Why Social Media is Important in PR

According to the Public Relations Society of America, the definition of public relations, or PR, is "is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics." In order to do this, organizations must keep in touch with their customers, clients, etc. In today's society, there is no better way to do this, than social media.

There are so many different types of social media to use and the type used is based on the audience the organization is working with. For example, if they are trying to reach an older demographic, Facebook or Instagram might be more appropriate than Twitter or Snapchat. The type of social media used is also based on the type of product, service, or statement the company is trying to make. 

Social media can be used in many different ways to enhance public relations and make it more effective. Social media allows organizations to personally keep in touch with their publics on a day to day basis. This also means that organizations can post as many statements as possible to get their points across. Outreach to new publics also increases; with social media, it is made easy for people to like, share, and repost what people are saying about your company.

Another reason social media can be crucial in PR is when a company is in trouble or needs to release a statement regarding a mishap or issue that has been publicized. Posting it over social media again allows a much larger media outlet and the chance for more people to see it.