Measurement

In PR we contend with many myths that continue to endure despite advances in the profession. Some of the most enduring relate to the science of PR. In this column, we will expose some PR conventions as myths, while explaining why they’re myths and sharing supportive details about the true state of the profession.

During this interview, we asked Laura Burke, the CCO of Santander Bank US, about her priorities, keeping the human touch in messaging, measuring reputation and crisis communication.

Despite the heavy emphasis on real-time solutions, there are some cases when even the near-past is too old. Knowing what happened will always be valuable as it helps to inform current thinking, but it isn’t the complete picture for effective diagnostics and decision-making. Here, we discuss the four stalwarts of communications research and analysis: Descriptive, Diagnostic, Predictive and Prescriptive.

In popular language, limbo is an indeterminate place where one awaits a decision. It’s pleasant enough but devoid of bliss or pain. I don’t fully understand the religious form of limbo, but I’m very familiar with the PR version: It’s where measurement deniers go after a year-end performance evaluation that’s ambiguous, unfulfilling and offers no guidance. And yet, most communicators choose limbo over measurement.

It may be too late to change 2021 results, but you can approach New Year planning by asking executives, team members and yourself some important questions, according to columnist Mark Weiner.

In some ways, this year’s global observance of Communication Measurement Month should be a bigger celebration than normal. After all, considering the nearly two-year-old pandemic, any excuse for celebration is welcome. On the other hand, there are reasons not to celebrate. We surveyed the industry to find out their sentiments.

What’s the next big thing for communications research and evaluation? It’s a good question to ponder as we celebrate Measurement Month.

Every autumn, the dualities of research and evaluation emerge: we rely on data and analysis providers to help evaluate our year-to-date performance and depend on their data to inform communication decisions. Simultaneously, and perhaps ironically, as we look to analytics providers to inform our performance evaluation, we evaluate them as the annual renewal approaches.

Interest in PR measurement, research and evaluation have never been greater, for two main reasons: low-cost SaaS platforms put media analysis within reach of even the smallest organizations; and C-suites demand PR be measured, just like every other part of the enterprise.

PR data, research and evaluation continue to flourish in agencies, non-profits and corporations large and small. To encourage those considering the field and inform hiring decisions, we spoke with seven corporate members of the Institute for Public Relations Measurement Commission.Each delivers research-based insight and guidance to communication colleagues.