Author: Jessica Chong
It can seem daunting wading through a sea of information. Being in the know in public relations requires staying updated on current industry trends and issues. Keep these blogs bookmarked for daily browsing and you’ll have some sure fire conversation starters at your disposal. From a student standpoint, these are ten sites I found to be useful and relevant resources throughout my postgraduate PR program.
1. PR Daily
PR Daily equips you with almost everything you need to know about the industry from news reporting to syndication. Enjoy and learn from PR blunders, analysis and witty commentary. Keep in mind, however, that PR Daily posts content about American and global brands and issues.
2. Spin Sucks
Spin Sucks is a wealth of information on online reputation, creating content and staying ahead of the competition. It also disseminates sound information on SEO, entrepreneurship and other expert advice. All contributors, including founder Gini Dietrich, bring different talents and viewpoints forward. Spin Sucks provides case studies and shares ideas and thoughts concerning real-life outcomes.
3. Marketing Magazine
Marketing Magazine is a mix of branding, advertising and marketing, providing the best updates on campaigns generating conversations. When it comes to which brand chose an agency as PR agency of record, the online magazine has its finger on the pulse of breaking news in the industry. Marketing Magazine also has some great monthly columns from professionals like Martin Waxman.
4. Social Media Examiner
Learn about influencer engagement, LinkedIn productivity and social media marketing, just to name a few. What I like best is the high level of visual aesthetics behind each blog post. Each blog post features easy readability, using supportive graphics and real-life examples.
5. PR News
PR News is a great resource covering a diverse array of topics from CSR, employee relations, media training, crisis communications and more. Expect articles created by industry experts from how-to content to best practices. These articles are sure to complement communications theory and management courses you may be currently taking.
6. Social Media Today
Social Media Today produces concisely relevant #SMTShorts videos and columns from thought leaders. The site also highlights in a graphic-laden article what’s trending this week with ever-visual word clouds and charts galore.
7. APEX blog
APEX takes blogging to a personal level with series like Follow February and 5Qs that feature short interviews with movers and shakers in the industry, ranging from health, tech, beauty and everything in between. Practical opinion pieces on time management or the value of editorial content also show off their staff’s knowledge.
8. Strategic Objectives blog
SO blog posts are full of insight into the PR industry, especially with practical and actionable social media tips from SO co-president Deborah Weinstein. The posts are candid, timely and relevant, tying into recent events like the Superbowl and the Target Canada layoff.
9. TechCrunch
TechCrunch keeps you in the know on the latest tech news from wearable technology, the newest apps and startups. Its weekly roundups recount the best stories you don’t want to miss. You’ll find essential updates, especially with brands like Google and Microsoft, ensuring you stay in the loop for those upcoming networking events and informational interviews.
10. Edelman blog – Conversations
As the world’s largest public relations firm, Edelman brings a global perspective to its blog. Edelman’s #FollowTheFellow series gives students the chance to learn about working in another country and dealing with different markets. Pick the brain of the president and CEO, Richard Edelman, by reading his blog posts in the 6 A.M. section. Feel free to also browse the 2015 Edelman Trust Barometer that paves the way for new business innovation.
What else would you add to the list?