Writing tips to improve efficiency; Resolutions for writers for 2020; Influencer marketing tips; and more

WRITING & EDITING

10 New Year’s resolutions for writers

As we roll into 2020, let’s remind ourselves to prioritize the reader’s takeaways, key on clarity and brevity, and use punctuation judiciously.

INFOGRAPHICS

Infographic: 8 writing tips to make you more efficient

Your writing will improve with practice—and with adherence to a few simple rules. These tips can help you increase your output and preserve your valuable time.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Influencer content must be amplified in 2020

According to a new report from Edelman, using influencers still offers a lot of upside for brand managers. However, you will have to put money behind the content to find an audience.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

5 tips for a successful crisis simulation

Setting up a plan and building a response team are just the first steps. Putting those elements—and people—through the paces requires diligence and more than a little imagination.

MORNING SCOOP

Away blames CEO’s departure on ‘Twitter mob,’ Yamaha warns against ‘playing Ghosn,’ and Instagram cracks down on photoshopped images

Also: Apple flexes its storytelling muscles for Chinese New Year, report outs apps sharing users’s data, tips for great social media bios, and more.

MARKETING

4 key trends for communicators to prioritize in 2020

Savvy pros should strap in for a wild ride and prep for a proliferation of false news, deepfakes and brands taking polarizing stands.

PR INDUSTRY

Why awards are a crucial part of your PR mix

Even though programs with application fees can feel like pay-to-play posturing, the third-party validation can be helpful in distinguishing your organization or client.

INFOGRAPHICS

Infographic: Tips for writing a great social media bio

How can you let your audience know more about your organization with the limited space and options in your Instagram or Twitter bio? Here are some handy rules.

PR DAILY AWARDS

The entry deadline for our Digital Marketing & Social Media Awards is coming up

All entries must be received by Jan. 24 to avoid late fees. This is your chance to earn recognition for your exceptional digital campaigns and projects.

PR INDUSTRY

Before quoting a price, specify what the client really wants

Semantics matter, especially with regard to professional dealings. If a prospective business partner mangles the nomenclature, it’s your job to clarify—or lose out on an opportunity.

MORNING SCOOP

GM’s Hummer goes electric, Instagram beefs up video tools, and One Million Moms raise hell with Burger King

Also: Google personalizes travel recommendations, benefits of coworking spaces, Frito-Lay gives a moniker to “Cheeto dust,” and more.

MARKETING

5 marketing and PR campaigns that wowed us in 2019

From Popeyes’ triumph in the Chicken Sandwich Wars to Airbnb’s dreamhouse getaway, creative agility carried the day. Takeaways from these and other efforts abound.

SOCIAL MEDIA

15 questions to ask when hiring a social media partner

How do you know what to look for in a social media management firm? Here’s what you should ask any agency you consider hiring to manage your social channels.

MEDIA RELATIONS

20 common PR habits that drive journalists bonkers

Public relations pros know better, but somehow these worst practices worm their way into the course of a workweek. So to review, here are peeves, taboos and no-nos to avoid at all costs.