In our recent webinar with Ragan Communications, agency leaders Karen Swim, APR, President and Founder of Solo PR Pro/Words For Hire, and James Walker, EVP and General Manager of Weber Shandwick, shared top tips on how teams should prepare for the year ahead.
Here’s a quick look at 5 key areas they covered!
1. Make the Most of AI Tools, But Use Them Smartly
AI is transforming public relations in exciting ways. But it’s about more than just experimentation - it's about knowing how to use this tech effectively.
Our speakers discussed how AI can spark creativity and save time while reminding where it falls short.
"If you're staring at a blank screen, use AI tools to spark ideas," said Walker. "Ask for multiple options - 10 ways to say the same thing - to help you think outside the box."
Whether you’re working on a client pitch or press release, AI can help break through writer’s block and get the ball rolling.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Add the Human Touch - AI can help, but it can’t replace your judgment or creativity. Always tweak and personalize the content to make it connect.
- Fact-Check Everything - AI isn’t always accurate, so make sure to verify any facts or details it generates before hitting “publish.”
- Work Smarter, Not Harder - Use AI for repetitive tasks like analyzing data, so you can focus on strategy and storytelling.
- Keep Learning - AI is evolving. Keep learning about new tools and updates to get the most out of it.
2. Pitching Journalists? Personalization is Key
Standing out in a reporter’s inbox takes effort.
The bottom line? Skip the generic blasts. Personalized, compelling pitches focused on quality over quantity are far more effective.
Here are some additional key takeaways from our panel:
- Do Your Homework – Read a journalist’s recent articles and focus areas before reaching out. Show you’ve taken the time to understand their work.
- Match Their Interests - Tailor your pitch to match the type of stories they typically cover.
- Tell a Good Story - Swim reminded us that a strong story grabs attention. Lead with something interesting and engaging, not just the basic facts.
- Keep It Short and Clear - Reporters are busy, so get to the point quickly. Skip long-winded emails.
- Follow Up with Value - If they don’t reply, follow up with useful updates or extra details - avoid sending a generic reminder.
3. Crisis Communications: Be Prepared and Stay Proactive
In PR, it’s not about if a crisis will hit, but when. A strong crisis communications plan for a client isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Here were the key takeaways from Swim and Walker:
- Practice Regularly - Schedule drills to test your plan and ensure everyone, agency and client, knows their role when a crisis hits.
- Keep It Current - Update your plan frequently to address new risks and reflect changes in industry regulations, like AI and privacy laws.
- Build a Crisis Team - Assign clear roles, including spokespeople, decision-makers and monitoring leads, so everyone knows who’s responsible for what during a crisis.
- Prepare Your Messaging - Have pre-approved message templates for common scenarios. This saves time and keeps responses consistent under pressure.
- Stay Alert - Use media monitoring tools to keep track of brand mentions, competitor activity and industry trends in real time. This proactive approach can help you spot risks early and react quickly.
Swim emphasized that your crisis plan should never gather dust - it needs to evolve with the times. When a crisis hits, you need a clear team structure, pre-approved messages and a solid monitoring system to react fast.
Walker added: "Get help to run a crisis simulation or at the very least, plan it out yourself. Make sure everyone understands their roles, from spokespersons to executives and always be ready for potential regulatory changes."
4. Why Tone and Emotional Intelligence Matter
Swim shared examples of how being tone-deaf has sparked crises before, like when brands or execs make moves that don’t click with their audience.
Here’s how you can prevent these issues:
- Know Your Audience – Truly understand what your audience cares about and how they feel regarding certain issues.
- Be Thoughtful - Missteps, like making an insensitive comment, can spark unnecessary backlash. Be thoughtful in every choice.
- Train Your Clients - Make sure spokespeople are ready to talk about sensitive topics with empathy and confidence.
- Stay Flexible - When emotions run high, adjust your messages to match the situation and what your audience expects.
She highlighted how critical emotional intelligence is in PR: "Executives can sometimes be tone-deaf without realizing it - whether it’s something they said, wore or did," she explained. “Staying aware of your audience’s values and keeping your tone on point can make all the difference.”
5. Why Staying Curious and Adapting Matters
PR is ever changing, so staying on top of the latest trends, tools and strategies is a must.
During the webinar, we heard time and time again that the best PR pros are the ones who keep learning and adapting to whatever comes their way.
Here’s how to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of PR:
- Use New Platforms - Connect with reporters on LinkedIn, Substack and similar platforms to stay in the loop.
- Try Out New Tools - Test PR tools that can make your work easier and give better insights.
- Learn From Competitors - See how others in your industry tackle issues and use those lessons to improve.
- Never Stop Learning - Read industry blogs, join webinars and attend workshops to stay updated on the latest trends.
Future-Proof Your PR Agency
Is your agency ready for next year?
Don't miss out on all the best practices, watch the webinar now!