Top Apps for PR Pros

Name virtually any task, and there’s probably an app for it.
The Android and Apple online marketplaces are flooded with apps that range from helpful to inane. With all the buzz surrounding successes like “Candy Crush” or “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” (which is set to make $200 million this year), PR pros can often forget what a life saver technology can be, overlooking many digital tools that can make the work go more smoothly.

Here are five apps that PR professionals should have in their arsenal:

1. IFTTT (available for Android and iOS)
Social media management can quickly become a nightmare-inducing situation for PR pros balancing several social media profiles, especially for more than one client.
The IFTTT (“if this, then that”) app makes managing these accounts less stressful with the use of “recipes” that connect actions on multiple accounts. For example, you can have IFTTT send a tweet every time you post to Instagram, increasing your profile’s visibility.
PR pros should beware, though: The app can make easy work of several tasks, but automating all social media can put you in hot water—like this posthumous iPhone 6 post from Joan River’s Facebook account.

2. Pocket (available for Android and iOS)
Staying on top of the news and current trends is a must for PR professionals. There are many great newsreader apps available for busy communicators on the go, but Pocket saves articles, videos and other tidbits for you to read later on your phone, tablet and computer.
The app connects with several other apps and websites and even enables you to read content when you’re offline (great for flights or subway traveling) and, when you’re connected, to share the articles via Facebook, Twitter, email and more.

3. Humin (available for Android beta testing and iOS)
PR pros are constantly networking, which means your list of contacts can end up resembling a jigsaw puzzle with too many pieces.
Enter Humin, an app that organizes your contacts. You can search for people based on phrases such as “met last week” or “works at PR Daily.” The app also syncs contacts’ information from connected social media sites to give you more information.
It’ll even let you know when one of your contacts is visiting your city, so you can easily meet up with them.

4. LinkedIn Job Search (available for iOS)
LinkedIn can be a trove for PR, marketing and social media jobs, and many employers give candidates the chance to apply for open positions directly through the social network.
Though job hunters can use the standard LinkedIn app on their Android or Apple devices to locate and apply for the job of their dreams, the new Job Search app makes short work of the process.
Users can search using keyword, location and other criteria and can even set the app to search for openings in their area. Positions can be saved in the app and users can receive notifications if the listing has changed. The best part: Searches and applications are kept secret from your network.

5. PRSA Ethics (available for Android and iOS)
The Public Relations Society of America’s Code of Ethics is the industry standard for PR pros. For press releases that might overstep the line with regard to a quote, or in crises that call for a lightning-fast response, this app can provide immediate guidance.
Jessica Airey, the Public Relations Student Society of America’s national VP of advocacy, says the app can navigate “all the ethical dilemmas you will face during your career.” She continues:

The app includes an explanation of the professional values, Code of Ethics provisions, case studies, an ethics quiz and more. Plus, it connects you to public relations experts who can guide you in answering your toughest ethics questions on-the-go at your job or internship. 

By Beki Winchel