I read a really great post from Graham Wolfe about 10 resources for every PR pro. This list is so comprehensive that I really encourage you to rush over there and read it. While the tools he listed are searching and monitoring services, they don’t encompass everything you should be aware of as a PR practitioner. I’m using this post to augment Graham’s already great list for human resources you need to be aware of.
Peter Shankman started HaRO as a way to connect journalists with PR people. It is a great way for a journalist to get a story written on a deadline. It is a great facilitator for connecting your organization with a journalist to provide coverage that you otherwise might be missing out on. Sign up is easy, and HaRO is a great, simple way for you to connect and get to know journalists.
2. Journchat
Journchat is a phenomenal resource for anyone in both the PR and journalism fields. One of the requirements for journchat is that you are on Twitter (if you are not go sign up right now). This is such a phenomenal resource I’m not quite sure where to begin highlighting its benefits. Much like HaRO it connects PR people and journalists. It lets journalists connect with PR people as well as mentions how they like to be pitched. It also connects journalists who are on an industry beat with those who may be in PR for an industry. Journchat is the creation of Sarah Evans, who if you aren’t following on twitter, you need to be.
3. Pitchengine
Pitchengine is a company founded by Jason Kintzler. Pitch engine helps you build and distribute SMR’s as well as connect with media contacts for free. You can also utilize the pitch engine features to incorporate Social Media Releases into your organization’s virtual news room. It’s a great way to connect with writers and other resources which might not be available.
4. Twitter
If you google twitter you are going to get so many results and blog postings it’s going to be ridiculous. If you are in PR and not on twitter, you are seriously behind in your game. While you can use twitter for whatever you like, it is a real benefit to PR. You can use it to see what your targeted bloggers write and are looking for so you can help them to write great stories. It’s a great resource to find new happenings in the PR community as well as get great advice. I learned about the majority of what I’m writing on here from twitter. There’s a link to follow me on the bottom right of this blog if you are so inclined.
5. MicroPR
MicroPr, the invention of Brian Solis (a man who needs no introduction), is a twitter-based resource for PR practitioners and Journalists. At 140 characters it connects PR people and journalists together similar to those above. You can add the #micropr hashtag and follow conversations as well as connect to those who might need a story. I strongly suggest using this in a tweet search utility to never miss an opportunity to present a story or get in touch with a journalist.
These are just a few of the resources available to all PR people. Some of the ones not mentioned were Profnet and MyEdcals.com, great links for those who want to connect with new reporters.
Did I leave anything out ? Do you use any of these services ? If so feel free to let me know what I’m missing or what you are using for success.
Adam, thanks for your comment. I definitely should have included HARO – http://www.helpareporter.com. As for Twitter, Journchat and MicroPR, they are practically essential. All are great tools.
Graham Wolfe’s last blog post..10 Online Tools PR Pros Should Know
Thanks for sharing this list. I’ve been using HARO for a few months now and have successfully landed a couple of placements as a result. I’m impressed by the quality of journalists using the service – amazing what happens when us PR people respect journalists. That Peter Shankman sure can write too.
No problem Graham . I really think that a lot more people should be aware of these tools. Especially those learning about Pr and how it’s emerging.
Hi Adam,
Thanks for this great post – I’ve seen all of these tools but hadn’t tried PitchEngine or Help a Reporter Out until I read your post. I’m looking forward to seeing how they work and go to work for my freelance clients! Thanks again.
Kathleen Stuart’s last blog post..Designing + Facilitating a Workshop
Excellent post. FYI..I’ve found PR work and proposal requests by being twitter and linkedin.com. A few times work and proposal requests have found me almost by accident by being on these sites. The key is visit frequently….don’t live there! You can connect with actually LIVE people as well. Thanks again.