PR And Advertising's Public Perception
The Advertising and Public Relations (PR) industry continues to struggle with public perception, with only 26% of US adults holding a positive view of the industry, according to the latest Gallup survey. This rating is near the record low of 25% from last year, placing the industry alongside Oil & Gas (27%), the federal government (26%), and the Pharmaceutical industry (20%) in terms of low public trust. Previous Gallup research has also shown that advertising professionals rank lower in perceived honesty and ethics than even lawyers and car salespeople.
Public sentiment has worsened, with 43% of respondents holding a negative opinion of the industry—the highest level since Gallup began tracking in 2001. The industry’s net positive score (-17%) has hit its lowest point ever, slipping from -16% last year. In comparison, Farming and Agriculture (+47%), Accounting (+39%), and Restaurants (+36%) continue to enjoy strong public perception, while the Pharmaceutical industry (-41%), the federal government (-32%), and Oil & Gas (-26%) maintain the lowest net-positive scores. These results highlight growing skepticism toward advertising and PR practices, potentially fueled by issues like misinformation, excessive targeting, and a lack of transparency.
The broader perception of industries is also shifting. The Sports industry saw a notable improvement, with positive ratings climbing from 31% to 42% in the past year. Conversely, the Restaurant industry experienced the largest drop, falling from 61% positive last year to 52% this year. Additionally, for the first time in Gallup’s survey history, the Grocery industry received a net-negative score (-16%), as positive ratings fell by 8% points while negative ratings surged by 17% points. These trends suggest that economic pressures and consumer experiences are playing a growing role in public opinion toward different industries.
Key Actionable Takeaways:
Prioritize Transparency in Advertising – Consumers are wary of advertising and PR; openly communicate authentic brand values and ethical practices to rebuild trust.
Strengthen Ethical Marketing Standards – Avoid misleading claims, excessive targeting, and invasive data collection that contribute to negative industry perceptions.
Leverage Influencer and Brand Partnerships Wisely – Partner with credible voices and trusted figures who can enhance brand authenticity and credibility.
Focus on Storytelling Over Hard Selling – Shift from traditional sales-driven ads to emotionally resonant narratives that engage and inspire audiences.
Invest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Demonstrate social impact and sustainability efforts, as brands that contribute positively tend to win consumer trust.
Engage in Thought Leadership and Education – Use content marketing, webinars, and whitepapers to educate consumers rather than just selling to them.
Monitor Public Sentiment and Adapt Strategies – Regularly track brand perception and industry trends to adjust messaging and campaign approaches accordingly.
Align with Industries That Maintain Strong Public Trust – Collaborate with agriculture, accounting, and food brands, which hold high net-positive public perception.
Enhance Customer Experience Beyond Marketing – Strengthen brand interactions at every touchpoint to foster long-term consumer loyalty beyond traditional advertising.
Proactively Address Industry Criticism – Acknowledge challenges within the advertising and PR space and demonstrate a commitment to ethical and consumer-first marketing.
