ITL #656 Communication in Latin America: opportunities and curiosities of an expanding market

3 weeks, 2 days ago

An in-depth study across the region finds that corporate communications must be intrinsically strategic and integrated. By Pedro Cadina.



Corporate communications are undoubtedly a fundamental pillar for any organization seeking visibility and competitiveness. However, operating in Latin America (LATAM) requires more than a simple strategy; it requires a 360-degree, integrated, and deeply data-driven approach capable of navigating the region's cultural diversity and complexity.

With 40 years of experience in Latin America, Vianews' history is marked by its ability to spot trends before they become evident and transform innovation into a legacy.

By investing in PR at a time when the field was still in its infancy in Brazil, Vianews established itself as the first specialized technology agency in the country. In the 1990s, we incorporated the use of email, the internet, and digital press releases into our processes—a visionary decision at a time when many still questioned the role of these tools in communication.

This forward-thinking mindset also inspired the in-depth study we conducted recently with communications professionals, offering a fresh perspective on a constantly changing landscape, rich in opportunities for companies that choose to innovate and adapt. The countries analyzed include Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Integrated communication: the pillar of corporate reputation

The Latin American market has moved beyond the phase where simply promoting products and services was enough. Without an integrated strategy behind it, these actions are no longer effective. Building a solid reputation that ensures credibility and consumer trust requires constant and transparent dialogue with internal and external stakeholders.

Our research shows that corporate communications must be intrinsically strategic and integrated. This need translates into the search for services that form the core of 360-degree communication: Public Relations, the most cited service, with 100% of respondents stating they seek this type of service; and Digital Marketing, used by 85% of professionals and influencers mentioned as part of their communications strategy in all countries evaluated.

To ensure seamless and effective consumer experience, omnichannel integration is essential. This means leveraging the potential of digital media and social media, while also recognizing and capitalizing on the continued popularity of television and radio in much of the region.

Local complexity

Latin America is a cultural mosaic, and what works in one country may fail dramatically in the neighboring one. This diversity demands strategies adapted to cultural and socioeconomic variations within the country itself. Understanding these peculiarities is the biggest "secret" to success.

In Mexico, for example, direct and personal communication is valued, with television and radio still popular, but digital media is growing rapidly. The Argentine market demands transparency and authenticity, with a strong preference for emotionally driven campaigns. In Chile, communication must be clear and focused, with a growing emphasis on the integration of digital technologies and AI, while the Brazilian market is dominated by online news sources. followed by social media.

This diversity reinforces that corporate communications in LATAM require a magnifying glass that considers the nuances of each market.

Data-driven and the age of AI

Digital transformation has driven the use of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to personalize messages and increase campaign effectiveness. This is the foundation of our data-driven approach.

AI is being used to support content production, graphic design, and meeting management. However, its use remains limited in some countries, such as Bolivia, and informally in Chile, where, despite 93% of leaders seeing AI as an opportunity, only 50.7% actually use it.

At Vianews, integration is more advanced, reflecting the agency's historical pioneering. An in-house survey revealed that 93% of employees already use AI in their routines. The most used tools are ChatGPT (42.9%), Supernormal (19%), and Google Gemini (14%).

Resilience and legacy

Being data-driven is more than a concept; it's a methodology that is proven to deliver results. This is evidenced by Vianews' recognition for high-level campaigns in strategic planning, creativity, and business results, at prestigious awards shows such as the Sabre Awards LATAM and the Jatobá Awards.

Our longevity and success in Latin America are the result of resilience and the courage to experiment. The 2008 crisis, for example, forced us to rethink our business model. Going against the market trend, we decided to expand our operations throughout Latin America. This geographic diversification protected us from local economic fluctuations and taught us about different business and communication cultures, building on the expertise of 40 years of experience in the region.

More recently, the 2020 pandemic was a test of adaptability that we transformed into an opportunity, strengthening our culture of flexibility and developing new skills in digital communication.

This internal trajectory of adaptation and innovation is not an isolated case, but rather a direct reflection of the environment in which we operate. Like our consulting, corporate communications in Latin America are constantly evolving, driven by cultural diversity and the rapid advancement of digital technologies. Adapting to the particularities of each market, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with stakeholders are fundamental actions.

For companies willing to innovate, integrating the best of Public Relations and Digital Marketing with a data-driven mindset, the future in Latin America is undoubtedly promising and full of opportunities. Our four decades of experience in the region have shown us that success lies not in ready-made formulas, but in the ability to adapt to change quickly, deeply understand the nuances of each market, and build authentic connections with our audiences.

The Latin American market rewards those who see beyond the obvious, who invest in integrated strategies, and who have the courage to transform challenges into catalysts for innovation.

The key to thriving in this dynamic landscape is embracing the region's cultural diversity, harnessing the potential of emerging technologies, and, above all, maintaining an empathetic and consultative relationship with stakeholders, always with optimism and determination.

 

 


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The Author

Pedro Cadina

Pedro Cadina, CEO of Vianews.

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