10 of the Best Social Media Tools for PR Professionals and Journalists

I found this GREAT article written by Sarah Evans (http://mashable.com/2008/10/30/best-social-media-tools-for-pr-professionals-and-journalists/). I found this to be a very comprehensive list of great tools for all of us in Public Relations-Media Relations.

Enjoy!

In the ever-evolving world of social media, public relations professionals (PR) and journalists have more opportunities than ever to build strong relationships.

It serves each of us well to stay up on social media trends—learning faster, easier ways to share information.

With that, here are 10 of the best social media tools for PR professionals and journalists:

1-Help a Reporter Out (HARO) – As a PR professional, this is by far my favorite tool. The brainchild of Peter Shankman, this is the only free resource I am aware of where reporters submit queries directly to PR professionals – no strings attached. Subscribers to the list serve receive up to three daily emails, each with anywhere from 15-30 queries per email.
What I like best? It is a win-win tool for both journalists and PR professionals.

2-PitchEngine – The emergence of the social media release (SMR) will soon dominate in interactions between journalists and PR people. Those who do not take the initiative to learn about the “new press release” will get left behind. My favorite tool to date is PitchEngine. Still in beta stage, PitchEngine offers a full suite of Web 2.0 tools for PR professionals and journalists (i.e. links to your social network profiles, video and audio capabilities, etc…). Readers may opt to receive a release on any social networks they belong to.
What I like the best? If a reporter or blogger likes what I pitch, they can subscribe to my releases via RSS

3-ReportingOn – Still in its beta stage, this social network is designed for reporters to discuss their beat or stories. An asynchronistic communication style similar to Twitter, the question this time is, “What are you reporting on?” There are around 600 reporters and professionals from around the world subscribed to the network. Only time will tell if this is a viable tool, and for the time being I’m a member.
What I like the best? Journalists have the ability to tag their beat(s) making it easy for PR professionals to find reporters and offer sources.

4-Journalisted (UK) – Developed by Martin Moore of Media Standards Trust, this site is meant for consumers to search their favorite reporters and stay up to date on their work. It currently boasts more than 100,000 unique users. The downfall? It currently features only reporters in the UK. Moore says he plans to broaden the reach and is currently targeting the US.
What I like the best? PR professionals can check the site before pitching a reporter in the UK to read their recent work.

5-Wikis – I’m opening up a broad category here—wiki pages. PR professionals can create a shared space in which to provide information to reporters. From interview source contact information to comprehensive product/company background, a wiki site can become a living media kit. Free wiki sites, like PBwiki, offer security features to protect updates and email notification options.
What I like the best? Wiki page(s) are created with user generated content and can be edited in real-time to best meet the needs of reporters.

6-Media people using Twitter – I have yet to find a truly comprehensive list of all reporters on the microblogging site Twitter(). However, this is the closest I’ve come. A wiki site dedicated to journalists on Twitter.
What I like the best? The wiki page is organized by geographic location, offering an easy-to-use guide.

7-Twellow () – Seek one another out and connect. It’s a beautiful thing when PR professionals and journalists form a relationship before either one needs anything from the other. Type in a key word such as “journalist” or “public relations” (big surprise) and start following.
What I like the best? The search content is based on a person’s Twitter bio, making the results surprisingly accurate.

8-BeatBlogging.org – A resource for beat bloggers, PR professionals can use this as a source to build a strong pitch distribution list. I’ve heard from many reporter friends that more and more they are looking to blogs for trends and upcoming story ideas.
What I like the best? Participants can nominate reporters as “innovative” leaders where they may be featured on the frequently updated Leaderboard.

9-WiredJournalists.com – Created for reporters, editors, executives, students and faculty, this tool is for journalists with access to limited resources. The members of the network keep up with Web 2.0 trends and share resources with one another.
What I like the best? Even if you don’t visit the site frequently, it’s a nice resource to keep your finger on the pulse of new journalism trends.

10-Your Pitch Sucks (YPS) – The jury is still out on YPS, but nonetheless I mention it. Submit your draft pitch to public relations experts for a serious review. They will let you know whether or not your pitch is up to par (and if it’s not they offer suggestions).

What I like the best? If you are a freelancer and need another set of eyes to review your work, this saves a few headaches.

Thank You Sarah!!! Credit where Credit is Due!
Sarah is the director of communications at Elgin Community College (ECC) in Elgin, Illinois. She also worked for Advocate Health Care, the largest health care system in Illinois, as the manager of communications and government relations at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. She brings a comprehensive background in the knowledge of non-for-profit and health care management. Her personal mission to engage and employ the use of emerging technologies in all communication makes her effective in reaching a dynamic audience.

What Makes the News Media Run

by CR 'Cataunya' Ransom

One good thing is that media outlets are scramming for news stories to capture and KEEP their audiences. What this means is that right now is an excellent opportunity to receive some FREE publicity and almost everyone could use a freebie in this economy.

So just how do you impress the media today? Well, one thing for sure you better not be wasting their time. Virtually, every media outlet from television, radio, magazines, even blogs are operating with fewer staff. They still have the same deadlines and massive work to do, but without as much help.

Your pitch has to be of relevance and importance. If not you will surely find yourself on a blackball list and believe me these days it will take even more than a phone call from President Obama to get you off.

There are some reasonable measurements to take to remain newsworthy. Following these steps will help to stay on the media's good side and off the blackball list.

1. Reality Check - Are you aware of what is going on in the news? Seriously, have you done a self reality check to make sure that you are up to date on the latest news happenings? You can't make the news if you don't understand what is going on surrounding the news. Trust me most reporters and producers know when you are out of check with reality.

2. Win-Win Match - In order to receive free publicity from a media outlet you need to offer win-win match solutions to cover news about you. Pitching a storyline that does not match a media outlet's target audience is the fastest way to land on a blackball list. Also make sure that you are pitching reporters who cover news related to your pitch. Reporters don't pass on news to other reporters because it fits their category better; they simply toss your bad pitch.

3. Create News - There are so many social media resources to create news buzz. Try starting a company blog, put some videos on YouTube, or connect with others on Stumbleupon or Twitter.

4. Promote News - Most story ideas in the media are created from a press release. Make sure that you actively promote news to attract the media to cover stories on you.

5. Monitor News - Staying on the pulse of rising news stories is an entry to pitch and promote news to receive coverage. When it comes to breaking news stories the media always seek topics on related subjects to add to the story.

Remember the media runs on news and you have to stay newsworthy to be of benefit. Keep pitching!

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Happy 2010!! 2010 Five Smartest PR Moves and Trends to Start Now

taken from:http://mosnarcommunications.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-five-smartest-pr-moves-and-trends.html


Rethinking what PR strategy you should take for 2010? One thing for sure public relations should be a top priority this year for every brand, business, expert, and so on. However, there are some new rules of PR that will require you to make smart moves. That is if you want to be successful at using top media to reach target audiences.

Why is it so important to reach target audiences using major media outlets? Generally, media outlets such as television, radio, blogs, newspapers, magazines, social media networks, etc have massive followings. The topics and subjects featured is a guideline to determine if the media outlets would be a fit to connect with desired target audiences.

You want to focus this year on building more brand awareness and credibility. Connecting with target audiences through top media outlets is an organic method of communications. This enhances brand loyalty and influence to create a demand.

So which PR trends and predictions for 2010 will help skyrocket your publicity exposure? Here is my list of 2010 Five Smartest PR Moves and Trends to Start Now

Value Awareness

The urgency to build value awareness will grow. Establish brand value with a clear message that communicates what you represent. Value awareness reveals quality and superiority.

Branded Exposure

The biggest trend to watch will be branded exposure. Expect to see more branded content in a big way. Giving target audiences what they seek as interests through branded exposure. In social media networks even short URLs are being branded.

Real-time Exposure

All PR initiatives will be on targeting Google for real-time exposure in search results. This new practice makes it necessary for all press releases to be newsworthy, thank God! Even blog posts, Facebook announcements, Twitter tweets, etc need to be interesting enough to attract buzz in real-time. This is the best thing to ever happen in PR history, the playing field is officially leveled.


Social Engagement !!!!

Social engagement will be the biggest focus for promotions. Social media networking is now considered a serious business strategy. It will be imperative to engage social media audiences for influence and brand awareness. Hint, how many friends and followers you have really, really matters today.

Event Effect

The Tiger Woods approach totally changed the game on how celebrity star power will influence brand loyalty. New trends will be to create events that leave lasting effects to influence brand loyalty. Now is an excellent time to even select a nonprofit event to raise awareness to support a charity cause.

Good luck with incorporating these five smart moves to jumpstart your PR campaigns.