Alisha Monique Public Relations

At last week's?#PRParlor?discussion, our community dove deep into how media relations has transformed in 2025. The conversation revealed insights that every PR pro should consider as they navigate this evolving landscape! The traditional media playbook is being completely rewritten. From the rapid contraction of newsrooms (2,500+ journalism jobs lost last year alone) to the rise of creator-led media and affiliate partnerships - we're seeing a fundamental shift in how stories reach audiences. What stood out most? The growing importance of individual relationships over institutional ones. The most valuable media connections aren't necessarily with the outlet that has the biggest reach, but with the voices who have earned genuine trust and authority in specific spaces. Swipe through for the key insights from our discussion, and save this post for your next team strategy session. The game is (and has been) changing - those who adapt their approach will thrive. Drop a ?? below: What's been your biggest media relations challenge this year? To be the first to receive insights just like this one, make sure you're subscribed to?#thePRGMpost! #PRStrategy?#MediaRelations?#CommunicationsStrategy?#PRLife?#PRGirlManifesto?#PR101

?? Are You Ready for Public Relations? Before you dive into pitching, strategy sessions, or hiring a PR consultant, it’s essential to know where your brand stands—and what you may need to refine first. That’s why I created a FREE checklist designed to help organizations and entrepreneurs assess their PR readiness and identify key areas to strengthen before partnering with an agency or consultant. ? Evaluate your brand foundation ? Clarify your messaging ? Understand what makes you media-ready Download the checklist and set yourself up for PR success! ?? https://lnkd.in/ekVdgTDz #PublicRelations #PRConsulting #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #PRStrategy #BrandBuilding #MediaRelations #BusinessResources #PRChecklist #WomenInPR

After taking intentional time to reflect, realign, and reimagine how I serve, I’m excited to share the next chapter of Alisha Monique PR! During this break, I completed my dissertation, wrapped up some incredible client projects, leaned deeper into my role as a college professor, focused on my health, and restructured my business to better support women-owned, minority-owned, and small businesses. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for authentic storytelling, I’m ready to help brands amplify their voices, make an impact, and grow. Read the latest blog to see what’s new—and what’s next: ?? https://lnkd.in/eWeUP3U9 #PublicRelations #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessPR #Entrepreneurship #DiversityInPR #StrategicCommunications #PRConsultant

If you're hiring a PR firm because you expect to be in TechCrunch next week, we need to talk. Most agencies won't tell you this, but the first 90 days aren't primarily about coverage. They're about building the foundation that separates one-off media hits from consistent, top-tier coverage in outlets like VentureBeat, TechCrunch, and Forbes. In one month, we're deep-diving your business and what makes you legitimately newsworthy. We also begin targeted outreach through thought leadership and op-eds, researching reporters who cover your space and crafting pitches tailored to their specific interests. By month two, we're developing substantial pitches based on real business impact and market insights. We craft compelling narratives backed by data, trends, and genuine industry innovations that command attention. Never spray-and-pray press releases. Month three delivers the proof. Our deeply researched angles start generating coverage. The substantive stories we carefully developed begin appearing in target publications. This is when merit-based, meaningful media attention takes shape. Not through relationships or favors, but through stories worth telling. Example of this approach in action: we drove over 500 pieces of ROI-driven coverage, and supported growth from seed to a $50M Series B in 2.5 years, for a tech client. This wasn't luck. It was methodical positioning. Give your PR strategy the foundation it deserves, and the results will follow.

My first communications hot take of 2025! ?? Traditional PR metrics are dead. Stop counting press releases. Stop tracking AVE. Stop chasing meaningless numbers that don't tell you anything or move the needle. These metrics are a relic of the past. If you're still using them, your strategy is falling behind. (And if your agency is serving up these metrics as proof of their impact, then it's time for a hard conversation.) ?? Here's what needs to go: ? "Number of press releases" is just vanity. Nope, press releases aren't a strategy—they're a tactic. Publishing isn't the same as reaching. ? "Volume of coverage" tells you nothing. A hundred mentions in low-tier outlets don’t compare to one strategic feature that influences decision-makers. ? AVE (Advertising Value Equivalency) is meaningless. This was never a meaningful metric. Did you spend that budget on ads? No? Then why measure it like one? It doesn’t capture influence or impact. ? "Total impressions" lacks context. Reaching the wrong audience 1M times = wasted effort. Context is important here. If it’s 1M impressions with your target audience that drives some meaningful outcomes—that’s your metric. ? "Social follower count" is shallow. Having 50K silent followers is cool and all, but give me 5K engaged people any day. Social is shifting from brand followers to people, making follower count even less relevant. . Here's what (I think) actually matters in 2025: ?? Narrative Share (think thought leadership, elevated) → Are you shaping how people think about key issues? → What percentage of relevant conversations include your POV? → Are you leading the narrative—or playing catch-up? ?? Share of Voice *Quality* (not just mentions) Focus on: → Authority & Impact: Topic leadership and decision-maker credibility → Message Effectiveness: Perception shifts and resonance → Business Value: Lead quality and customer story impact → Stakeholder Engagement: How key audiences interact and respond ?? Audience Journey → What happens *after* someone sees your message? → Do your efforts drive real behavior change? → How are stakeholders engaging, retaining messages, changing behavior, or taking action? ?? Community-Driven Influence (beyond basic engagement) → Are you building advocates or just awareness? → What's happening organically in your networks? → Is your community telling your story for you? ?? I'll be the first to admit that measuring these isn't "easy" or as simple as open rates. Measuring the metrics that actually matter in PR requires a *mix* of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and it means leaning into tools, methodologies, and frameworks that go beyond surface-level data. ??? Bottom line (and something I've been saying for years): PR isn’t just about getting your name out there. It’s about influencing how people think, feel, and act—to drive business OUTCOMES. If your metrics don’t reflect that, it’s time to rethink them. ?? What PR metrics are you focusing on in 2025?

A talented PR pro I know broke down in tears when a client said 'Okay, but what else?' They'd just landed the client multiple dream features in top-tier publications. Thing is, earned media in outlets like NYT, WSJ, or TechCrunch are more than just brand mentions. They're third-party endorsements that build credibility, shape public perception, and create opportunities for thought leadership. However, their impact isn't always immediately quantifiable, leading some clients to undervalue these hard-won victories. But what many don't see is the real human being behind each placement. The truth about PR: We're strategic professionals, not magicians. Press coverage is powerful, but it's not a guaranteed catalyst for investment, partnerships, or recruitment. Those outcomes depend on how companies leverage their media presence within their broader strategy. And they take time to fully blossom into narrative-shaping ROI. To everyone working with PR teams: There's a person behind every placement you see. Someone who likely sacrificed their lunch break, stayed up late, and fought relentlessly to secure that coverage for you. And when you recognize and respect that humanity, that's when true partnership creates extraordinary results. Has anyone else experienced this disconnect between client expectations and PR realities? This conversation needs to happen.

?? The media landscape is shifting, and smart PR pros are following the signals. One of those signals? The explosive growth of #newsletters. They’re not just another channel—they’re becoming THE channel for reaching engaged, professional audiences. Whether you’re in PR, #communications, or %marketing, understanding this shift isn’t optional. Swipe through to learn why newsletters should be on your radar for 2025 and how to leverage them effectively! ?? ?? Save this post for your next strategy meeting! ?? Share it with your Comms team! ??? Your turn: What newsletters are you subscribed to that have influenced your PR strategy? Share below! #prgirlmanifesto?#pr?#pr101?#mediashift