10 Websites Modern Communicators Need to Know.

I have experienced this field long enough to know how vital it is for communicators to read the news and read from the inspiring experts who place their cachet on the industry. Thanks to the Internet proliferation, we can have access to the most valuable sources with the click of a mouse. Below are ten news and or blog sites, with no particular order, that I think modern communicators need to know.

1. PR Daily News Feeds (www.prdaily.com)

PR Daily is a daily news site produced by Ragan Communications, one of the leading publishers for corporate communicators and business executives. PR Daily reports current issues, changes, and decisions from businesses and organizations. The site keeps communicators updated on the latest news in public relations and media. PR Daily also provides feature articles that present survey and study findings, tips, and guides on various aspects of communications. I read PR Daily every day, and that is how I consume the news.

2. Ragan’s Workspace Wellness Insider (www.raganwellness.com)

As a sister site of PR Daily, Ragan’s Workspace Wellness Insider offers a subscription service and training webinars that help businesses improve their employee wellbeing. The site addresses strategies that align employees’ mental, financial, social, and physical health with organizational goals. The site is an ideal resource for communicators and human resource personnel who seek to strengthen internal engagement and wellness.

3. PRWeek (www.prweekus.com)

PRWeek is another leading publisher of news, analysis, features, and opinions in the public relations, marketing, and communication industries. Besides a weekly online edition, PRWeek publishes monthly magazines for its subscribers with in-depth issue analyses and reports. Many consider PRWeek “the required reading” for public relations practitioners.

4. PRSA’s Issues and Trends (www.prsa.org)

Undoubtedly, most public relations professionals know about the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the most prestigious professional organizations in the industry. Its online newsroom covers the ongoing news in the field, and its award-winning newspaper Strategies & Tactics, both print and digital, addresses best communications practices in a magazine style. PRSA also provides services such as job search, career fairs, certificate programs, and network conferences.

5. Michael Smart PR (www.michaelsmartpr.com)

I admire Michael. He does not even know me, but I have learned a lot from this man - a knowledgeable coach and trainer in public relations, particularly media relations. His blog articles are where Michael shares his advice and short lessons on media coverage and other personal perspectives about various aspects of the field. More in-depth training and discussions are available through his Inner Circle program. Michael also collaborated with Muck Rack Academy to offer a free certified course on fundamentals of media relations.

6. Spin Sucks by Gini Dietrich (www.spinsucks.com)

Spin Sucks is a professional development platform for communicators founded by Gini Dietrich. Gini is the founder of the PESO model, which suggests the integration of paid, earned, shared, and owned media. Gini and her team produce Spin Sucks blogs and podcasts, further discussing the model and other matters in the field. Spin Sucks also offers a certified online course on the PESO model in partnership with Syracuse University.

7. The Daily Lark by Andy Lark (www.thedailylark.com)

Andy Lark is a global marketer, entrepreneur, and Amazon bestselling author. In his blog writing, Andy analyzes issues, strategies, and trends in branding, social and digital marketing technologies, and other aspects of business operation. Although Andy has not written his blog lately, what he offered is worthwhile for communicators to read over several times.

8. Communication Conversations by Arik Hanson (www.arikhanson.com)

Looking for a guru in social media promotional communications to feel inspired? Arik Hanson is the man. By writing his blog and hosting his monthly Handson & Hunt Podcast, Arik shares his perspectives on and experiences in digital and social media marketing. He answers some questions like this, and it is one of my favorite posts of his: Should an MBA be required for future social media marketers?

9. Wylie Communications (www.wyliecomm.com)

I refer to Ann Wylie anytime I need help with my writing. As a corporate communication expert, Ann is known for her exceptional writing skills. She uses her site to provide numerous writing tips articles that cover a gamut of specialties. They include public relations writing, Web writing, email writing, creative writing - you name it!

10. Defining the Convergence of Media and Influence by Brian Solis (www.briansolis.com)

As a digital analyst, best-selling author, and global speaker, Brian Solis has dedicated many of his blog articles to discuss marketing innovation, social media behaviors, and especially the impacts of disruptive technology on brand management. Communications professionals, particularly digital marketers and strategists, will find insights into the latest trends and issues in the field through Solis’ blogs and videos.

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Date published: September 2, 2021

Programs used: Word, Grammarly, & Canva

Brief description: A suggested list of 10 websites that are good sources for communicators.

Reflection: This second blog of the series gave me a chance to dig deep, analyzes sources, compare and contrast them, and narrow down to ten best ones. It was not easy when there were hundreds of sources, but it reminded me of the important task of a communicator.

References: (links are all inserted above.)