The Digital PR Podcast

In this episode of The Digital PR Podcast, we dive into the evolving landscape of search and social media with Ray Saddiq, the Global Head of Marketing at Rise at Seven. We discuss if TikTok is a search engine, exploring how user behaviour is shifting and how social platforms are redefining the search journey. Ray shares his insights on the unique features of TikTok that make it a powerful tool for brands, the importance of understanding the consumer journey and how businesses can effectively leverage TikTok for marketing. Join the conversation that challenges traditional PR practices as we know them!00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR and CoverageBook: An overview of the podcast and a message from our sponsors.00:01:03 - TikTok as a Search Engine: A discussion on the statement that TikTok functions as a search engine, exploring the perspectives of industry professionals and the platform's search capabilities.00:03:36 - Changing Search Behaviours: Ray shares insights on how consumer search behaviours are evolving, particularly with the rise of platforms like TikTok and the impact of AI on search journeys.00:09:08 - The Popularity of TikTok: An exploration of what makes TikTok so appealing to users, including its immediacy, cultural impact, and the unique experience it offers compared to traditional search engines.00:16:21 - Brands on TikTok: Discussion on how brands can effectively utilise TikTok, including the types of businesses that thrive on the platform and the importance of tailored strategies.00:25:04 - Data and Analytics on TikTok: An examination of the data TikTok provides to brands, including keyword research tools and insights that can help optimise content for better visibility.00:36:38 - Future Predictions for TikTok: Ray shares his predictions for the future of TikTok, including potential developments in search ads, AI integration, and the growth of user-generated content.Check out the full transcript here.-About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

In this episode of the Digital PR Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sophie Mawby, a seasoned in-house PR professional with 20 years experience under her belt. Sophie shared her journey into the world of PR, from her early work experience at a small agency to her current role as Head of Communications at Yoto, a children’s audio platform. We discussed how the rise of influencer marketing and social media has changed the PR landscape, as well as the importance of staying curious and open-minded about new trends and tools. Join the conversation that challenges traditional PR practices as we know them!00:00:00 - Introduction to In-House PR: We discussed the changes in internal communications departments and introduce Sophie Mawby, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field.00:05:30 - Sophie’s Career Journey: Sophie shared her career path, detailing her early interest in PR, her education at Bournemouth University, and her extensive experience in the beauty industry, leading to her current role at Yoto.00:10:00 - The Impact of Influencer Marketing: The conversation shifted to pivotal moments in the industry, particularly the rise of influencer marketing and how it has transformed PR strategies.00:15:30 - Skills and Tools in Modern PR: Sophie discussed the evolution of skills and tools in PR, highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies and the shift from traditional metrics to more comprehensive evaluation methods.00:20:00 - Balancing Work and Family Life: The hosts and Sophie reflected on the challenges of balancing a demanding career in PR with family life and discussed how parenthood has influenced their career goals and definitions of success.Check out the full transcript here.-About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Stephen Kenwright, Director of Strategy and Digital Marketing at Ride Shotgun and co-founder of Rise at Seven, dives into the transformative world of brand building in digital PR. He discusses how brand identity influences SEO and consumer choices. Stephen emphasizes the need for adaptability in evolving digital marketing strategies and highlights essential tools for measuring brand performance. He also explores the shifting dynamics of search engines and the opportunities presented by emerging platforms like TikTok and ChatGPT, offering insights for brands to stay relevant.

Steve and Lou are joined by Paul Stollery, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Hard Numbers. Paul shares his journey from SEO to founding his own agency during 2020 and highlights the importance of measurement and accountability in PR. Addressing the somewhat controversial topic of coverage guarantees and the evolving landscape of digital PR, they discuss a unique model that promises clients specific media coverage targets. Join the conversation that challenges traditional PR practices as we know them!00:00:00 - Introduction to Season 3 - Lou and Steve introduce the third season of the podcast and welcome guest Paul Stollery.00:05:30 - Paul's Career Journey and Launching Hard Numbers - Paul discusses his transition from SEO to PR and the challenges of launching Hard Numbers during the pandemic.00:11:00 - The Concept of Coverage Guarantees - Discussion on the idea of guaranteeing media coverage in PR and how Hard Numbers implements this model.00:17:30 - Challenges and Criticism of Coverage Guarantees - Paul addresses the criticisms surrounding coverage guarantees and the potential pitfalls of working for free.00:24:00 - Measuring PR Success and Tools Used - Exploring measuring success and tools for tracking performance.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Steve and Lou are back with a brand-new season of the Digital PR Podcast! We will be bringing you more incredible guests and lots of interesting conversations we can’t wait for you to hear. Make sure to follow so you don’t miss an episode!

In this minisode, Steve is joined by Digital PR Director Maddie Davies, for a chat about how tapping into your client's niche can give a fresh perspective on current events, awareness days, pop culture and seasonality. They cover how to find an in for your client to get their voice heard and cut through the noise.00:00:00 - Introduction: Maddie returns to the Digital PR Podcast and sets the stage for discussing the importance of pitch emails.00:01:00 - The Importance of Pitch Emails: Maddie explains why pitch emails are crucial in PR, emphasising the need for a personal touch and a well-structured overview to engage journalists effectively.00:04:00 - Inspiration and Advice for Pitching: The conversation shifts to sources of inspiration for pitching, with Maddie sharing valuable advice she received about providing journalists with all necessary information upfront.00:06:10 - Analysing a Successful Pitch Email: Maddie breaks down one of her best-performing pitch emails, detailing its structure, key components, and the story behind the campaign about the world's bluest water.00:20:00 - Do's and Don'ts of Pitch Emails: Maddie concludes with her top three do's and don'ts for crafting effective pitch emails, highlighting the importance of clarity, thoroughness, and maintaining a human connection.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Not everyone in Digital PR has a traditional or linear career path. But will that set you back in the short, medium or long term? Steve wants to find out, so join us as he delves into Chloe's intriguing career journey, which she describes as a "wonky" or "squiggly" path into the world of PR, starting with a degree in biomedical science! Chloe highlights the importance of being proactive, willing to learn, and adapting to new challenges, especially when working with clients from different industries.00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Steve Baker introduces the Digital PR Podcast and welcomes guest Chloe to discuss her unique career path in digital PR.00:01:00 - Chloe's Career Journey Chloe shares her unconventional career path, starting from studying biomedical science to working as a tour guide in the Philippines, and how she transitioned into digital PR.00:05:00 - Benefits of a Varied Career Path Chloe discusses how her diverse experiences have equipped her with a broad skill set, emphasising the importance of adaptability, analytical thinking, and time management in her current role.00:10:00 - Skills for Success in Digital PR The conversation shifts to the essential skills for a successful career in digital PR, including the ability to interrogate information, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from others.00:20:00 - Advice for Transitioning into PR Chloe offers advice for those looking to make a career change into PR, encouraging them to embrace their transferable skills and not be afraid to start from the bottom in a new field.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR Podcast Hosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

In this episode of the Digital PR Podcast, Steve chatted to Lena Thees, a Senior Digital PR Executive at Propellernet who specialises in the German market. Lena shared insights into the differences between the German and UK media landscapes, highlighting the formality and longer lead times in Germany. She emphasised the importance of being direct and avoiding clickbait when pitching to German journalists. Lena also provided valuable tips for those looking to secure coverage in Germany, such as planning ahead, being patient, and setting appropriate goals.00:01:30 - Lena's Career Journey: Lena shares her background, including her move from Germany to the UK, her studies in media and communication management, and her journey into digital PR through an internship.00:05:00 - Differences in Media Landscapes: The conversation shifts to the differences between the German and UK media landscapes, focusing on the formal approach to journalist outreach and the longer lead times for coverage in Germany.00:10:00 - Digital PR in Germany: Lena discusses the current state of digital PR in Germany, highlighting the challenges and untapped potential in the market compared to the more mature UK landscape.00:20:00 - Top Tips for Pitching in Germany Lena provides valuable do's and don'ts for securing coverage in Germany, emphasising the importance of planning, patience, and understanding the unique media culture.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

What makes the perfect client relationship? It’s a question almost as old as agency land itself, and one that every PR has a different answer to. This week, Steve sits down with Digital PR Director and industry veteran Stephanie Finch, who’s put together a list of client red and green flags to look out for. We talk early signs of a good client, behavioural patterns and breaking down how the PR world has changed over her many years in the industry. From onboarding comms to creative process, these tips will help your client relationships to run smoother than ever.00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR: Louise introduces the new season of the Digital PR Podcast and welcomes PR director Steph Finch, who shares her background and career journey in digital PR.00:02:30 - Digital PR vs. Traditional PR: Steph discusses the differences between digital PR and traditional PR, emphasising the focus on link building in digital PR and the evolving nature of both practices.00:06:00 - Intertwining of PR Practices: The conversation shifts to how digital and traditional PR are becoming more intertwined, with both practices learning from each other and adapting to new objectives and KPIs.00:09:30 - Choosing Between Digital and Traditional PR: Steph provides insights on why clients might choose digital PR over traditional PR, considering factors like budget, audience demographics, and measurable outcomes.00:15:00 - Building Relationships Between PR Teams: The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between digital and traditional PR teams, sharing strategies for building trust and effective communication to achieve common goals.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

The working world has changed immeasurably over the past 5 years. When the pandemic launched us from Mon-Fri 9-5 office hours to fully remote, no one could have predicted what things would look like down the line, and it feels like every agency is doing things differently. Steve is joined by Digital PR Manager Alessandra Carriban, to talk about all of the ways in which the Propellernet team keep momentum up when many of us are apart. We explore the unique working setup at our agency, which emphasises autonomy and a flat structure, allowing everyone to contribute regardless of their position.00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR and Team Culture: Steve Baker introduces the podcast and welcomes Alessandra, the digital PR manager, to discuss maintaining team culture in a remote-first environment.00:01:00 - Alessandra's Journey into Digital PR: Alessandra shares her background, detailing her transition from property management to becoming a digital PR manager and her experiences at Propellernet.00:02:30 - Working Setup at Propellernet: The discussion covers the flexible working arrangements at Propellernet, highlighting the autonomy employees have in choosing their work environment and the flat structure of the team.00:05:30 - Challenges of Remote Team Culture: Alessandra identifies the main challenges faced by the team in fostering a strong culture, particularly for new starters and the need for social interaction among team members.00:12:00 - Initiatives to Enhance Team Culture: The conversation shifts to the various initiatives implemented to improve team culture, including topic calls, PR presentations, and structured face-to-face meetings, all aimed at fostering collaboration and connection.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.