The use of social media is no longer a question of if, but how
To say that social media has changed the jobs of PR practitioners would be the understatement of the decade.
The results of the first annual PRWeek/MS&L Social Media Survey show that more than a third of marketers have not used any social media tools in their marketing plans. The reasons run the gamut from not being convinced of the ROI to the lack of internal resources. This information serves as an important reminder of the educational opportunity that still exists for PR pros to demonstrate social media's value and best practices to both clients and internal decision-makers.
Social media is a theme that carries across our October issue. Kimberly Maul's digital analysis focuses on the sports industry's use of such tactics in connecting with fans. The NFL's recent decision to prohibit media from tweeting certain information during games shows that this is a space where control is still a balancing act.
Calling social media a trend at this point is foolish. The question should no longer be whether social media should be used in marketing plans, but how. PR professionals are the ones best equipped to provide that answer.
Social media is just one of the categories for this year's PRWeek Awards. Remember, the entry deadline is October 9.
