Twitter bans political ads; Where CMOs are spending; Why private social media groups are the future; and more

MORNING SCOOP

McDonald’s Portugal apologizes for Halloween gaffe, Chick-fil-A flubs National Sandwich Day promo, and AA flight attendants speak out

Also: CMOs to broaden their roles in 2020, Georgia Tech’s social media viral hit, Molson Coors plans a rebranding and staff cuts, and more.

WRITING & EDITING

Cutting your copy? Slash the quotes

Everybody’s trying to write tighter these days. Start with paring wordy, repetitive quotes—even if it’s the CEO who is speaking.

WEBSITES

Infographic: Tips for optimizing your nonprofit website

Online tools can help you raise funds and drive traffic to a landing page that solicits donations, but you must design your site to funnel that traffic in the right direction.

PR DAILY AWARDS

Don’t miss this Friday’s Video & Visual Awards entry deadline

All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central Time, this Friday, Nov. 1. Enter to earn recognition for your captivating visual storytelling efforts.

WRITING & EDITING

Demonyms find their place in our lexicon and across the country

As Halloween looms, we might think this word describes goblins, fiends and other hellions. Not so. It refers to Hoosiers and Yoopers and Yanks (oh, my!)—people hailing from particular locales.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

How SKDKnickerbocker’s Cecelia Prewett stays organized

The role of a PR pro requires relentless organization, and for this practitioner, that means using new tech but keeping it old school, too.

MEDIA RELATIONS

How to explain media relations value to clients

Part of the PR function is getting your organization’s experts and newsmakers placed in high-authority publications—but you can’t guarantee success. Here’s how to break it down.

MORNING SCOOP

Twitter bans political ad buys, Toyota changes messaging on emissions, and when to use ROI or KPI measures

Also: A viral Popeyes-themed Halloween costume, Deadspin’s splashy staff exodus, Southwest’s crisis response over alleged bathroom camera, where PR pros get their news, and more.

THE WORKPLACE

Why and how to use handwritten notes in business

A thank-you note, crafted by your own hand, delivers meaning beyond its text. Using pen and paper for your writing encourages a freer flow of ideas. Consider these and other benefits.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Why social media managers should cultivate private groups

Experts from Sprout Social, Talkwalker and Transamerica share how engaging your relevant community is a recipe for online success as platforms’ algorithms evolve and fluctuate.

MARKETING

Where CMOs are spending their budgets

How are the marketing honchos looking to invest their time and money? Here’s what PR pros should know to stay competitive.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

How Fender’s Christina Stejskal aces her comms role

An early riser, this communications rock star stays ahead of a jam-packed schedule with matcha tea, a consistent exercise regimen and her trusty cellphone.

RAGAN AWARDS

Ragan’s PR Daily Awards is the premier program for PR pros

We’ll showcase the top communications campaigns, publications and events. Submit your work by Nov. 15.

MORNING SCOOP

TikTok’s growth spurt, Halloween-themed social media posts, and rivals stoking a viral YouTube fundraiser

Also: NCAA buckles on athlete earnings rule, recruiting employees with grant money, a #MeToo version of ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside,’ and more.