While no two days are exactly same in the life of a public relations professional, there are several aspects that make up a “typical” day. AKA, certain things will ALWAYS happen on a workday.

Other than the normal check-ins that every type of business owner does (accounting, etc.), here are 3 PR-specific must-do’s:

1. Newsjacking

On a normal day, this is always the first thing I do. Always.

Now some of you may be thinking that the first thing I start my workday with is something most people never even heard of! And that’s totally normal.

“Newsjacking” is a PR term used when we try to piggyback an introduction of a client to a journalist because the client is somehow relevant to a news story that journalist covered. For example, if I have a client – let’s say Teaching Tutors – and a journalist just published a story about decreasing test scores in a town, I will email the journalist and offer my client to them as an expert on strategies for individuals to increase their test scores.

It’s a way to get your client’s name into the inbox – and hopefully the thoughts – of journalists who are interested in the types of stories that would feature your client. And it’s key to building media relationships. Even if that journalist doesn’t plan on doing a follow-up on the test scores story today, now they have heard of your client. And in a month when another school-related story comes up, they could think back to the email and bring your client in as a source.

This is a long-game strategy, but can yield huge successes! And so, I make it a part of my everyday activities.

2. Media Follow-Up

Another everyday priority for me is following up with media contacts. Successful public relations pros spend years (yes, years!) building relationships with various news outlets and journalists. That takes time and effort!

Part of that is systematically checking in with your contacts. Whether it’s sharing an interesting article, responding to a publication by the contact, or checking in on upcoming story topics, these pleasantries need to be well-timed so that your name in their inbox brings a smile to their face and not the feeling of dread.

3. Client Communications

Of course, top of mind is always professional and prompt communication with existing clients.

On a daily basis, there are proactive as well as reactive emails, Zooms, and phone calls with the client and on behalf of the client.

A lot of public relations work is time-sensitive in nature. Sending out a press release, media advisory, or story pitch at the right time, to the right outlet. Knowing when your client is available for an interview, and when they’re not.

And consistent, open communication is key to success here.

While this is just the tip of the iceberg to what a day in PR holds, these are, perhaps, the three most important of all the daily tasks and bring high value to our clients.

Looking for help getting your business in the news? Check out Henrich Communications PR services here.