by Paige Garrett

Public relations has long been a fast-paced, multi-tasking industry, so it should come as no surprise that publicists love a good hack. Anything to make tracking client media and social mentions, press clippings, and sample requests a streamlined process could be deemed a necessity in a publicist’s life. Here, our five favorite PR tools in 2023 that can make your media relations and PR operations a bit easier, whether you’re a publicist working with many clients or a brand trying to DIY.

Press Hook

A digital platform connecting brands and the media, Press Hook makes searching, filtering (by affiliate, retailer, industry, and more), and requesting samples or contacting experts quick and easy. Writers and editors use the platform to discover new-to-them brands, download images, contact brands and experts, or browse dedicated Guides (filled with Press Hook brands). Publicists can create brand profiles, share brand news and launches, and increase exposure for clients, reaching a diverse media audience. Pitch media right on the platform and see real-time reporting so you can keep a close eye on how your brand is doing. Press Hook also publishes a blog and offers newsletters focusing on industry insights, trending topics, and more. 

Muck Rack

Muck Rack was founded in 2009. It’s an especially useful tool for searching writers by byline, keywords, titles, or publications, and allows filtering options for a wide array of topics. Streamline your media outreach, reporting, and relationships through the platform by creating custom media lists, dashboard searches, and monitoring options. Muck Rack also makes browsing specific articles and finding new journalists to target a breeze. 

Hubspot

A CRM platform for executing and analyzing marketing campaigns, publicists love Hubspot for organizing pitches and media lists, and drafting emails to send at a scheduled time. Hubspot allows publicists to draft and upload pitches and media lists while giving options to customize emails. The platform tracks user data including opens, clicks, or deletes and offers analytical insight into a campaign, helping inform pitch angles and future email subject lines, links, details, and organization.

Meltwater

Comprehensively media-monitor your brand across social and digital as well as search journalists and outlets. Meltwater offers users a platform to create custom dashboards that will refresh as you login, like a timeline of client (or competitor!) mentions. Additionally, agencies and publicists can use Meltwater for social media management including pre-scheduling posts and tracking influencer engagement, social marketing, brand management, and gaining consumer insight. Meltwater also offers an industry blog discussing trends, tips, and media.

Canva

Even a novice can create aesthetically pleasing content with this tool. Canva offers pre-made or customized templates for every creative project (including pitch decks, event proposals, social campaigns, or event invitations) for free or a premium access fee. Content can be created and edited in real-time by teams utilizing comments, chats, and shared folders for asset organization. Create your own brand assets as needed without having to outsource every project.

Want to know more about how Press Hook can work for you? Schedule a demo to see for yourself.