Digital Transformation in PR Management #255010

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the drivers and implications of digital transformation for the PR profession and organizational reputation.

• Develop a digital-first PR strategy that integrates owned, earned, shared, and paid media (PESO model).

• Leverage data analytics and social listening tools to inform strategy, identify trends, and measure ROI.

• Master digital storytelling techniques for new formats, including video, interactive content, and social media.

• Implement digital tools for media relations, influencer management, and workflow automation.

• Manage online reputation and navigate digital crisis communication effectively.

• Build a business case for digital transformation within the PR department.

This course is designed for PR and communication professionals who need to lead or adapt to digital change:

• PR Directors, Heads of Communications, and Communication Managers

• Senior PR Account Managers and Strategists (agency and in-house)

• Digital Communication Specialists

• Social Media Managers with strategic responsibilities

• Marketing Managers overseeing integrated communications

• Corporate Reputation and Brand Managers

• Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders managing their own PR

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a binder containing a copy of the presentation
• slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Day 1: The Digital PR Landscape: Strategy & Mindset

• Morning Session: From Traditional to Transformed

  • Defining Digital Transformation in PR: Beyond tools to strategy and culture.

  • The Death of the Press Release? How the PESO Model (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) reshapes PR.

  • Aligning Digital PR Strategy with Business Goals.

• Afternoon Session: The Data-Driven PR Professional

  • Introduction to PR Analytics: Moving from AVE to meaningful metrics (Share of Voice, Sentiment, Engagement, Conversions).

  • Workshop: Use free tools (Google Analytics, social insights) to analyze a brand’s current digital footprint.

Day 2: Content & Storytelling in the Digital Age

• Morning Session: Digital Storytelling Mastery

  • Crafting Narratives for the Digital Audience: Snackable, visual, and interactive content.

  • Formats Beyond the Article: Video, podcasts, infographics, interactive reports, and webinars.

• Afternoon Session: Mastering Owned Media

  • Building a Brand as a Publisher: Blog, website, and email newsletter strategy.

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for PR: Optimizing content to be found.

  • Practical Exercise: Storyboard a piece of digital content (e.g., a short video or interactive infographic) for a PR campaign.

Day 3: Digital Tools for Enhanced Engagement

• Morning Session: Modern Media & Influencer Relations

  • Using Databases (Cision, Muck Rack) and Social Listening (Meltwater, Brandwatch) to identify and target journalists and influencers.

  • Building Relationships with Digital-Native Journalists and Bloggers.

  • Managing Influencer Campaigns: From identification to measurement.

• Afternoon Session: Automation & Productivity

  • Introduction to AI and Automation in PR: Media monitoring, reporting, and content ideation.

  • Tools for Workflow Management: Streamlining reporting and collaboration.

  • Demo: Explore a leading social listening or media monitoring platform.

Day 4: Community, Crisis, and Reputation

• Morning Session: Building and Managing Digital Communities

  • The Role of Community Management in Modern PR.

  • Strategies for fostering engagement and advocacy on social platforms and forums.

• Afternoon Session: Digital Crisis Management

  • The Velocity of a Digital Crisis: How rumors spread online.

  • Monitoring for Threats and Responding in Real-Time.

  • Simulation: Manage a breaking online crisis scenario from first alert to resolution.

Day 5: Integration, Measurement & Capstone

• Morning Session: Proving Value and ROI

  • Measuring the Impact of Digital PR: Setting KPIs and linking efforts to business outcomes (lead gen, web traffic, brand lift).

  • Creating Dashboards and Reports for the C-Suite.

• Afternoon Session: Capstone Project & The Future

  • Final Assignment: Develop a digital transformation roadmap for your own organization or a case study company. The plan must include a strategy, tool recommendations, a 90-day action plan, and a measurement framework.

  • Presentation and Feedback.

  • Course Recap: The Future of PR – AI, VR, and continued evolution.

  • Certification of Completion.