How to Use Social Media for PR

Using social media for PR, in a nutshell. Expert advice from Ellen Carroll at Nellie PR & Communications- http://in.a-nut.sh/NelliePR

PR is all about building relationships and reputation, and using social media as part of your PR strategy is just one of the ways in which you can connect directly with your audiences and build your profile. But the social media landscape is vast, so here’s a brief look at one aspect – Twitter.

Why using Twitter is is great for PR

Out of all the social media channels, Twitter stands above the rest for one simple reason: because your audience is there. Journalists, in the main, love it. So, if you’re trying to connect with them, you need to be there.
Twitter keeps you up to speed and builds your profile, and by keeping on top of the news agenda you can grab some brilliant PR opportunities. For example, by following journalists relevant to your sector, you can piggyback topical issues, provide relevant and timely comment, and respond to their interview requests.
It’s not just about you finding them, however. Journalists look for stories on Twitter as well, so make sure you’re there and can be found.
Most importantly, Twitter is great for getting to know your audience and what they’re looking for. Social media PR revolves around sharing great stories and building relationships, and so by all means put yourself out there, but don’t forget to read what others are saying as well. Listen to your audience and allow them to set the pace.

How do you use Twitter for social media PR?

Plan, plan, plan

Set up Twitter lists to keep track of the people you want to connect with and topics you want to follow.
Take it slow – don’t just start tweeting or pitching stories at journalists and other contacts. Build up your relationships first and prove your expertise.

To help you get going, check out our list of Top SME Journalists to Follow on Twitter, which we’ve curated for the specific purpose of getting you started. On it, you’ll find a number of excellent journalists who are active on Twitter and who specialise in the SME business sector. Alternatively, head over to follow our ready-to-go Twitter lists.

Your posts – some key rules.

• These should contain great stories and be newsworthy.
• Make sure your PR content is easily shareable – such as containing links to your online press room.
• Post great pictures and videos to show how visual or newsworthy you are.
• Be interesting and have a balanced schedule so you have a mix of engagement and conversation, news posts and sales tweets.
• Don’t forget to share other people’s tweets and posts.
• Finally, be sure to measure your success. This will help you evolve and improve your strategy moving forward.

Resources

For more, check out our other blog posts, including What Frequency of Social Media Activity Works Best?, Facebook or LinkedIn for Business Marketing? and Ignoring Social Media Time Traps.

Our blog and resources pages are full of up-to-date content to help you manage your PR. If you feel you’d like extra support, please book a free consultancy call with Ellen Carroll to find out more about the PR, communication, and marketing support we provide to help you flourish. Read more about our work and impact and don’t forget to sign-up for our newsletter to get regular updates, PR news, and fresh resources delivered straight to your inbox.