Why earned credibility is your most underutilized growth lever

1. PR investments to double by 2028, according to Gartner
2. Forbes: You can’t buy credibility
3. 60-second close: Earning credibility in 2026

1. PR investments to double by 2028, according to Gartner

• Gartner's 2026 strategic predictions show that AI is no longer a novelty. It’s an embedded system redefining how brands engage with B2B and B2C buyers.
  
  
• It predicts that by 2028, AI-powered agents will intermediate up to 90% of B2B procurement, necessitating near-double buy-in from CMOs for PR investments.
  
  
• As companies reshape their communications strategies, optimizing for AI-generated content must be a top priority. Companies that leverage an integrated, generative, engine-optimized approach will keep pace with the changing tide.

2. Forbes: You can’t buy credibility

• Earned coverage beats paid ads for customer trust every time. While advertising allows control and purchase power, PR earns third-party editorial credibility, delivering a trustworthy brand message with greater authenticity and believability for audiences.
  
  
• Stories from respected outlets carry more weight than paid advertisements because they signal third-party, impartial validation.
  
  
• A long-term PR strategy plans for authenticity, not just visibility. News mentions, guest appearances, and media coverage compound credibility over time as more trusted voices broadcast your story.

3. 60-second close: Earning credibility in 2026

• Gartner demonstrates how AI is changing decision-making, often excluding humans from the conversation. This raises the stakes for earning credibility that AI craves.
  
  
• Simultaneously, leveraging trusted resources and outlets for earned credibility has never been more critical for CMOs.
  
  
• That's precisely where Axia Public Relations’ team steps in to help brands stand out, earn credibility, and maintain a long-term communication strategy. Ask me how we can assist you.

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