The hottest Public Relations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

✅ When should an organisation take a stand on a social or political issue?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Organizations are feeling pressure to share their views on social and political issues as corporate purpose becomes important. It's a balancing act between business needs and leadership values.
  2. Different companies have varying opinions on whether to take a stand. Some believe in being vocal, while others prefer to stay neutral on political matters.
  3. A decision-making framework can help guide organizations on when and how to speak out on these issues, as understanding public sentiment becomes increasingly crucial.

✅ Public relations and management GPT

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Generative AI is popular in marketing, but there's a belief that reductive AI might be even more useful for public relations and management tasks.
  2. OpenAI recently added a feature letting users create and customize their own GPTs, which can analyze a lot of information but should be used carefully with privacy in mind.
  3. Public relations practices are under scrutiny, with examples of both good and bad actions highlighting the industry's influence on sustainability and social responsibility.

✅ Measuring the value of public relations in terms that management understands

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Public relations need to show their value in ways that management understands, such as through measurable data related to profits. Many practitioners struggle to do this and instead rely on media coverage examples that don't fully represent their impact.
  2. Recent awards recognized public relations professionals who are using measurement tools to better demonstrate their contributions to companies. This is important for aligning public relations with overall business goals.
  3. There's a growing importance of data and insights in public relations that can aid management in decision-making, especially during crises. This helps reinforce the role of public relations in a company's success.

✅ Exploring the contribution of comms and public relations to management

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Comms and public relations play a crucial role in helping management respond to issues and understand public opinion. It's important to know when to listen and when to speak out.
  2. Female CEOs tend to have shorter tenures than their male counterparts, especially during crises. This highlights the challenges women face in leadership roles.
  3. Many CMOs are struggling more now than during the pandemic due to economic pressures, but most recognize the need to keep investing in brand marketing.

✅ Monday briefing: Socially Mobile open for applications for 2024

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Applications for the Socially Mobile program in 2024 are now open. This program helps people from diverse backgrounds in public relations develop important management skills.
  2. AI tools can help public relations professionals analyze data better and extract useful insights. This can improve strategies and make sense of complex information.
  3. YouTube is making its platform more inclusive by adding multi-language audio descriptions for videos. This change helps those with visual impairments enjoy and access content more easily.
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✅ Monday briefing: Pandemic whiplash for public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. The public relations industry has seen a significant drop in investment, losing over $1 billion in the past year.
  2. Employee-employer relationships in PR have changed, with many hiring freezes and layoffs instead of raises.
  3. The connection between PR roles and company leadership is weakening, with fewer executives reporting directly to top management.

✅ Monday briefing: Socially Mobile is open for applications for the final cohort of 2023

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Public Relations
  1. Socially Mobile is accepting applications for its last cohort of 2023, aiming to help people from diverse backgrounds improve their PR skills. The deadline to apply is August 20, and classes start on September 14.
  2. AI tools for identifying fake content are not very reliable, which raises concerns about misinformation online. It's important to be cautious and critical about what we see and share.
  3. LinkedIn has updated its algorithm to boost posts that provide useful knowledge and insights. This change means that sharing advice relevant to your expertise can help your posts reach a wider audience.

✅ Monday briefing: Understanding the impact of AI on public relations

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. AI is changing public relations like the internet did. It can help improve relationships and reputations but needs attention from practitioners.
  2. AI might replace some junior jobs in PR, but it will also create new roles, especially in advisory and policy work.
  3. Historically, PR has been slow to adopt new tech. Many professionals aren't upgrading their skills to use AI tools, but ignoring them isn't an option anymore.

✅ Monday briefing: The public relations economy

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. The public relations industry is facing a slowdown after a period of growth during COVID-19. Companies are being cautious and delaying spending, which affects how agencies operate.
  2. Agencies need to balance growth expectations with environmental and social concerns. This includes finding opportunities related to issues like diversity, employee engagement, and even artificial intelligence.
  3. There's a rise in the use of AI tools in PR and media, but not all experts agree on their effectiveness. Some think the hype around AI might overstate its actual capabilities.

✅ Monday briefing: BBC backlash, influence business, PR measurement, SEO and earned media, AI feedback, GPT-4 launch, AI goes mainstream, AI and PR workflow, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Public relations is often unfairly blamed for a company's problems. An example of this is the backlash against the BBC, which highlights the challenges of managing public communication.
  2. There's a push for better measurement in public relations. Companies need to focus on engaging their audience rather than just counting media mentions.
  3. AI tools, like GPT-4, are becoming more mainstream and are being used in everyday tasks. This includes helping people write appeal letters or generating ideas, showing how AI is changing how we work.

✅ Monday briefing: Council papers, BBC local strikes, Fox false news, green claim, PDF AI, AI For Marketing, PR slow on AI, Twitter slow death, LinkedIn crowdsourcing, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Public Relations
  1. Council-run newspapers are doing well with high circulation numbers. Some local papers have seen significant increases in readership recently.
  2. Many public relations leaders are hesitant to use AI tools, with some stating they will never adopt them. This reflects ongoing concerns about ethics and copyright in the industry.
  3. Twitter is struggling with performance and user engagement while other platforms like LinkedIn are growing. More users are moving towards platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

✅ Monday briefing: AI in PR, future skills, Coke adopts AI, PR education survey, broken news cycles, turnip for Brexit, Citizens Advice, Google misdirection, Artifact sign-up, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Public Relations
  1. AI is changing public relations in big ways, and it can be both helpful and harmful. It's important to be aware of how it can create misinformation.
  2. Companies like Coca-Cola are starting to use AI for marketing, showing that businesses are becoming more tech-savvy. However, some organizations like JP Morgan are blocking AI tools for safety reasons.
  3. There is a growing need for skills like fact-checking and critical thinking. As misinformation spreads, being able to separate fact from fiction is becoming really important.

✅ Monday briefing: Waddscon on AI in PR, levelling up, PR as promotion, tool survey, green claims, crisis book review, prompt engineering, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. AI tools are changing public relations and are a big topic of discussion at events like Waddscon. It's important to understand how these tools can improve our work.
  2. Diversity in the public relations field is still a challenge. More effort is needed at various levels, like schools and hiring practices, to address this issue.
  3. Public relations can help promote ethical practices, especially regarding claims like 'carbon neutral.' It's essential for organizations to be accurate and clear in their messaging.

✅ Monday briefing: Shell suit, ESG and PR pod, TikTok Promote, Twitter reach, missing links, AI misinformation, PR for company directors, risk report, Algorithms for Her, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. A group of investors is suing Shell for not handling climate risks properly, despite the company making big profits.
  2. New tools on TikTok are available to help accounts increase views and engagement with targeted audiences.
  3. A recent demonstration of Google's new AI tool made headlines for providing false information, highlighting the need for careful fact-checking.

✅ Monday briefing: AI threat to search, LinkedIn engagement, Twitter lists, pitch woe, management gap, shades of green, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Public Relations
  1. AI is changing the search market, making Google nervous and leading to job cuts. It's a big shift that's shaking up the industry.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing more users engaging with posts since people are looking for new platforms during Twitter's downsizing. It's a great time for businesses to connect there.
  3. It's getting harder for businesses to get media coverage, with fewer pitches being answered by journalists. This makes getting attention for news harder than before.

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

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: Social media guidelines, social media sourcing, C4 fightback, PR imposter syndrome, tech regulation, hiring tips, top consultancies, toxic beauty, Samsung slammed, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 09 May 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: Brand sanctions, Russia in and out, social leaders, deeds not words, Socially Mobile, WaddsCon March, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: 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…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: WaddsCon, NFT marketing, agency start-ups, Edelman distrust barometer, online literacy call, synthetic media, TikTok marketing guide, misinformation conversation, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: 2022 industry Almanac, WaddsCon, CIPR President Q&A, audio events, fake influence, tool mashup, news grid, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. WaddsCon is looking for speakers to share new ideas in media relations. It's a great chance to show off innovation and excellence.
  2. Fossil fuel companies are spending a lot on ads that resemble Google search results. This shows the tricky side of advertising and how it can be misleading.
  3. Australia created a fake influencer account to learn about influencer marketing. They found that many brands and influencers don't follow the rules meant to protect consumers.

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

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: Working class gap, influencer standards, OnlyFans art, poor agency briefs, Instagram desktop, LinkedIn time out, Guild fundraising, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: ad cartel, cookie reprieve, UK data registration, R&D tax relief, voice technologies, corporate digital responsibility, Socially Mobile dinner, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: ESG opportunity, PR weak, bounce rate bounced, presenting data, hiding likes, considerate Twitter and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 10 May 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: Press freedom, best practice content, communication design, accessibility advice, audio branding, Sorrell on PR, ESG survey, Facebook manipulation and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Press freedom is a serious issue, with the recent murder of a journalist in Europe highlighting ongoing dangers. More awareness and action are needed to protect reporters.
  2. Content creation and communication design are improving, with government guidelines helping people write better for specific audiences. It's important to understand who you're talking to.
  3. Audio branding is becoming popular, meaning companies are paying attention to how they sound. For example, car manufacturers are creating unique sounds for their electric cars.

✅ Monday briefing: Institutional racism, new books, state of journalism, relevance report, Wikipedia engagement, COVID-19 PR toolstack, April WaddsCon and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations
  1. There is ongoing debate about institutional racism, especially regarding how government's findings may overlook significant issues faced by minority groups.
  2. The future of office spaces is shifting towards comfort and calming designs to fit the post-pandemic world.
  3. The relationship between journalists and PR professionals is generally positive, but both sides see areas where it can improve.

✅ 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…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 29 Mar 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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: Build back better, misinformation at COP26, African UK agency launch, budget pitches, digital data dump, death of the cookie, WaddsCon line-up, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. The 'Build Back Better' plan aims to promote economic growth by investing in infrastructure and skills. It's important for anyone looking to create investment strategies.
  2. There is a focus on combating misinformation related to climate change, especially leading up to important conferences like COP26. It shows how vital accurate information is for tackling big issues.
  3. Social media is growing, with more users in the UK than ever before. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp remain very popular among adults.

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

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  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 #28: Murdoch family issues, Google search, PR measurement guide, agency start-ups, Post Corona, PR at the kitchen table, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. James Murdoch criticized US media for its role in 'toxic politics,' suggesting it threatens democracy. His brother is the CEO of Fox Corporation, which has faced criticism over its COVID-19 coverage.
  2. Google and Facebook are threatening to restrict their services in Australia due to a proposed regulation that would make them pay for including news in search results. This could change how people access news online.
  3. The pandemic has changed how we communicate and innovate in PR. There's a rise in agency start-ups, indicating a shift in the industry, as many are adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

✅ Media Briefing #27: Inferred links, everybody lies, connected leadership, declining trust, Parler pile in, Twitter planner, 2021 PR trends, and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jan 21
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Journalists need to focus on being unbiased and defending the media against false information. This is important as trust in news sources declines.
  2. Many marketing agencies in the UK are reducing their fees to attract new clients and help boost the economy. This might seem helpful but could lead to lower standards in the industry.
  3. Trust in various leaders and institutions is dropping, while people tend to trust local communities and scientists more. This highlights the changing landscape of trust in society.

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

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 20
💼 Business Public Relations
  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

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 20
💼 Business Public Relations
  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.

✅ Media Briefing #23: Words matter, PR planning, agency metrics, sludge vs nudge, TikTok tiers, sock puppet PR, and more…

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 20
💼 Business Public Relations
  1. Words are important in media and can change how information is understood. It's crucial to be mindful of the language used when reporting.
  2. Effective PR planning relies on good data and metrics. Agencies need to track performance to grow and improve their strategies.
  3. Social media platforms continue to evolve, with features like TikTok tiers and Spotify stories. Staying updated on these changes is key for effective communication.