Public relations is an ever-evolving profession. Technology and social media advances continue to move professionals further into the future with the access to new apps, platforms and other tools that accelerate the way PR pros do their job. Staying up-to-speed on these advances is one way PR pros can remain relevant.

In this week’s PRSA “Friday Five” post — an analysis of the week’s biggest public relations and business news and commentary — we look at how far public relations has come over the last decade and put the spotlight on a number of new social media advances, platforms and measurement tools that continue to launch the profession forward.

Continue reading " Friday Five: New Tech and Communication Tools Push PR Further Into the Future "

Let’s face it, we live for social media and social media platforms are only as powerful as its users. Therefore, it is imperative for social media to keep us engaged by staying fresh with new applications and tools designed to keep users happy and attract new users, even for social media giants like Facebook and Twitter. Social media platforms are building bigger and better tools aimed at offering more opportunities to brands and corporations to share a piece of their story with the world and we see brands immediately adapting to these changes with open arms.

In this week’s PRSA “Friday Five” post — an analysis of the week’s biggest public relations and business news and commentary — we explore new additions to various social media platforms that present new engagement opportunities for brands and users.

Continue reading " Friday Five: Spotlight— This Week in Social Media "

Practitioners at public relations agencies certainly have their hands full, from the number of clients they represent, to competing for the limited space within social and traditional media. The obligation of keeping clients happy and the pressure to perform in a constantly evolving industry means public relations professionals are always alert and ready for the next challenge, new technology and latest trend that will launch their careers to the next level. With limited time and an abundance of responsibilities, how should public relations professionals balance work responsibilities and the desire for continuing education to learn the latest and greatest public relations tool?

In this week’s PRSA “Friday Five” post — an analysis of the week’s biggest public relations and business news and commentary — we look at new products on the market designed to make agency life less cumbersome and what tools public relations professionals need to succeed in this industry. We also look at some of the touch decisions agencies have to make when it comes to social media, new business, and competing strategically within social networks.

Continue reading " Friday Five: Message to PR Pros – Accept Change and New Technology! "

Branding is all-important in today’s advertising, and becoming a household name is the holy grail of marketing. When a company has become inserted into day-to-day language, it means that their brand has become ingrained into the social consciousness, and when people think of an object related to that brand, they think of that brand first. Building brand awareness means inserting yourself in ongoing conversations about your brand and engaging with consumers on the social media platforms where they already live.

In this week’s PRSA “Friday Five” post — an analysis of the week’s biggest public relations and business news and commentary — we explore the concept of branding and relationships. We look at how brands are engaging with consumers via social media platforms, and how building brand ambassadors can take a brand to the next level in regard to reach and influence. We look also at rising marketing trends and how one company has combined the ideas of sustainability and branding to make a positive impact on the environment.

Continue reading " Friday Five: Brands Improve Their Social Performance "

Social media channels are finally making an effort to meet brands halfway. Not only are they providing brands with a platform to position themselves as they see fit, but now more social networks are offering tools designed to help brands tell a better story. New features on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn were created with brands in mind. There are limitless options for how brands will optimize their social media presence as they integrate these new tools into their social media rituals.

PRSA’s “Friday Five” post — an analysis of the week’s biggest PR and business news and commentary — explores how new brand tailored social media tools will help brands expand their network of influencers and offer better brand engagement.

Four Reasons PR Pros Will Love Facebook Timeline for Brands (mediabistro)

This week, Facebook announced at a conference in New York that it will begin rolling out its Timeline feature for brands. Timeline, essentially a “story of your life” in a linear narrative, reorganizes Facebook posts into cohesive content flow, punctuated with notable achievements and significant events. In efforts to ease the transition for brands, PRNewser published a guest post by Jared Degnan, social media and digital manager of Brandware Public Relations, who provides four ways for PR pros to optimize their clients’ social media presence.

1. Establish history and heritage. Mark important moments in your client’s corporate history, from founding through expansion through IPO or other significant mile markers.
2. Signal expansion and growth. Now brands can celebrate new hires much like consumers tag people to mark a relationship.
3. Share awards and accolades. Timeline lets PR professionals publicize client awards in the context of brand history.
4. Build enthusiast community. PR professionals will be able to create applications that share brand passion with customers and prospects via existing enthusiasts.

Continue reading " Friday Five: Brands See Added Benefits In New Social Media Tools "