Social Media as a new Communication Tool for PR

PR is the practise of managing the communication between an organisation and its publics according to Wikipedia. It is about contributing to the effectiveness of organizations by improving organizational relationships and facilitating public conversations and debate. So we would agree that PR and communication have a very strong bond.

So now I question, why should PR take social media seriously?

When discussing about PR communication techniques, the majority assume you are talking about media relations and how you will get a journalist to write about your organization, product or idea, whereas others will say it vastly includes events or lobbying. So do people, including yourself believe what you read mostly over word of mouth or debates with people talking about something you’ve heard?

A blog post called 'Why PR should take Social Media Seriously' points out exactly why Social Media is effective and a communication technique that should be taken seriously. I agree with all three terms, as

1. It is more believable and trustworthy than what the media write
2. It is fast, efficient and now can be accessed through your Smartphone, and
3. It has leverage

Twitter especially has been the most successful in the case of PR, as it is used as micro blogging which can share information and create debates instantly and also listen and respond to what people are saying. Although a blog provides more information, Twitter is easier to fit into our increasingly busy lives. It wouldn’t be a bad idea if Facebook was also used in order to increase customer satisfaction, which is considered as good PR. I strongly believe that social media is the present and the future of strong PR communications.

The choices are endless, take a pick at what suits you best to achieve the most out of PR communication!