The Public Relations Blog

Editor’s note: This article was produced using automated technology and then edited and verified for accuracy by a member of Axia Public Relations’ editorial team. 

As technology continues to evolve, PR agencies should look for ways to stay ahead of the curve. Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular and accessible, and we’ve seen industries adopt and adapt to the new technology — and public relations is no exception.

AI can assist PR agencies in several ways, from improving media monitoring to creating more targeted campaigns. Let’s explore six ways PR agencies can start using AI to streamline tasks and optimize best practices.

Consider these best practices and industry examples to weave newsjacking into your PR strategy.

If you caught our blog post about newsjacking and how it can increase your visibility and boost sales, you might have been left wondering exactly how to get started putting this tactic into practice. We’re back with more on how you can find the right stories for newsjacking and examples of how to execute this in the media.

Here are a few angles to begin identifying newsjacking opportunities. 

1. Google vs Tesla: The ultimate corporate communication showdown
2. College protests showcase need for effective leadership communication
3. 60-second close: Strategic communication requires the right perspective

Secure media attention amid mass journalist layoffs, a saturated pitching environment, and the rise of new media.

The journalism industry is in a constant state of evolution, and the current media climate is harder to navigate than ever. Even after you’ve crafted the perfect story that is novel, timely, and relevant to a publication’s target audience, you might still be left scratching your head waiting for a reply. 

A Propel media barometer report details what pitches reporters are responding to, what gets left unread, the best days to pitch, and more supported with industry data.

Let’s see what works and what doesn’t in today’s newsroom.

Streamline the pitching process and other workflows with smarter tools.

In the fast-paced world of public relations, every second counts. Finding ways to maximize efficiency while maintaining high-quality work is essential, which is why text replacement has emerged as an invaluable time-saving tool for PR pros pitching media.

Understand the meaning of Memorial Day so your company doesn’t make a faux pas.

Companies often view national holidays as a way to connect with consumers and tie themselves to a national story. Sometimes this is done tastefully; other times, however, it leaves the consumer with a bad taste in their mouth. Due to current trends in our culture and marketing saturation, the original purpose of a holiday can be overlooked. The national “holiday” of Memorial Day is one that’s meaning has been lost in celebration. 

Grab journalists' attention, spark engagement, and get your messages opened with these tips.

Getting the attention of a busy journalist is the first and most crucial step to ensuring your message stands a chance against the competition to earn media coverage. With some strategic planning and tested best practices, you can craft email subject lines that grab attention and get your pitch past the first step. 

Here are 11 tips for writing email subject lines and templates that will ensure your email is opened and read:

The right connections will open doors for your company, but the substance remains most crucial in earning media coverage.

It's common for public relations firms to emphasize their close connections with journalists as a top selling point. The idea is that leveraging personal rapport can make it easier to pitch stories and gain coverage for clients. 

However, many experts argue that while relationships matter, their actual influence is limited. Bottomline, reporters decide what to cover based on newsworthiness, which poses an important question: Are strong media relationships vital for earning coverage, or are their power overstated?

Craft better stories and connections through shared interests, listening, and adapting.

The process of sales is commonly compared to the journey of dating. The goals are similar: make a meaningful connection, demonstrate value, and build loyalty to lead to a longer-term relationship. The courtship activities involved in PR outreach parallel these dating rituals. 

Your company can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating risk.

Since the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, AI is already transforming public relations workflows. According to The State of AI in PR, presented by Muck Rack, 61% of PR professionals currently use AI tools or plan to explore them. Companies that invest in PR agency services should understand the opportunities and risks of AI.