13 reasons why PR should lead social media efforts

I’d rather not write this post.

It’s counterproductive to claim territories when there’s more than enough work to go around.

But the fact is that there are a lot of people who want a slice of the social media pie. PR leaders are being asked to defend their marketing credentials to folks who may not even understand what public relations professionals do each day.

Our colleagues in sales, advertising, customer service, HR and IT all want control of the digital media PR budget. I understand why they would ask for it, but I just don’t think they’re as well-equipped to head the effort as PR pros.

Here’s why PR should lead:

1. We are storytellers. Thought leadership is already in our DNA.

2. We begin—not end—every project with an analysis of how to approach influencers.

3. We are already trained to empathize and converse with different audiences (at the same time).

4. We know how to earn—and keep—attention.

5. We think strategically, but are willing to do tactical “dirty work.”