As AI, search algorithms, and buyer behavior continue to reshape the tech marketing landscape, companies need to rethink their approach to public relations. According to Cara Milan Harbor, CEO and Founder of AMP Marketing & PR and a 25-year veteran of the tech industry, most brands are still using outdated playbooks that no longer align with how trust is built—or how decisions are made.
Cara Milan Harbor, who has led public relations for brands like Adobe, ROBLOX, NTT, Cisco, HP, MuleSoft, and the Godfather of Tech, shares four non-negotiable truths tech leaders must internalize in 2025 to remain relevant and respected.
1. Thought Leadership Isn’t Optional—And It’s Not Just About the Product
Establishing authority in a given space is critical, yet thought leadership should not be mistaken for a sales pitch. True thought leadership goes beyond promoting a product or recycling boilerplate messaging. It contributes meaningful insights to broader industry conversations—even those outside an immediate comfort zone.
“If all that’s being done is echoing a product sheet, that’s not leadership—that’s marketing,” says Harbor. “Effective thought leadership challenges assumptions, sparks dialogue, and positions teams as forward-thinking, not self-serving.”
Exploring topics such as the future of AI ethics, workforce dynamics, or technology’s social impact builds trust, credibility, and long-term relevance.
2. Analysts Are Part of the Customer Strategy—Not Just a Box to Check
Analyst relations are often treated like a transactional, report-driven effort. However, analysts need not be paid clients to receive briefings, and regular engagement ensures companies remain top of mind in their industries.
“Analysts are talking to customers every day. The question is—are they talking about you?” says Harbor.
Briefings shape how analysts perceive value, understand roadmaps, and—most critically—position vendors in conversations with potential buyers. Analyst influence extends well beyond market reports; daily calls with prospects often include questions such as, “Which vendors should we look at for this solution?”
Regular briefings keep companies visible, credible, and aligned with emerging market trends. Analysts should be seen as extensions of the customer-facing team.
3. SEO and PR Go Hand in Hand—When Done Right
Public relations is no longer only about media hits—it also drives search discoverability. A strong PR strategy should directly support SEO goals, and vice versa. Reporters frequently use search to determine credibility before deciding on coverage.
“If valuable content and quotes are buried where search engines can’t find them, brand equity is left on the table,” says Cara Harbor.
Keyword research identifies the terms and questions buyers use when exploring a category. PR content—such as thought leadership articles, bylines, and press releases—should be built around these insights.
Contributed content in credible, high-authority publications not only builds trust but also generates backlinks that boost domain authority and rankings. For instance, an optimized article in VentureBeat, Forbes Tech Council, or TechCrunch can drive qualified traffic and help companies rank higher for critical search terms.
This is where PR and SEO intersect: positioning, visibility, and performance. The goal is not keyword stuffing but strategic messaging that ensures discovery by the right audiences at the right time.
4. Don’t Count on AI-Generated Content for Media—Humans Still Write the Headlines
AI has become an incredible time-saver in marketing and PR, but earned media remains resistant. Journalists consistently reject AI-generated content.
“The press is pushing back—hard—against AI-generated content,” says Cara Harbor. “Editors can spot it, and most will reject it outright.”
AI-generated copy should not be relied upon for media-facing content. Bylines, op-eds, and thought leadership pieces require human authorship to deliver authenticity, original insight, and a distinct voice.
That said, AI can serve as a valuable support tool. It can be used to generate outlines, interview recaps, or topic summaries based on executive conversations or expert input. A “human-in-the-loop” approach allows AI to support structure and ideation, while people refine and shape the narrative.
About AMP Marketing & PR
AMP shapes public perception and amplifies brand messages. With over two decades of experience, AMP blends traditional PR with cutting-edge digital marketing to craft high-impact strategies for a wide range of industries, from business tech to consumer apps. From dynamic startups to global enterprises, the tailored approach addresses unique challenges and opportunities. Teams scale seamlessly, from one to many, and operate internally or externally as needed.
Success comes from a team of dynamic, strategic thinkers who excel in creating integrated campaigns. Visual, verbal, and written assets are leveraged to produce maximum impact. From strategic planning and branding to social media engagement, programs are designed to resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable results.
AMP has partnered with industry giants such as Adobe, ROBLOX, HP, Cisco, Toyota, LinkedIn, MuleSoft, and Pantone—delivering outcomes that speak for themselves.
The firm is committed to excellence and to building strong, lasting relationships. Collaboration and transparency are central to every engagement, ensuring aligned goals and shared success. With AMP, every partnership is built for winning.
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