11 Digital Tools for Mastering the Art of PR
In today's digital landscape, effective communication and public relations (PR) have become more crucial than ever. Luckily, the digital age has also gifted us with an array of powerful tools to streamline our efforts and create compelling PR materials. In this blog post, we're going to explore some of Formidable’s favourite digital tools that can help you achieve your communication goals.
Project Management: Asana or Monday.com
Managing your PR campaigns and tasks is a breeze with project management tools like Asana and Monday.com. These platforms allow you to organize projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate seamlessly with your team. Say goodbye to sticky notes and hello to a more efficient workflow. 👋
While both popular project management tools, Asana and Monday.com serve distinct purposes and user preferences. Asana focuses primarily on task and project management with a user-friendly interface centered around task lists, calendars, and boards. It excels in facilitating collaboration with features like task commenting and file sharing. Although it offers some customization, it's more limited compared to Monday.com. In contrast, Monday.com is a highly adaptable and versatile platform, suitable for various workflows beyond project management, including automation and customer relationship management. Its strength lies in its extensive customization options, offering diverse board layouts, automations, and a wide range of integrations to accommodate a variety of business needs.
Scheduling: Buffer, Later, or HootSuite
Social media plays a pivotal role in PR, and scheduling tools like Buffer, Later, and HootSuite are your best friends. They let you plan and schedule posts in advance, ensuring your content reaches the right audience at the right time, even when you're away from your desk. As AI becomes more prevalent, scheduling apps have become more robust. Most can now help you analyze your social media content’s success, and even draft new content or recycle your best-performing content. The choice between these tools depends on the specific needs of users and the platforms they prioritize, with Hootsuite offering the most comprehensive solution, Later excelling in visual content, and Buffer providing a user-friendly, streamlined experience.
Graphic Design: Canva
Design matters, and Canva is the go-to tool for creating stunning visuals and graphics for your communications materials. Whether it's social media posts, infographics, or eye-catching presentations, Canva offers a user-friendly experience that is constantly expanding its offerings. Canva does offer a free version, as well as a paid version with access to their full library of templates and design elements. You will also find AI integration in Canva docs, which can help you generate content in a pinch.
Video Production: Filmora
Enhance your communications materials with professional-looking videos using Filmora. This video editing software offers a wide range of features for editing recorded footage, such as cutting, trimming, adding effects, and transitions, catering to individuals and content creators looking to edit live-action videos.
Animation: Vyond
Video content is king, and Vyond makes it easy to create engaging animated videos without needing a degree in animation. Vyond allows users to create animated videos with pre-built characters and templates, making it ideal for businesses and educators seeking engaging and customizable animations without extensive design skills. From explainer videos to client testimonials, Vyond empowers you to tell your story in a captivating way.
Document Creation and Control: Google Workspace
Collaboration and document sharing are essential, and Google provides a suite of tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to make that easy. These cloud-based apps allow you to collaborate in real time, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Tracking Reputation: Google Alerts
Stay in the know about your brand and industry with Google Alerts. Set up custom alerts for keywords related to your clients and campaigns, and receive notifications whenever there's a mention online. It's a fantastic way to track any brand's reputation.
Spelling and Grammar: Grammarly
Poor grammar can undermine your best communication efforts. Grammarly is your grammar-checking sidekick. It proofreads your content and suggests improvements, ensuring your press releases and blog posts are error-free.
Media Relations: HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
Looking to secure media coverage? HARO connects you with journalists and reporters actively seeking sources for their stories. It's an excellent platform to establish yourself as an industry expert and gain media exposure.
Email Marketing: MailChimp
Email marketing is a powerful PR tool, and MailChimp makes it a breeze. Create and send visually appealing email campaigns, track their performance, and nurture relationships with your audience.
Analytics: Google Analytics
Measure the impact of your PR efforts with Google Analytics. Track website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns. All strategy begins and ends with data — and Google Analytics can help you both craft strategies and evaluate the results of your efforts.
Mastering the art of PR in the digital age requires leveraging the right tools. Whether you're organizing tasks, scheduling social media posts, designing visuals, or tracking your performance, these digital tools are your allies in creating impactful communications materials and campaigns.
Do you have a favourite tool not listed? Let us know! We’re always adding to our toolbelt. The only way to be and stay Formidable is to stay on the lookout for ways to level up. 💪
