Blogs Every PR PRO Needs to Read

By Cristin Massey

Every PR pro knows she needs to stay ahead of the trends and have her head in the news and her feet on the pavement. So what should you do with that minimal “extra time” you so cherish? We vote read.

PR Daily: This may seem like a no-brainer, but in reality it’s a wonderful tool. I cannot tell you how many times I have read some last minute information that helped me in a pitch or allowed me to adapt a strategy from something that was posted on PR Daily. It’s always timely and relevant.

PR Couture: PR Couture is a refreshing blog that constantly has something new and information is entertaining to read. Though its focus in on Fashion PR, there are many relevant topics that can help anyone in the PR industry. Creator, Crosby also does profiles of fashion PR pros as well as other entrepreneurs in the industry.

Huffington Post: Do I really need to explain myself with this one? Huff Post has everything from food articles, to breaking news. On average I read an article from Huff Post about 10 times a day. This is a great outlet to go to if you want to know what is happening in the world, ASAP.

Mashable: Even if you don’t touch social or tech at all in your day-to-day for your clients, it’s extremely valuable to know what’s new in this niche. That’s why I turn to Mashable. I met with former Managing Editor, Emily Banks on a trip to NYC a couple years ago and was completely enthralled with their passion for technology and news and how they are navigating the changing waters of journalism through tecnhology.

NYC PR Girls: If you need a break but want to read something useful, that’s exactly what NYC PR Girls does on their blog. Their editorial voice is relaxed, fun and often humorous and content is relevant, but more so with the “how “to handle/deal/live in the world of public relations. Articles titled “ Confession: I love Procrastination” and “Keep Your Head During The Holidays” give you tips or remind you how to stop doing the bad habits we all acquire in this business.

Social PR Chat: This is a great site because it has really interesting articles relating to social media and public relations and how they are of course—merging. With lines blurring from PR, Social and Advertising, this outlet really runs the gamut on serving up great information and strategy on how to deal with all that. My most recent favorite article was about using Snapchat to create “15 second brand stories”.

Millennial Marketing: How many times a day do you hear the word Millennial, from either your boss, your client, or in business news? MM has relevant business and market information regarding Millennial’s and how they (we) are influencing the ever-changing market.

So next time you have a spare 5 minutes between calls, meetings and emails, give these outlets a gander.

 @Cristin_Massey

6 Bloggers to Watch for Holiday Inspiration

By Danielle Elderkin

In a quandary over coming up with holiday decor that's unique, festive and chic at the same time? Fret no more, lovelies. We scoured the sites of some of our favorite bloggers and as expected, they're here to save the day!

Yarn hanging plus a wreath in one. Obsessed. "Design Love Fest" knows how to do it right!

Like to march to the beat of a different drummer boy? We do too. When our friends at Lonny came up with “Non-Traditional Holiday Color Pairings,” we were all about it.

Forest animal advent calendar, so cute. Plus, 8 others. Start saving toilet paper rolls for these DIY projects from "Oh Happy Day!"

Everything Brittany Jepsen at "The House That Lars Built" does is straight up adorbs. Check out her oversized holly berry garland. We’re totes trying this one!

You can always count on Sweet Paul to make the holidays sweet. These DIY snow globes look like so much fun to make! We’re going to line them up across our mantle.

Photo: Simon Filip

Need a Christmas play list to get in the mood while decorating? This one from "Wit & Delight" is a great mix of old and new classics. Sorry Kenny G, you’re not invited to the party.

Who are your favorite bloggers to watch for holiday decorating ideas? Do share!

Back to Basics: How to talk to Bloggers

By: Shayna Moreno

Here at Cover Story Communications we have a love and admiration for blogs. Blogs create an outlet for any interest and passion. Public relations professionals, business owners or anyone who wants to generate buzz about their product or service can utilize blogs. However, there are necessary steps to help you get the best results possible. Follow our tips below to help build a relationship with the bloggers you admire.

Step 1: Read the Blog You Want to Pitch

Now this may seem like something so easy to do and you're wondering why this is even listed. But the truth is that so many bloggers receive emails that have no relation to them and that are just not a fit. Take some time and familiarize yourself with the content and style of the blog.  

Step 2: Follow Them on Social Media

Simple & effective. You will be surprised at what a simple follow/like can do. 

Step 3: Pick out a Specific Topic or Entry That Your Offering Can Relate To 

If you want a specific blogger to write about your project, research and see if they have covered anything relatable in the past that you can reference when you reach out. This can be a great ice-breaker when initially reaching out.

Step 4: Draft a Rocking Email

This requires a personal touch. Make each email custom. No one likes to receive a generic email that doesn’t even have their name in the greeting. Take the time to research their name, keep it to the point and always close the email with a grateful salutation.

Step 5: Follow Up

If you receive no response feel free to follow-up but don’t become annoying. By sending too many emails you could be preventing yourself from ever working with the blogger in the future.

Step 6: Say THANK YOU 

Even if it’s a rejection email, remember to always say thank you. If you land some coverage for your product or service make sure you share it across your social networks and business sites. Spread the word and send a thank you note to the blogger you worked with!

Good Luck!