain things private, some internal struggles or sensitive data are best kept within the organisation.

4. Turn conflict into commitment, crisis into coverage

Every relationship encounters conflicts, and how you resolve them often determines its strength. Patience, honesty, compromise and humility are essential in conflict resolution. The same applies to PR. 

When a brand faces public scrutiny, the response can either defuse the situation or worsen it. Managing conflicts with grace and strategy is key to long-term success and trust in both relationships and PR.

5. Engage with your brand's extended family

No marriage exists in isolation—it's supported by friends, family and community. Similarly, PR thrives with the support of a broader ecosystem. Industry leaders, customers and influencers all play a role in building your brand's credibility. Just like friends vouching for your relationship, key opinion leaders (KOLs) who champion your brand offer endorsements that carry more weight than anything you could say yourself.

6. Block the drama from clickbait and nosy relatives

Success can attract unwanted attention, just as big brands often face unwarranted criticism. But just as you wouldn't engage with every nosy relative, brands should avoid reacting to every piece of negative press—especially from less credible sources. Instead, focus on self-reflection and present your side only when necessary. 

Choose your battles wisely, constantly reacting to minor criticisms can make you seem insecure. Letting your positive stories speak for themselves is often the best approach.

7. Don't expect quick fixes for lasting relationships

In both marriage and PR, trust is everything. You can't build a relationship—or a reputation—on shaky ground. Be honest, own your mistakes, and ensure your words align with your actions. 

Lasting success isn't built on one grand gesture, it's the small and consistent efforts over time that create a solid foundation. The same applies to PR. It's a long game, and winning it requires staying true to your values, being patient and building trust day by day. So, whether it's love or PR, it's not about quick fixes. It's about showing up, being authentic, and committing to the long game. 

A strong PR strategy builds credibility and ensures your brand's longevity in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Afifa Sultana is a PR, brand and corporate communication specialist with experience in financial institutions, international development organisations and e-commerce, and currently the PR lead at foodpanda Bangladesh.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.