Big Reputation: Why Taylor Swift is the PR Mastermind of Today
by Polly Hersey
LPR is home to many Swifties, and it’s not just because of her immaculate songwriting. Taylor Swift has established herself as a certified PR Mastermind. Swift has been everywhere since Spring of 2023. TIME Magazine named her “Person of the Year,” her much anticipated Eras tour became the highest grossing tour of all time, and her influence even made waves in the NFL when she began appearing regularly at Kansas City Chiefs’ games to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce.
But things weren’t always quite so enchanted for Swift. A series of high-profile feuds in 2016 caused some serious bad blood (does anyone remember #taylorswiftisoverparty ?… dark days) which sent her into exile from the public for nearly a year.
But she couldn’t be kept down. Through a keen pulse on public perception, a masterful knack for storytelling, and a chameleonic ability to constantly reinvent – Swift’s star is now brighter than ever. Now that’s what we call karma. Here are a few ways Taylor has used her PR prowess in her climb to the top.
REINVENTION – Celebrities are essentially their own brands, and much like brands – they must evolve their public image to meet fans where they are while maintaining authenticity. This can be a tight rope to walk, but Swift does it all too well. With her tour literally centering around the eras of Swift’s life and career – her evolution is evident. From shedding her country roots, to embracing pop stardom – she’s changed her sound, style, and appearance many times throughout the years. This transformative quality keeps people watching and ensures that her image never goes stale.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT – Swift is the center of a unique phenomenon where fans take sport in dissecting her every move – in fact, Swifties decode her outfits, lyrics, and social media posts like they were ancient scroll. What if I told you none of it was accidental? Swift plays into this with “easter eggs” that symbolize her brand, for instance using snakes, the number 13, & that infamous red scarf. She also uses these symbols as a tool to integrate her many “eras” into one seamless identity.
STORYTELLING – By weaving intricate narratives that resonate deeply with her audience, Swift effortlessly captures the complexities of human emotions and experiences, painting vivid pictures with her lyrics. Swift is fearless in her ability to delve into tales of love and heartbreak and explore themes of self-discovery and resilience. Her songs are rich with detail and emotion, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in her world and connect with the universal truths she so eloquently conveys.