Wadds Inc. newsletter

The Wadds Inc. newsletter offers insights, data, and strategies to management and public relations professionals for improving business outcomes. It covers the evolving role of public relations, AI's impact, trust in media, industry trends, election influences, and the importance of strategic communication and relationship building.

Public Relations Industry AI in Public Relations Media Trust and Ethics Industry Trends Elections and Democracy Strategic Communication Management and Corporate Strategy Social Media Impact Economic and Environmental Risks

The hottest Substack posts of Wadds Inc. newsletter

And their main takeaways

✅ Monday briefing: Pitch opportunity, unicorn profile, data in PR, golf impact, 12-month payment terms, dyslexic dissonance, LinkedIn features, metaverse flop, and more...

0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Media Technology Economics
  1. Using data in public relations is important for smart decision-making and measuring success. It helps shape strategies and creative work.
  2. CEOs with strong media presence can attract more investment for their companies, showing the link between visibility and funding.
  3. New features on LinkedIn can enhance company pages, helping businesses connect and engage better with their audience.

✅ Monday briefing: Podcast pitching, PR measurement, digital exclusion, levelling up public relations, power cuts, PRSA Atlas award, comms women network, lobbying scandal, and more...

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Media Research Industry
  1. Podcasts are a great chance for PR professionals to pitch guests because many shows feature interviews. It’s important to listen to the podcast first and make your pitch personal.
  2. Measuring the success of PR work can be tough, with many professionals struggling to link their efforts to business results. A recent survey showed that two-thirds find it hard to connect the dots.
  3. Digital exclusion is a real problem, especially for older people who may not use the internet. This makes it hard for them to access important services like banking and healthcare.

✅ Monday briefing: Socially Mobile applications open, organisational listening, public relations research, public relations and management, week in Twitter, moving to Mastodon, and more...

0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
💼 Business Public Relations Social media Marketing Strategies
  1. The Socially Mobile program is accepting applications to help people improve their management skills and earn more. It's especially open to those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
  2. Listening is crucial for organizations to succeed. Many don't do it well, which can lead to missed opportunities and misunderstandings.
  3. Twitter is facing challenges, leading some users to explore alternatives like Mastodon, a decentralized social platform that offers different values in governance and privacy.

✅ Monday briefing: Local radio stars, FT investigations, flawed process, final call Women in Marketing awards, local fracking lobby, market woe, kamikwasi.tax, charity activism, and more...

0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Industry Politics Social media Events
  1. Local radio interviews can reveal more direct questions from journalists than traditional Westminster settings, as seen with Prime Minister Liz Truss's recent local BBC interviews.
  2. The Financial Times has appointed a new investigations editor, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering important societal issues.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about the agency pitch process, as it often favors clients and lacks transparency, which can negatively affect agencies involved.

✅ Monday briefing: Sourcing stories, McTaggart lecture, Channel 4 lobbying, costing of living survey, FOI review, climbing over paywalls, AI tool survey, WaddsCon returns, and more…

0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
📰 News Media Industry Social media Events Technology
  1. Journalists should respect privacy when sourcing stories, especially on social media. A new guide emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to child welfare and personal trauma.
  2. The new Prime Minister is being urged not to privatize Channel 4, as this could harm the media landscape during tough economic times. Producers warn it could destroy value and distract from more critical issues.
  3. Instagram's algorithm has changed back to showing content from users' networks, following criticism about its focus on Reels. This shows the platform is listening to user feedback.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Three Peaks roadtrip fundraiser ✅

0 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🏝 Travel Road trips Fundraising Outdoor activities Adventure
  1. The road trip covered climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, and England while raising money for charity. It was a fun adventure that brought people together.
  2. Everyone they met on the hike was friendly and supportive. The experience highlighted the kindness of others, even in tough times.
  3. Despite challenges like tough climbs and weather, the trip was a reminder of the good in life. They felt grateful for the help and donations they received for mental health support.

✅ Monday briefing: Social media guidelines, social media sourcing, C4 fightback, PR imposter syndrome, tech regulation, hiring tips, top consultancies, toxic beauty, Samsung slammed, and more...

0 implied HN points • 09 May 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Technology Social media Consulting
  1. Social media guidelines from major outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times stress careful online behavior. Journalists are encouraged not to criticize colleagues and to clean up their tweets regularly.
  2. Research shows there's a gap in perception versus reality in public relations roles. Many practitioners feel they're not seen as good enough, even when senior managers welcome their expertise.
  3. Beauty content on social media can harm self-esteem, especially among young girls. Brands like Dove are working to change this by promoting diverse standards of beauty and addressing toxic beauty advice online.

✅ Monday briefing: Tickets for WaddsCon on pitching journalists, UN report, climate disinformation, conversation therapy, snap judgements, LinkedIn editorial, social discord, algospeak, and more...

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
📰 News Climate change Diversity Media Social media
  1. The UN warns that without immediate action, global temperatures could rise by 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This highlights the urgent need for climate action.
  2. Pinterest is working to combat climate misinformation by removing content that distorts climate facts. This is a step towards ensuring accurate information about climate change is shared.
  3. New social media trends, like 'algospeak', are emerging as users find creative ways to avoid censorship. These changes reflect how people adapt to platform rules while expressing themselves.

✅ Monday briefing: Brand sanctions, Russia in and out, social leaders, deeds not words, Socially Mobile, WaddsCon March, and more...

0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
💼 Business Corporate strategy Public Relations Market Trends Social Issues Leadership
  1. Many big companies have stopped doing business in Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. This is a tough choice for businesses that still have connections there.
  2. A lot of CEOs are publicly discussing their company's actions regarding the invasion. This shows the importance of communication during crises.
  3. On International Women's Day, some companies were called out for talking about gender equality while having pay gaps. It highlights a mismatch between words and actual practices.

✅ Monday briefing: Data journalism, agency incubator, oil greenwashing, UK productivity bounce, influencer agencies, social media benchmarks, Reddit insight, and more...

0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
💼 Business Marketing Media Public Relations Data Analysis Social media
  1. Data journalism is growing, helping people understand local issues like air quality through interactive maps. This shows how media can use data to inform the public.
  2. The influencer marketing industry is rapidly evolving, with many new specialized agencies emerging. This trend highlights how brands are adapting to better engage audiences.
  3. Social media is losing its positive impact on politics, thanks to misinformation and echo chambers. This situation suggests that we need to rethink how we use these platforms for democracy.

✅ Monday briefing: Comms communities, WaddsCon returns, European comms survey, Spotify crisis, native news ads, ethnic pay gap, in demand skills, project management tools, Twitter articles, and more…

0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Social media Research
  1. Comms communities are important places for support and discussion amongst professionals in marketing and public relations.
  2. The Spotify controversy highlights the challenges companies face when dealing with complex social issues that could impact their reputation.
  3. Skills in social media marketing and data analysis are highly valued in today's job market, making them key areas for professionals to focus on.

✅ Monday briefing: Local news desert, video explainer, eco ad criticised, new inflation index, PR employment data, ad cookie plan, Tumblr revival, Twitter transparency report, and more...

0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
📰 News Local news Social media Research Advertising
  1. Local journalism is struggling, leading to fewer news sources and a negative impact on democracy. It's important for communities to have access to reliable news.
  2. Environmental advertising is under scrutiny, especially claims about how personal diet changes can greatly reduce environmental impact. Consumers are becoming more critical of these messages.
  3. Social media platforms are evolving with new features and policies, like Google's cookie replacement plan and YouTube's support for creators, to adapt to changing user needs and privacy concerns.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, NFT marketing, agency start-ups, Edelman distrust barometer, online literacy call, synthetic media, TikTok marketing guide, misinformation conversation, and more...

0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Start-ups Media Social media
  1. WaddsCon is looking for case studies and examples of best practices in media relations for their upcoming sessions. This is a great chance to share your knowledge and learn from others.
  2. There's a need for improved online literacy to tackle misinformation in today's digital world. Experts suggest that governments and tech companies should work together to create a healthier online environment.
  3. Using TikTok for marketing works best when brands partner with creators to make genuine and uplifting content. Engaging with the platform's community can lead to better results for brands.

✅ Monday briefing: A&E Storytelling, sports washing, Zoom termination, management consultancy threat cedes, tackling ageism, PR boom prediction, and more…

0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
💼 Business Consulting Public Relations Marketing Social media Advertising Research
  1. A&E departments can use storytelling on social media to give real insights into their work. This helps people understand what goes on behind the scenes.
  2. Ageism is a big problem, so there's a new guide aimed at helping people talk positively about aging. It encourages a better image of older adults.
  3. Many UK businesses are planning to hire more public relations staff soon. This suggests that there's a growing need for good communication as the market recovers.

✅ Monday briefing: Foodbank fundraiser, council media, COVID-19 impact on PR jobs, ageism in creativity, Google Data Studio update, YouTube, search insights, and more...

0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
💼 Business Public Relations Media Nonprofits Technology Mental health
  1. There is a fundraiser for The BAY Foodbank due to increased demand from rising costs and welfare cuts. It's important to support local foodbanks, especially during tough times.
  2. The shift to virtual working during COVID-19 is affecting public relations jobs, especially concentrated in London. Understanding this impact can help shape future practices in the industry.
  3. Ageism in the creative field is a real issue, as shown by the struggles of experienced professionals finding jobs. Creating platforms for underrepresented groups can support career growth in these industries.

✅ Monday briefing: Socially Mobile launch, reporting terrorism, B2B thought leadership, stakeholder trust, search insights, search intent, and more...

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Media Research Ethics
  1. Media should improve how they report on terrorism. They need to wait before talking to victims and avoid showing the attackers' photos to prevent more trauma.
  2. Thought leadership in B2B is suffering because of too much low-quality content. It's important to focus on valuable insights to engage customers better.
  3. Google's team shared that automated content won't rank high in search results. They also discussed other important SEO topics like meta tags and voice search.

✅ Monday briefing: Pitch response rates, carbon reporting, industry reset, Edelman report, media monitoring tool, brand traffic search impact, community tools, and more...

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
💼 Business Media Industry Research Tools Social media
  1. Journalists are opening fewer media pitches now, with open rates dropping to 28% this year. This shows that it’s getting harder to get noticed in the media.
  2. Companies are being pushed to report their carbon footprints, which aims for more accountability in their climate commitments. This is important for businesses to be transparent about their environmental impact.
  3. Facebook is changing its approach to facial recognition, deciding not to use it anymore. This decision comes after concerns about ethics and privacy in AI technology.

✅ Monday briefing: Combatting disinformation, radio rocks, newsletter strategies, content engagement, algorithmic amplification, Facebook's second life, Facebook groups, and more...

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
🕹 Technology Social media Disinformation Content Strategy Radio Algorithms Communications
  1. A company backed by well-known investors is working to fight disinformation by promoting fact-based information. It's a step to help people get reliable news.
  2. Many people in the UK still love listening to the radio, with 89% tuning in every week. It's a popular way to consume content for many adults.
  3. Newsletters are becoming a popular strategy for publishers to connect with readers directly. They help bypass big tech platforms like Apple and Google.

✅ Monday briefing: Working class gap, influencer standards, OnlyFans art, poor agency briefs, Instagram desktop, LinkedIn time out, Guild fundraising, and more...

0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
💼 Business Marketing Social media Public Relations E-commerce
  1. There's a gap in the working class representation in the UK public relations industry, which needs attention to create more equal opportunities.
  2. New standards for influencer marketing are being set to make the industry more professional and accountable for its practices.
  3. Poorly written agency briefs waste a lot of budget, as many marketers think they're good but agencies feel differently.

✅ Monday briefing: Media scrutiny, neurodiversity, blogging slog, agile communication, YouTube caption options, accessibility toolkit, and more…

0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
🕹 Technology Media Industry Research Tools Social media
  1. Newspaper closures can lead to more corporate crime because they stop holding companies accountable. This shows how important local journalism is for society.
  2. Neurodiversity, including conditions like autism and dyslexia, is often overlooked in public relations. It's important to change the stigma and embrace different ways of thinking.
  3. Remote work is becoming more common, but it can also reduce teamwork and conversation among employees. This means companies need to find ways to keep communication strong.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, social media regulation, ad nightmares, metric mismatch, PR tech stacks, headline performance, TikTok boom, and more...

0 implied HN points • 26 Jul 21
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Media Communications Technology
  1. Social media needs better regulation to tackle issues like online abuse, as highlighted by Ofcom's boss.
  2. Many companies struggle to understand the purpose of their online content, with two-thirds unclear on their goals.
  3. TikTok's growth is significant, largely driven by its unique content algorithm that focuses on user engagement.

✅ Monday briefing: ad cartel, cookie reprieve, UK data registration, R&D tax relief, voice technologies, corporate digital responsibility, Socially Mobile dinner, and more...

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 21
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Public Relations Data Privacy Corporate Responsibility
  1. Big tech companies like Google and Facebook control a large portion of the ad market, generating about $296 billion in sales. This shows how much power these companies have in advertising.
  2. Businesses in the UK need to register for data protection and pay a fee. It's important for compliance with legal requirements.
  3. There is a growing interest in voice technology, with many UK consumers using voice assistants every day for various tasks. This trend shows the shift in how we interact with technology.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media plurality, carbon as a metric, fake spokesperson, internet life, reframe videos, tech trends, Cannes Condensed and more...

0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 21
💼 Business Media Industry Practice Research Technology
  1. Access Intelligence is buying a media intelligence firm to boost its presence in Asia and Australia. This will help them offer more services and reach more customers.
  2. PR professionals need to start measuring carbon emissions as part of their sustainability efforts. Carbon is now seen as a crucial metric in addressing environmental issues.
  3. A new study shows that working from home leads to longer hours but not necessarily better productivity. This brings attention to how remote work impacts performance.

✅ Monday briefing: Sarah Waddington CBE, Socially Mobile, capital PR, engaging with activists, Online Nation Report, behavioural science survey, WaddsCon June lineup, and more....

0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 21
💼 Business Media Industry Best Practices Research Events
  1. Sarah Waddington was honored with a CBE for her efforts in public relations, highlighting the importance of professionalism in the industry.
  2. There's a growing trend of PR agencies moving out of London, thanks to the pandemic, which opens up access to talent across the UK.
  3. Many people in the UK are hesitant to pay for news subscriptions, with most preferring free online news sources instead.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon final call, creative industries funding, image licencing, website data viz, Twitter verification, and more…

0 implied HN points • 24 May 21
💼 Business Media Industry Funding Research Technology Social media
  1. WaddsCon is happening soon, and it's a great chance to learn about changes in agency-client relationships and measurement in PR. It could be helpful if you're in that field.
  2. Many new jobs have emerged since the pandemic, like work-from-home facilitators and cybersecurity forecasters. It's important to stay updated on new career opportunities.
  3. Online abuse against journalists is increasingly common, showing we need better training for dealing with such issues. It's essential to support and protect media professionals.

✅ Monday briefing: ESG opportunity, PR weak, bounce rate bounced, presenting data, hiding likes, considerate Twitter and more...

0 implied HN points • 10 May 21
💼 Business Public Relations Advertising Media industry Data Analytics Social media
  1. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and it's becoming important for public relations to focus on this. It helps businesses look at their impact on the planet and society.
  2. Bounce rate is replaced with engagement rate in Google Analytics. This new way of measuring shows how much users interact with your content, which is more helpful than just seeing if they leave a page.
  3. Instagram now lets users choose if they want to hide likes on their posts. This change is meant to help people feel less pressure about how many likes their content gets.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, football failure, access to information, accessible communications, live audio, fake linkedin users, slander games, data portability and more…

0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 21
💼 Business Media Industry Social media Research
  1. WaddsCon is a useful event for those in PR, featuring talks on creativity and storytelling. It's a great chance to network and learn as the industry evolves.
  2. Access to information is getting harder for journalists, especially during the pandemic. This affects how stories are reported and shared with the public.
  3. Facebook and Instagram are introducing new tools to improve safety and communication. These changes aim to protect users from online abuse and enhance user experience.

✅ COVID-19 PR recovery, ethical PR issues, women in PR, Tweet back, plain language, zero click searches, Facebook fake, social audio, author finder and more…

0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 21
💼 Business Public Relations Media Marketing Social media Ethics
  1. COVID-19 has changed the PR industry, and professionals are now focusing on recovery and the lessons they learned during the pandemic.
  2. Ethical issues in PR are becoming more important, with challenges like fake news and artificial intelligence being major concerns for practitioners.
  3. Women in PR are sharing their stories to build a better understanding of their experiences, as this topic is often overlooked in the industry.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon line-up, Sellafield Whistleblower, Kidstagram, LinkedIn planning, Zoom exit, transcription tool, and more…

0 implied HN points • 22 Mar 21
💼 Business Media Marketing Social media Technology Events
  1. WaddsCon is an upcoming event featuring speakers discussing topics like chatbots and PR's growing importance in SEO. It's a great opportunity to learn and ask questions.
  2. A whistleblower from Sellafield has shared courageous insights about workplace issues, highlighting the value of speaking out despite risks.
  3. Facebook is exploring a kid-friendly version of Instagram and other tools to help journalists, showing their focus on younger users and content creators.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media intelligence, show not tell, Minecraft campaign, COVID-19 comms, media manipulation, Twitter trends, autocue apps, and more…

0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 21
💼 Business Media Marketing Social media Events Research
  1. Brandwatch, a social media listening platform, was bought by Cision for $450 million, creating a bigger company in media analytics.
  2. UK regional newspapers are facing a decline in circulation, with some major papers dropping by nearly half in just six months.
  3. Twitter is introducing a subscription option for creators, similar to platforms like OnlyFans and Substack, to help users monetize their content.

✅ Monday briefing: Freelance talent, lockdown agency start-ups, open access, pandemic parenting, Facebook news block, Lockdown Unconference, and more...

0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 21
💼 Business Marketing Media Technology Social media Parenting
  1. LinkedIn might soon help users book freelancers. This could change how people find talent in the PR industry.
  2. Over 50 new PR agencies started during the pandemic, showing how businesses are adapting to the current environment.
  3. Facebook is blocking news content in Australia due to new laws. This is affecting how people access information and engage in public discussions.

✅ Monday briefing: Hyperlocal network, behaviour change communications, Oz search scrap, COVID-19, SEO keyword suggestions, Wadds Inc. Unconference and more…

0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 21
💼 Business Marketing Media Social media Communication Events
  1. Hyperlocal news networks are growing, with efforts to recruit more journalists to cover local stories in over 100 UK towns.
  2. The Government Communications Service released a guide on using behavior science in communication to improve effectiveness.
  3. Events like the Wadds Inc. Unconference provide opportunities for learning about topics like diversity and social media regulation.

✅ Monday Briefing: Lockdown creative, PR reporting, Kickstart scheme, recruitment recovery, flawed ad metric, Clubhouse primer, Lockdown Unconference, and more…

0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 21
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Data Analysis Social media Recruitment
  1. Lockdown creative processes have evolved to include remote brainstorming and technology use, allowing teams to connect and collaborate effectively despite physical distance.
  2. The recruitment landscape is recovering, particularly in digital marketing and PR, but some areas still face challenges as the job market adjusts after lockdowns.
  3. Social media platforms like Clubhouse and Facebook are adapting to new practices, with insights on engagement and content formats that cater to different audiences and enhance user experience.

✅ Media Briefing #25: Notes by Nafisa, comms vaccination guide, my new book, linking out, words matter, coverage metrics, and more…

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 20
💼 Business Media Communications Public Relations Data Analysis Technology Tools
  1. It's important to recognize and address privilege and diversity in public relations. Sharing personal stories can help highlight these issues.
  2. Choosing the right words in communication is crucial. The way we express ourselves can have a big impact, so it's good to be mindful of language.
  3. When sharing news or articles, linking back to original sources is essential. It not only gives credit but also adds credibility to the information shared.

✅ Media Briefing #24: Characterising COVID-19 impact, internal NHS comms, PR planning, news shakeup, AI editorial fail, thematic text analysis, AI incidents database, and more

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 20
💼 Business Public Relations Media Trends Communication Health Impact AI Ethics
  1. COVID-19 has hit the PR industry hard, causing a decline of about £1.6 billion in 2020. Many entry-level jobs and diversity efforts have been affected.
  2. To combat misinformation in health and science, it's important for journalists to understand science better and for scientists to be aware of how media works.
  3. Social media platforms are facing calls for change, like banning anonymity to hold users accountable for their behavior online.

✅ Monday Briefing #19: Sorrell on PR, Influencer slapdown, freelance gigs, Facebook ad block, searching for insight, news bias checker, social media boom and more

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 20
💼 Business Public Relations Social media Freelancing Marketing Data insights
  1. PR is performing better than expected, only seeing a small decline compared to other areas. It shows that strong leadership is important in the PR field.
  2. More journalists are creating their own businesses using platforms like Patreon and Substack to share their content. This shift helps them earn income outside traditional journalism.
  3. There's a rising demand for tools that help understand public opinion and news coverage. Using new tech can help brands find insights from the billions of daily searches.