Digital Tools Every PR Manager Should Use

by Shanelle Larson News, Organizing

Digital Tools Every PR Manager Should Use

In today’s fast-paced world, public relations (PR) professionals rely heavily on digital tools to streamline their day-to-day tasks, analyze data, and communicate with their clients and stakeholders. With so many digital tools available, it can be overwhelming to decide which tools to use. In this article, we will discuss some of the most vital digital tools that every PR manager should use.

1. Social Media Management Tools

Social media has become an essential tool for PR managers to reach their target audience and promote their brand. More so than ever, with Social media management tools like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer, and they can manage multiple social media platforms, schedule posts, and analyze social media metrics from one central platform. These analytics can give insights into key metrics such as engagement rates, audience reach, and how the brand is being perceived. These tools give PR managers a social media overview without the need to check each platform individually. PR managers can also collaborate and communicate with their team through the tool, streamlining the process.

2. Media Monitoring Tools

Staying on top of media coverage is critical for PR management. PR Managers now rely on media monitoring tools like Meltwater, which allows them to access insights on what is being said about their brand in various media platforms such as news outlets, forums, and even social media. This tool can quickly give an overview of the overall sentiment of the brand, including mentions, publications, and article topics. Knowing what the media is saying about the brand can help the PR Manager make informed decisions and provide strategic advice when handling media relations.

3. Email Marketing Tools

Email marketing remains a vital component of PR strategies. Through email marketing tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Aweber, PR managers can create targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. This type of marketing is cost-effective and delivers high conversion rates when done right. Email marketing tools provide the ability to analyze email campaigns’ results, including open rates and click-through rates, which can give PR managers insights into their target audience’s behavior.

4. Project Management Tools

PR managers handle multiple projects and campaigns at any given time, which can be a logistical nightmare without proper project management tools. With tools like Trello, Asana, and Basecamp, PR managers can organize, delegate, and communicate with their team members, ensuring that projects are running smoothly from start to finish. Project management tools can provide a central hub for everything related to a project, from files to deadlines, so PR managers can access this information quickly.

5. Content Creation Tools

Creating valuable and engaging content is crucial for PR managers to get their message out there. With content creation tools like Canva, ClearVoice, and Grammarly, PR managers can create professional-looking designs, high-quality images, and engaging content. These tools allow PR managers to put together visually appealing, brand consistent, and relevant messaging. Grammarly, a popular writing tool, can help PR managers improve their writing by suggesting grammar and spellings for the content.

6. Crisis Management Tools

In PR, crisis situations can occur unexpectedly. Having a crisis management tool like Everbridge can be a valuable asset as it allows PR managers to act fast in emergency situations by sending out automated alerts and response plans to target stakeholders who have been predefined. Quick response to crises can help PR managers limit any potential damage and protect their brand’s reputation. The ability to notify all relevant stakeholders, let alone create and deploy contingency plans, can mean the difference between rapid recovery or costly reputational damage.

7. Public Relations software

Public Relations Software like Prezly is specifically designed for PR managers. It helps PR managers keep their contact lists organized, send out media releases in a structured way, and track those who have clicked on the links that have been provided. It streamlines the PR process, simplifies the distribution of press releases and media kits, making it more efficient for PR managers. PR Managers can gain insights into which of their outreach methods are the most effective by analyzing their email PR analytics.

8. Video Conversion Software

From time to time there is a need to save videos from YouTube for further use. You can use desktop apps or simply go online and use a free YouTube downloader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of digital tools in PR cannot be overemphasized. These tools can help PR managers achieve their desired goals in a more efficient and cost-effective way, saving time and resources. The above-discussed digital tools are some of the most valuable tools PR managers can use to achieve success in their PR campaigns. By leveraging the power of these digital tools, PR managers can streamline their work processes, gain deeper insights, increase productivity, and ultimately expand and strengthen their brand’s presence.