The Public Relations and Communications industry is constantly changing and evolving, in order to stay on top of trends and the latest Communications news and information it is important for companies to be making use of the numerous tools at your disposal.
This is not to say that you should spend your whole day reading blogs or playing with apps but rather incorporate them into your daily routine, such as reading a blog while you drink your morning coffee, listening to a podcast whilst planning your week or checking media clippings for your client when doing a weekly roundup.
If you have just read this and are thinking blogs, where? What podcasts? Media clippings who? Don’t worry we will take you through some of the top-rated podcasts, blogs and tools to help become the Communications pro you have always wanted to be!
Here are 9 Podcasts that are totally Binge-Worthy
In case you didn’t know, a podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that can be downloaded and are streamed on Spotify or Apple Music. These allow you to listen to conversations to gather insight and hear discussions on trending topics.
This podcast focuses on discussions on how the future of PR will look and dives into key industry topics and issues and tries to be forward-thinking with ideas and tips.
On the Media provides insightful discussions on worldwide trending topics and how they affect our lives. Various topics are covered including media around the world.
The Talking Points Podcast talks to relevant news and tips around the world of PR, communications, and marketing.
This podcast is actually well known in the PR industry for being a top platform for professional development through insights and knowledge sharing. Episodes are released weekly and help with understanding the industry clearer.
PRWeek actually provides a variety of podcasts that touch on different topics and subjects within the communications industry
This weekly podcast focuses on the current state and trends of the PR industry.
With a variety of hosts who share their insights and understandings of the industry and discuss upcoming trends this is sure to satisfy your curiosity!
This podcast provides interviews and discussions on the latest topics as well as future trends.
Host Lesley Luce takes a modern approach to the industry and interviews experts that have made a name for themselves in the industry, whilst providing tips on moving forward.
Now let’s move onto blogs, as we mentioned early in media landscape that is constantly changing, no more than ever PR professionals need to stay ahead of the game.
Here is a list of the top 6 PR blogs communicators need to be reading.
PR Daily is a must for advice, news and opinions on PR, marketing, social media and media. Providing how-to videos and even eBooks.
Spin Sucks not only has podcast but also a blog, focused on helping PR pros and marketers do their jobs better.
The Bulldog Reporter has earned its reputation as a “hub for PR views, news, and resources”.
The PR News Blog is an assortment of articles and listicles on various PR topics, tips and advice and current trends.
PR Expanded focuses on relationship building, social networking, blogging, microblogging, podcasting and how technology and communication are changing the way business is done.
Hootsuite touches on topics important to what communicators do such as social media, social media strategies and tips.
Lastly let’s look at some PR tools or applications that you should be making use of.
- Mediatoolkit, media monitoring or media clippings
Nobody has time for manual press clippings or googling your clients to stay ahead of what the media is saying about them. There are more effective ways to monitor reputation and evaluate the efforts of your campaigns, enter media monitoring, media clippings or a mediatoolkit.
These all monitor mentions on print, broadcast and online, including social media
If you do not have or do need a graphic designer then Canva is a one-stop-shop for everything visual, and the best of all – it’s free!
- Google Analytics
Using an analytics tool like Google Analytics is essential when evaluating what works and what needs to be changed or adjusted. Google Analytics may seem complicated at first but Google offers free lessons for mastering the tool.
Remember to incorporate the use of these tools into your daily routine and hopefully you find that it opens up your thought processes and idea flow as well as helps you stay on top being the Communications pro you are!
