The hottest Public Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

✅ Wadds Inc. back to school

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Economy Media Ethics
  1. Management often does public relations work but doesn't call it that. They typically seek help from PR experts only when absolutely needed.
  2. PR practitioners lack the qualifications and standards that management recognizes. If both sides can address this, PR can be more effective.
  3. The rise of AI tools is changing the PR landscape. PR agencies need guidelines to use these tools ethically and effectively.

✅ New book: AI tools for public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Public Relations Digital Media Productivity Content creation
  1. The book covers how AI tools like large language models can help public relations by making writing and understanding information easier.
  2. It showcases productivity tools that can make tasks like transcribing and media monitoring faster and more efficient.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of human skills in PR, like emotional intelligence and ethics, even when using advanced AI tools.

✅ Hacking AI in PR: using AI tools to write a press release

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations AI Tools Innovation Digital Transformation
  1. AI tools can help speed up tasks in public relations, like writing press releases. They make it easier to summarize information and generate content.
  2. While AI can do a lot, it still needs human oversight. The outputs can be rough and may require changes to make them useful.
  3. It's important for PR teams to explore how AI can work in their daily tasks. By testing tools together, teams can find the best ways to use AI effectively.

✅ Status report: artificial intelligence in public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
💼 Business Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Management Digitalization Strategy
  1. Public relations is using AI mainly for testing new ideas, but there's a need for better tools and data management. Companies need to be more organized with their use of AI technology.
  2. AI can help create basic drafts but often lacks quality and can make mistakes. As AI gets better, the quality of its writing is improving.
  3. Jobs at the entry level may be at risk because AI can automate basic writing tasks. Skills like adaptability and managing relationships will be important for staying relevant in the industry.

✅ Planning for sustainable agency growth

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Marketing Public Relations Media Diversity Technology
  1. Using the Traction business planning model can help agencies grow sustainably. It aligns everyone in the team around shared goals and values.
  2. Agencies should aim to reduce the reliance on founders for daily operations. This makes the business more efficient and allows for smoother growth.
  3. Many companies are seeing positive results from a four-day work week, improving employee well-being and job satisfaction. This change could be a sustainable management strategy.
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✅ Using AI for tactical and strategic applications in public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations AI Technology Content creation Strategic Planning Risk management
  1. AI tools can help public relations pros improve their writing by checking spelling and grammar, making them better at their jobs. Many people already use these tools without realizing how much they help.
  2. Focusing on using AI for just generating content can ignore its potential in strategy and management, which could provide even bigger benefits for PR practices.
  3. While AI can save a lot of time and make work easier, there's a risk of spreading misinformation, so it's important to use AI wisely and question its outputs.

✅ AI in corporate communications and public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Marketing Technology Artificial Intelligence
  1. AI is changing the conversation in public relations by highlighting reputational risks and strategies that companies need to consider. It has become an important topic for discussions in management.
  2. Using AI tools can help PR professionals be more efficient and effective in their work. These tools can take on tasks traditionally done by human roles in PR.
  3. There's a growing emphasis on understanding how to regulate AI, with the EU working on an AI Act. This shows that as AI becomes more common, we also need clear rules to manage its impact.

✅ Monday briefing: Postcard from India

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Artificial Intelligence Social media Professional development
  1. The World PR Forum and PRAXIS10 in India showcased a vibrant and confident public relations community, highlighting the importance of professional development.
  2. There is a growing demand for public relations to adopt a socially conscious approach, focusing on creating shared value rather than just improving the organization's image.
  3. AI is changing the landscape of public relations, with tools helping efficiency but still requiring human oversight for tasks needing ethical reasoning and strategic advice.

✅ Monday briefing: Trust, management and technology

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Media Technology Trust
  1. Building trust in organizations is a big challenge for public relations right now. It's important to gather data and motivate teams to succeed in this area.
  2. The rise of deepfake technology poses major risks for spreading false information, making it hard for authorities to keep digital content trustworthy.
  3. Microsoft is stepping up by defending users against copyright issues with AI content. This move suggests that companies are starting to recognize the legal challenges surrounding generative AI.

✅ In praise of the press release

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Media Communication Digital marketing
  1. Press releases have been around for over 100 years and are still used because they are familiar to everyone involved, making them easy to understand and distribute.
  2. Even though there are many new ways to communicate, organizations keep using press releases because they serve multiple purposes and are required in some legal contexts.
  3. Modern approaches are being added to the traditional press release format, like incorporating social media elements, but the core importance of press releases in communication remains unchanged.

✅ AI adoption in public relations limited, so far

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Public Relations Innovation Digital Tools
  1. AI is not being widely used in public relations yet, with many professionals unsure how to apply it. Only a few people in the industry are actively using AI tools.
  2. Most PR practitioners see the potential benefits of AI, like making work easier and more efficient. However, they have yet to change their workflows significantly because of it.
  3. There's a need for PR professionals to learn about AI and its impacts quickly. If they don't, they might fall behind as other industries integrate AI more effectively.

✅ Navigating agency growth through economic uncertainty

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Economic strategy Media Relations Public Relations
  1. When facing tough economic times, it's important to keep a close eye on budgets. Start from scratch each year to really understand all your costs.
  2. Keep your team in the loop about the financial situation. Being open helps reduce their stress and builds trust.
  3. Going through tough periods can actually make agencies stronger and better prepared for the future. It's all about focusing on saving and balancing finances.

✅ Monday briefing: Horizon scanning and strategy

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Management Strategy Public Relations Media Technology
  1. Organizations should use the Three Horizons tool to plan for the future. It helps to identify current issues and predict upcoming trends.
  2. Public trust in police is at an all-time low. There are calls for the police to focus more on community issues and rebuild that trust.
  3. AI technology is growing, but many people still haven't tried it. Concerns also exist about the content generated by AI, which is sometimes seen as lacking quality.

✅ Public relations: ESG management advisory or a communication function?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations Corporate strategy Sustainability
  1. Public relations should play a role in driving real change in businesses, not just focus on communication after decisions are made. It's important for PR to influence management to act responsibly.
  2. Many oil and gas companies report huge profits but do not address their negative impact on the environment. This gap can lead to greater issues in society and the economy.
  3. There's a shift towards considering environmental and social factors in business strategies. PR can help highlight these issues, but it must go beyond surface-level communication to truly make an impact.

✅ Monday briefing: Greenwashing, LinkedIn boom, Twitter affiliation tag, podcasting matures, pitching is a bitch, management function, comms tech trends, AI tool research, wellbeing in PR, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Communications Technology Corporate Responsibility
  1. Greenwashing is a big issue, where companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly. The UK will be checking how accurate these green claims really are.
  2. LinkedIn is becoming more popular as Twitter loses users. More people are engaging on LinkedIn, especially for job-related networking.
  3. The world of podcasting is stabilizing, with fewer new shows being launched. However, existing podcasts are still producing a lot of new episodes.

✅ Grab your copy of the AI in PR tools bestseller

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Artificial Intelligence Management Ethics
  1. The book on AI in PR became a bestseller on Amazon in just one day, showcasing its popularity and relevance.
  2. It discusses both the advantages and ethical issues of using AI in public relations, emphasizing the importance of human skills like emotional intelligence.
  3. Many employees are using AI tools at work without proper guidelines, highlighting a need for companies to create training and policies on AI usage.

✅ The GPT-3 marketing and public relations practitioner

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Content creation Public Relations Digital marketing Automation
  1. AI tools like GPT-3 can help with content creation, but you must fact-check the information they give you. Sometimes they can mix reality with fiction.
  2. GPT-3 can quickly summarize text and analyze topics, which is helpful for tasks in public relations and marketing. This makes work faster and easier.
  3. However, there's a risk of spreading misinformation if we rely too much on these tools. It's important to be careful and ensure content is accurate.

✅ African public relations agency recognised by The Financial Times

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Entrepreneurship International Trade Data Analytics
  1. BHM, an African public relations agency, was named one of Africa's Top 100 fastest-growing companies by The Financial Times. This is a big deal for a privately owned firm.
  2. The agency focuses on helping African businesses reach international markets and helping foreign companies understand Africa. This is important as businesses look for new opportunities.
  3. BHM values hard work and community involvement, with a strong team made up of people who have grown within the company. They even created World PR Day to highlight the importance of public relations.

✅ Monday briefing: Leaving the door open and the ladder down

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Media Artificial Intelligence Social media
  1. Talking to experts can give you a lot of valuable insights. It’s great when someone is willing to spend extra time discussing important topics.
  2. News publishers are facing challenges with search visibility due to recent changes in Google's algorithm. Many are seeing their online reach drop.
  3. AI is becoming more inclusive with new models designed to better represent diverse cultures and experiences. This is an important step for fairness in technology.

✅ Monday briefing: Accidental managers

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Marketing Human Resources Training
  1. Many managers are promoted without proper training, which can hurt business performance. It's important for organizations to invest in management training.
  2. Good management leads to happier employees and better productivity, while bad management can cause stress and make people want to leave their jobs.
  3. The lack of training for managers is linked to lower confidence and worse skills in handling change and issues, showing how training can help improve their performance.

✅ Monday briefing: A new #PRstack book will review AI in PR tools

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Management Social media Technology
  1. A new book about AI in public relations will be released soon. It focuses on how AI can help in marketing and PR tasks.
  2. The book includes insights from developers and covers more than 20 AI tools. This aims to help professionals use AI more effectively in their work.
  3. The BBC is being careful with how it uses AI, focusing on human creativity and transparency. They have set principles to guide their use and tackle risks like disinformation.

✅ Outputs from the European Communication Monitor and AI business models

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations AI Tools Sustainability
  1. Trust and alignment with management are key challenges in public relations. It's important for organizations to build trust to operate effectively in their markets.
  2. Data and digital tools can help improve public relations efforts. Professionals should focus on developing special skills to adapt to the fast-changing communication landscape.
  3. AI tools are becoming more powerful and cheaper, but it's important to be cautious. Ensure your budget accounts for new AI services because costs can quickly add up.

Mr. Sima Nan goes to the U.S. Embassy

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Geopolitics Public Relations International relations Foreign affairs
  1. Sima Nan, known as a critic of the U.S., attended an Independence Day event at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, indicating unusual non-governmental interactions between China and the U.S.
  2. The enthusiastic defense and publicizing of the event by Sima Nan may help reduce the taboo around attending such events at the U.S. embassy, bringing unusual attention and normalization.
  3. The diplomat who invited Sima Nan likely earned praise for public diplomacy for bridging divides and facilitating interactions between individuals with differing ideologies.

Levelling up the public relations profession

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations Diversity Education Management Recruitment
  1. Public relations needs to work harder on diversity, focusing not just on race or gender but also on socio-economic backgrounds, education, and geography. This broader view can help make the industry more inclusive.
  2. There is a significant gap in public relations jobs for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Many PR professionals come from fee-paying schools, which limits opportunities for others.
  3. Creating awareness of public relations careers in schools is essential. Programs like apprenticeships can help, but strong partnerships with educational organizations need to be revived to support future talent.

✅ Media pitching is harder than ever

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
💼 Business Media Relations Public Relations Corporate Communications Digital marketing Content Strategy
  1. Media pitching is really tough right now. Many organizations struggle to get attention because there are fewer media outlets and lots of competition.
  2. Journalists are super busy and get overwhelmed with pitches. Right now, less than 3% of media pitches even get a response, making it hard for PR professionals to connect.
  3. Instead of only pitching to traditional media, organizations should create their own content, like newsletters and podcasts. This way, they can build their own audiences and have better media relations.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon replay, newsroom targets, trust in news declines, interview technique, dirty rosters, board operator, pricing dispute, brand backlash, BledCom report, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📰 News Media Journalism Research Social media Public Relations
  1. Trust in news is falling, especially for major UK outlets like The Times and the BBC. This change shows people are becoming more skeptical of the news they read.
  2. Brands need to stand by their values and be clear about who they support. Companies like Halifax are taking a bold stance, making it clear what they stand for.
  3. Getting media attention requires new skills like knowing how to navigate interviews. Interviewees should understand that everything said can be quoted, and they shouldn't try to control the quotes.

✅ How can we level up regional public relations in the UK?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Public Relations Employment Trends Remote work Market Growth
  1. Public relations grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it's slowing down, especially in London where the number of practitioners is rising fast compared to other regions.
  2. Many PR professionals moved out of London to smaller cities during the pandemic, but as remote work decreases, people are returning to the capital, leading to a strong community outside London but still much smaller.
  3. Diversity in public relations is key, as it should reflect the communities it serves. The rising cost of living in London makes it hard for newcomers, which raises questions about how to support more equitable growth across the UK.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media challenges, COVID-19 lessons, timesheet debate, value of public relations, B Corp and big business, shit posting, anti social strategy, non apology, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media Trends Crisis Management Corporate strategy Industry insights
  1. Building good relationships with journalists is important for public relations. Learning how to pitch effectively can make a big difference in communication.
  2. Public relations played a crucial role during COVID-19, helping organizations manage crises and support transformations. This has increased the value of PR in many businesses.
  3. Some companies are criticized for being B Corp certified, but it's actually a positive step towards driving change in the business world. Large companies can still have a big impact.

✅ Monday briefing: Journo to comms, diversity and media, social trends, strategic value of PR, ESG clampdown, AI warning, Adidas, practitioners abused, Twitter alternatives, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media industry Social media Corporate Communications
  1. Many companies are now using push notifications, but not all alerts are truly newsworthy. The way publishers use these alerts varies a lot, from excessive to almost none.
  2. The FCA is working to prevent greenwashing by proposing new terms and rules for using 'sustainable' and 'green' in marketing. This aims to make sure companies are honest about their environmental impact.
  3. Twitter's future is uncertain after Elon Musk's takeover, leading to more abuse on the platform. Niche communities on other platforms like Discord and WhatsApp might be where discussions shift to.

✅ Monday briefing: Wadds Inc. 2.0, planning tool for creative agencies, local democracy boost, govt blames comms, dodgy digital data, PR and management, Twitter deal, charger standard, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media Digital marketing Strategic Planning
  1. Wadds Inc. is relaunching as a family business to focus on supporting their family and community-based projects. This new approach aims to create a more regenerative business model.
  2. A new strategic planning tool for creative agencies has been introduced, helping them navigate important issues over the next eighteen months using a detailed framework.
  3. The European Union is enforcing a standard charger requirement, meaning all devices will need to use USB-C connectors by 2024, which will impact companies like Apple.

✅ Monday briefing: Back to the future, AI over claims, sewage clean-up, Labour briefing, news verification, words to axe, and more

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Media Government Measurement
  1. The public relations field is slow to adopt new technology like AI, which limits innovation and effectiveness in the industry.
  2. Many people working in public relations don't fully understand the metrics they use, which can lead to problems in measurement and reporting.
  3. There's a growing focus on cleaning up environmental issues, like pollution from sewage, but some investments are criticized as being mainly for show.

✅ Monday briefing: Last call to book WaddsCon, journalists as brands, ESG washing, client and agency relationships, Socially Mobile deadline, AI garbage, Twitter GIFs, ALT tag SEO, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Social media Education
  1. Local newspapers are merging to stay afloat, which affects local news coverage.
  2. Many journalists are building their own brands on social media to secure their careers and reach more people.
  3. AI-written content isn't reaching the quality that humans expect, so it's still important to have real writers.

✅ The opportunity for public relations to build on management status earned during COVID-19

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Corporate Communication Stakeholder engagement Employee engagement
  1. Public relations has gained importance during COVID-19, helping organizations manage changes and communicate with stakeholders. This role is now more recognized in leadership decisions.
  2. Corporate affairs directors are seen as important advisers who help balance business goals with social needs. They work closely with top management to guide the company’s direction.
  3. There’s a shift towards using data and technology in public relations to understand society better. Companies are focusing on employee engagement and societal issues as key parts of their communication strategy.

✅ Monday briefing: Front page campaigning, image rights, reputation tracking, #PlattyJubes creative, burger troll, #Justice4Grenfell, online safety, AP stylebook, cookie replacement, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Media Coverage Activism Online safety
  1. Front page campaigns can make a strong statement. For example, some ads showed public dissatisfaction during the pandemic.
  2. Understanding image rights is crucial for photographers and businesses. There are complex rules around using images that need more clarification.
  3. Companies that responded quickly to important events, like the Ukraine crisis, generally had better public approval. Quick action can improve a brand's reputation.

✅ Monday briefing: Future of news, B2B earned media effectiveness, Glassdoor review, writing about violence, Vogue overreach, B Corp change, GCS plan, climate survey, mental health support, and more..

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 23 May 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Communication Industry Trends
  1. Journalists are very picky about pitches; only 4% get a response. A good pitch should be short and sent on Fridays.
  2. B2B content from journalists gets way more engagement. It's a better way to reach your audience and get noticed online.
  3. Writing about violence should be done carefully. It's important to respect victims and portray the issue accurately.

✅ Monday briefing: FT Edit, trans 101, influencer marketing, public distrust, website energy crash, TikTok best practice, no authority, communication challenges, media usage, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Social media Communication
  1. The Financial Times has created a new app to attract more readers by offering daily curated articles. This app is free for the first month and then charges a subscription fee.
  2. Influencer marketing is growing and now takes up about 3% of marketing budgets. Influencers help connect brands with audiences in a way that traditional ads might not.
  3. Public trust is being affected by campaigns that spread distrust about competitors, like TikTok. Companies should focus on transparency and ethical communication to build trust with the public.

✅ Monday briefing: Media warning, housing fail, Treasury trolled, cost of living, strategic value of PR, levelling up skills, PR and management, COP out, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Media Economics Housing
  1. Big tech companies like Apple and Facebook are hurting news media by controlling what people see online. Most people don’t realize how much these companies influence the news.
  2. A recent coroner's report revealed a tragic case where a toddler died due to mold in his home, leading to serious questions about housing conditions and landlord responsibilities.
  3. Many people in public relations are struggling with the rising cost of living and are looking for raises or even second jobs to make ends meet. This shows how the financial situation really affects workers in this industry.

✅ Monday briefing: Dark arts, Coronation planning, agency planning, sex industry careers, charity lobby, cycling greenwashing, toxic workplaces, community based marketing, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Media Research Social media
  1. Dark arts practices in media, like privacy abuses and phone hacking, are being highlighted and criticized nowadays. People are calling for more honesty and accountability in journalism.
  2. The challenges for agencies include planning for crises caused by climate change, wars, and rising costs. Companies need to adapt their strategies to deal with these ongoing issues.
  3. Community-based marketing is gaining attention as a key strategy for brands. Companies are realizing the importance of owning and engaging with their communities to drive success.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, Reach investment, fossil fuel PR, conflict of interest, cost of living survey, eBay trolls, GA breaches GDPR, GCS misinfo toolkit, creator tools, CommsHero and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Data Analytics Events
  1. WaddsCon is happening soon and will focus on how to create and pitch data stories to the media. It's a good chance to learn from speakers who will share useful tips and case studies.
  2. Reach is expanding by hiring over 25 journalists and staff to attract a younger audience. This shows a shift in the media to engage more with the 25 to 35 age group.
  3. There are concerns about PR agencies with conflicts of interest, especially regarding evaluations for COVID-19. It's important to ensure fairness and transparency in such evaluations.