The best PR tool solutions on the market enable PRs to accelerate workflows and deliver enhanced client experiences. With a treasure trove of data at their fingertips, PR professionals can elevate client reporting and make more data-backed decisions to drive results.
When PRs are trying to deliver for their clients or organisations, having the right set of PR tools can make all the difference. From collecting data and presenting ideas to planning campaigns and measuring results, these tools can help PRs stay ahead of the curve and on top of their brief.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of PR tools out there. To help expand your technology stack and bolster their ability to perform, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best PR tools available. The answer to improving PR performance isn’t a bloated technology stack – PRs just need a handful of intuitive tools to go about their business effectively.
Here are just some of the roles PR tools can play:
- Create engaging coverage reports.
- Produce PR media kits and supporting materials.
- Find the contact details of media professionals.
- Respond to queries from journalists.
- Receive alerts for mentions on search engines.
That’s just the start. Many of the PR tools below can play an integral role in transforming client experiences and supporting business growth.
Best PR Tool (Consider These 14 Solutions)
1 – Releasd
Sure, we’re a little biased but Releasd had to make it onto the list. To showcase the scope of modern PR activities, we believe that Releasd is the perfect addition to a PR tool stack.
Releasd enables PR professionals to present all their work in a visual format to clients. These coverage reports come with automated metrics detailing social engagement and content views. PRs can share real-time data with clients and have confidence that these reports tell the full story.
The platform comes with a drag-and-drop design tool that makes creating stunning coverage reports quick and easy. Nobody has the time to spend hours fiddling about with design elements. Releasd makes light work of the task and enables PRs to create impactful coverage reports in a fraction of the time it would take elsewhere.
PRs can fit an eclectic mix of metrics onto a single page while still ensuring the report is easily digestible. No matter what device the clients view the reports on, PRs can rest assured that they will look professional and on-brand.
2 – Prowly
When it comes to finding relevant media contacts, Prowly sure is useful. PRs can access a database of over 1,000,000 contacts and handpick journalists that are most likely to cover the client. With plenty of data at their disposal, PRs can begin to build out targeted media lists and get their ducks in a row for a new PR campaign.
3 – Prezly
Prezly positions itself as a “complete storytelling kit” that is designed to help PRs publish, distribute and analyse stories. PRs can develop email campaigns and pitch 1-to-1 or en masse to journalists. They can also send follow-up emails based on recipient behaviour and track key performance metrics such as open rates and click-through rates.
4 – Canva
Canva is a great tool for creating visuals for media releases and helping pitch stories. The platform comes with an abundance of useful templates so that PRs can get straight to work, eliminating the need for any design experience. PRs can even find Canva templates specifically designed for PR-related work such as press kits and coverage reports.
5 – BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is an excellent source of insights and intelligence. PRs can use the tool to get a better understanding of their audience, uncover high-performing content and find influencers related to their client’s industry.
6 – HootSuite
HootSuite is one of the most popular social media management tools available. PRs can monitor multiple accounts from a single dashboard and schedule posts in advance. HootSuite’s analytics feature also provides insights into likes, shares and comments for each post so that PRs can gauge how content is performing on different networks.
7 – Muck Rack
Muck Rack is a great tool for monitoring press mentions. A single dashboard displays all the latest conversations around a client and PRs can start to identify key opportunities they may want to capitalise on. Muck Rack also enables PRs to find journalist contact information and connect with professionals directly to pitch campaign coverage.
8 – ContactOut
ContactOut is packed with B2B contact information and can help PRs track down emails, phone numbers and social media profiles of key industry contacts. This GDPR-aligned and CCPA-compliant platform can save PRs hours of searching for contact details and ensure they can always get in touch with the right people.
9 – Anymail Finder
Anymail Finder is another valuable contact tool. This platform can help PRs find valid email addresses for key contacts in an instant. This solution ensures users only pay for verified emails. The tool uses a range of different variables to determine whether an email is real or not.
10 – Hunter.io
Hunter.io is another convenient contact verification tool. This platform helps users to find email addresses of public figures, influencers and decision-makers. PRs can also use the tool to monitor potential prospects and keep an eye out for any new contacts that may be interested in their client’s story. The solution offers a range of pricing tiers depending on the user’s needs.
11 – Help A Reporter
Help A Reporter (otherwise known as HARO) enables PRs to build relationships with media professionals. The platform allows PRs to receive daily emails containing requests from journalists who are looking for pitched content and sources for their stories. PRs can respond to these opportunities and gain valuable press coverage as a result.
12 – ResponseSource
Much like Help A Reporter, ResponseSource also provides PRs with a range of journalist requests. Journalists post their queries and potential sources can respond accordingly. The platform keeps track of responses so that PRs can see if they have been successful or not. ResponseSource is an effective way for PRs to get their client’s story in front of the right people.
13 – Google Alerts
Google Alerts is a free and easy-to-use tool for tracking brand mentions. The tool sends notifications to users whenever their designated keywords are mentioned online, whether it be in news articles, blogs or social media posts. This can help PRs stay on top of any conversations related to their client and respond quickly if needed.
14 – Brandwatch
Brandwatch is a sophisticated social media monitoring tool. Users have access to advanced analytics and insights into their entire online ecosystem. Brandwatch helps PRs identify emerging trends, get an idea of client sentiment and track performance in a fast-moving world. The tool enables PRs to utilise data to inform their campaigns and make data-backed decisions.
Best PR Tool Kit (Closing Thoughts)
There we have it! 14 public relations tools that can help PRs squeeze more value from campaigns and exceed client expectations. For those not knowing where to start, Releasd adds plenty of value as a next-generation coverage reporting tool. To present PR work in the best possible light, sign up for a free trial and demo today. Let’s get the ball rolling!
