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What Facebook’s Latest AI Acquisition Means for Communicators

July 6th, 2018 by

Facebook’s acquisition of Bloomsbury AI spells big things for communicators as they increasingly rely on automation tools in order to better interface with audiences. But there are two applications of Bloomsbury’s tech in particular that will help Facebook regain its recent lapse in trust with communicators and consumers alike.

4 Ways Verizon Uses SEO to Proactively Turn the Tide of Crisis

July 5th, 2018 by

During crisis moments, PR professionals tend to focus on how stakeholders and audiences view their brand or client. But of growing concern is what search engines see when a negative news story hits. Whether you’re focusing on crisis proactively or after the fact (and most PR pros would agree you really should be doing both), search engine optimization has a crucial role to play. Here are four ways communicators can learn from Verizon’s SEO practices when it comes to preparing for, monitoring and addressing crises.

The PR Lessons Behind Scarlett Johansson’s Social Media Trouble

July 5th, 2018 by

Scarlett Johansson’s in hot water for accepting the role of a transgender character in the upcoming film “Rub & Tug.” Critics on social media and elsewhere contend the role should have gone to a transgender actor. The water temperature rose considerably after Johansson issued a curt reply to critics. Traditional PR recommends a more apologetic approach. Will Johansson’s rejoinder work?

The @WeAreCisco Approach to Devising Instagram KPIs

July 3rd, 2018 by

Now that Instagram has surpassed its billion-user mark, competition for attention on the platform is heating up. Instagram content must be positioned even more strategically in order to cut through the din.

Casie Shimansky, social media manager at the technology company’s talent recruitment brand @WeAreCisco, notes that Instagram’s growth has her team of two constantly testing their approach to content.

PR Isn’t Just Media Relations: Four Steps to a Holistic PR Measurement Plan

July 3rd, 2018 by

Assuming your communications team is already incorporating measurement into your daily operations—and if you’re not, you should definitely start—you must then make sure you’re measuring as much as you possibly can. Many PR pros focus solely on media relations measurement, without taking into consideration all the other aspects of a PR program. This is a mistake. Here we explain the importance of looking at your communications measurement holistically in order to truly prove the value of PR to the bottom line of the business.

7 Do’s and Don’ts for Engaging With Journalists on Social Media

July 2nd, 2018 by

In a recent PR News survey of more than 400 media relations professionals, nearly everyone said email is their top pitching method. Just four respondents said Twitter is their first choice. These results do not entirely negate social media’s importance to media relations pros—55% of survey respondents said Twitter is their second-most effective method of connecting with reporters. But caution on social should prevail at all times.

5 Takeaways for Brands From Starbucks’ Antibias Training Report

July 2nd, 2018 by

More than a hollow and cookie-cutter corporate document, “Toward a Vision for Racial Equity & Inclusion at Starbucks: Review and Recommendations” reads as a realigning of perspectives and priorities. This is the work of a brand that has taken a hard, honest look at itself and is ready to share what it has learned.

Ford’s Communications Head Returns Serve to Elon Musk on Twitter

June 29th, 2018 by

In a Wall Street Journal article about delays in the production of the Tesla Model 3, Tesla chairman and CEO Elon Musk compared Ford unfavorably to his own company, calling the legacy car maker a “morgue.” Ford’s head of communications took to Twitter and challenged Musk to visit a Ford plant.

Three Ways to Use Instagram’s IGTV for Your Brand Strategy

June 29th, 2018 by

It’s the early days for Instagram’s IGTV, a mobile-first, YouTube-esq social experience that will facilitate longer, vertical videos. It also will let brands get closer to audiences and allow people to discover them. Bell’s social media manager David Wolpert offers three ways communicators can work with IGTV to tell their brand’s stories.

Why Speed Is Your Enemy in Media Pitching

June 28th, 2018 by

It’s so tempting. There’s a large media list at the ready. All one needs to do is craft a compelling narrative, attach it to the media list, hit send and wait for journalists to call. It’s the digital age, after all. Why not deploy the eponymous technology and send out hundreds of pitches with the click of a mouse? If it only was that easy.