This blog is a part of our Ultimate Guide to PR. Check it out for more info.
When managing your own PR efforts, having the right tools can make all the difference. From finding media contacts to monitoring your coverage, these budget-friendly tools and resources can help streamline your DIY PR strategy and increase your chances of success. Here’s a list of essential PR tools that will help you get started without breaking the bank.
1. Press Hook
Press Hook connects brands with journalists looking for stories. It’s a great platform for pitching your brand’s news, product launches, or stories to the media. You can create a profile, upload press materials, and make your brand accessible to journalists searching for relevant topics.
Why use it: It simplifies the connection process and puts your brand directly in front of journalists who are actively seeking stories.
2. Google Alerts
Google Alerts is a simple yet effective tool to monitor your brand mentions online. By setting up alerts for your brand name, product names, or key industry topics, you can stay on top of media coverage and trends. It’s free and keeps you updated on any new content mentioning your brand.
Why use it: It helps you track your PR efforts and see how your brand is being talked about across the web without spending a dime.
3. SourceofSources
SourceofSources is an innovative tool designed to connect sources with journalists and media professionals. It offers a streamlined platform where you can showcase your expertise and respond to media opportunities tailored to your industry. By signing up, you gain access to a database of ongoing media inquiries and have the chance to collaborate with journalists seeking expert input.
Why use it: SourceofSources simplifies the process of connecting with journalists and allows you to position yourself as a trusted expert in your field. Its user-friendly platform ensures that you never miss a media opportunity that could elevate your brand’s visibility.
4. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo helps you find trending content and topics in your industry. It allows you to discover what’s resonating with audiences and identify potential angles for your pitches. You can also use it to track brand mentions and monitor the performance of your PR campaigns.
Why use it: It’s a useful tool for content research, discovering relevant journalists, and tracking your brand’s online presence.
5. Canva
Canva is a user-friendly design tool that allows you to create visually appealing press kits, infographics, and social media graphics. Having professional-looking press materials can make a big difference when pitching to journalists and media outlets.
Why use it: Canva is cost-effective and easy to use, even if you don’t have a background in graphic design. It’s perfect for creating media assets on a budget.
6. Muck Rack
Muck Rack is a media database that helps you find journalists, track coverage, and measure PR efforts. It offers insights into what journalists are writing about and how your brand is being covered. Although Muck Rack has paid options, it offers a free trial to explore its features.
Why use it: It’s one of the most reliable tools for discovering and engaging with journalists, making it easier to tailor your outreach effectively.
7. Prowly
Prowly is a comprehensive PR and media relations platform that simplifies the process of connecting with journalists and distributing press releases. It provides access to a large database of media contacts and allows you to create, send, and track your PR campaigns all in one place. Prowly also offers tools to help you organize your PR efforts and measure their effectiveness with detailed analytics.
Why use it: Prowly is an all-in-one solution that saves time by streamlining PR tasks, from finding relevant journalists to tracking your campaign's performance. It’s perfect for businesses looking to manage their media outreach efficiently and scale their PR efforts.
8. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is an email marketing platform that can also be used for PR outreach. You can create and send press releases, newsletters, and follow-up emails to media contacts. Its analytics tools also allow you to track open rates and engagement.
Why use it: It’s a versatile platform that not only helps with email outreach but also provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your email campaigns.
9. Hunter.io
Hunter.io is a tool that helps you find email addresses for media contacts and journalists. You can search for specific journalists or media outlets to get direct contact information. It’s an essential tool for building your media list and reaching the right people.
Why use it: Hunter.io offers a free plan with limited searches, making it accessible for those starting out with a DIY PR strategy.
10. Trello or Asana
Keeping track of your PR tasks, outreach efforts, and deadlines is crucial when doing PR on your own. Trello and Asana are project management tools that allow you to create task boards, set reminders, and track your progress. They’re perfect for staying organized and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Why use them: Both tools have free plans that offer essential features to keep your DIY PR efforts organized and on track.
11. Grammarly
When it comes to PR, professionalism in your writing matters. Grammarly helps you refine your press releases, pitches, and emails by checking for grammar, spelling, and tone. Clear and polished writing can make a big difference in how journalists perceive your brand.
Why use it: It’s an affordable tool that ensures your communications are polished and error-free.
Doing your own PR doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With these tools and resources, you can manage your PR efforts efficiently and stay within budget. Whether you’re finding media contacts, creating press materials, or tracking coverage, these tools will help you streamline your strategy and increase your chances of PR success.
12. Follow Journalists on LinkedIn or Twitter/X
Building connections with journalists directly on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter/X is an effective and personal way to pitch your expertise. By following journalists who cover topics relevant to your industry, you can engage with their content, understand their interests, and respond to their calls for sources when they post about stories they're working on.
Why use it: Engaging with journalists on social media allows you to establish authentic connections and position yourself as a resource in your field. Responding promptly to their public inquiries or offering insights can lead to organic media opportunities and long-term relationships.
Getting media coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use tools like PressHook or Prowly, or connect with journalists directly on LinkedIn or Twitter/X, the key is to take action and stay consistent. With the right approach, you’ll be on your way to building valuable media relationships and boosting your brand’s visibility.
