How can content be king without great writing?

As PR professionals, we all know (or should) that content in any medium is king. It’s what entices the reader and keeps them coming back. But I believe we have failed to ensure our recent college graduates have the necessary writing skills to enter the workforce. Many college programs now heavily focus on Social Media without reinforcing the need to be concise, factual and strong writers. The best Social Media platforms will always fail without extremely well-written content that engages and intrigues the reader.

What’s the profession think?
Richard Cole, professor and chairperson of the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing at Michigan State University, wrote about a survey he conducted with Andy Corner, APR, and Larry Hembroff in the October 2009 edition of PRSA Tactics regarding the writing skills of entry-level PR practitioners.

Who holds the key to integrated marketing communications?

Illustration by Francis Anderson

Having worked at both PR  and advertising agencies, I’ve had the opportunity to experience how each view integrated marketing communications (IMC). I believe advertising agencies do not understand IMCs true purpose, but PR agencies do.

Is it because people at ad agencies tend to be more creative-based? Or is it because PR pros are inherently analytical and strategic? Or is it rooted in the education each practitioner receives?

What I Think
I consider advertising professionals to be limited in their knowledge of IMC because they’re not exposed to the many facets of marketing communications in both theory and practice like a PR practitioner is. So I contend that advertising professionals lack of understanding of IMC stems from their cumulative education. University advertising programs look to train their students singularly in advertising, with few courses required in public relations or general communications.

Hit the Ground Running like a Ton Of Bricks!

The intent of this blog is to take on the weighty issues plaguing PR folks and provide an open forum for discussion. The PR profession has become more diverse and controversial than ever and even the most savvy PR pros are re-educating themselves on the vast expanse of new media and techniques.

I look forward to the exciting and insightful conversations that will take place. Hopefully, we can hit the ground running together… like a ton of bricks. But be sure to have a hardhat ready at all times!

Best,

Ralph J Davila