4 Technology Must-Haves for PR Professionals
Today, technology is integrated into everything we do. Whether it’s getting movie tickets online or attending a meeting via video, the ability to know about and use technology is necessary. But, in order to use technology in the public relations field, you must know which technology tools exist. Here are four technology must-haves for public relations professionals.
A Social Media Scheduler
Public relations professionals usually handle multiple projects at once. And as a student, you might not have time to consistently post on social media. Plan your posts, promote your brand, share information, and save some time by using a social media scheduler. Here are some popular platforms: Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and HubSpot.
A Media Monitoring Platform
If you’re managing a brand, you should probably know when they are mentioned in a news article, right? By tracking mentions, you can show the value and exposure your organization got from your media efforts. Additionally, you can monitor your own brand to make sure your messaging is consistent. Use a media monitoring platform such as Meltwater or TrendKite to monitor your brand and measure the impact of your public relations work.
A Task Manager
Have your plate full? Need a way to keep track of your tasks and deadlines? Look no further. Basecamp and Asana are designed to help you manage tasks and stay on top of your project timelines. Whether you are working on a group project or need to stay on top of personal tasks, a task manager is necessary to keep you moving toward your goals. Assign tasks to team members and keep your documents all in one place with a task manager.
An Email Marketing Software
That list of contacts you have sitting in an excel sheet? Organize it by using MailChimp or Constant Contact. Whether you send emails for a student organization or send emails to your organization's target audience, these email marketing platforms allow you to manage contacts and send beautifully designed emails with ease. No more boring emails!
These tools only touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology and public relations. The list could go on and on. But, by integrating these tools into your daily routine, you’ll stay organized, free up some time, and stay on top of your work.
Want to learn more? Learn about some of the best resources for public relations students on our recent blog post.
About Vanessa
Vanessa Lansdale is senior at GVSU majoring in advertising and public relations with a double minor in nonprofit administration and photography. She channels her passion for nonprofits and love for West Michigan into her current internship as the marketing and web intern at Hello West Michigan. In her free time, you can find Vanessa camping, hiking, taking photographs, and going to concerts.
Twitter: @vlansdale