PR Software for PR Pros and Business Owners
PR software is about more than journalist databases from Cision, Vocus and others. Traditional public relations functions are being enhanced by a variety of software applications and writing tools for common functions such as online press release writing, press release distribution and reputation monitoring.
Add in non-traditional functions – keyword research, press release optimization and Website development – and you have a far more comprehensive toolset, one that is growing rapidly. If you have a traditional public relations background, but lack experience in online PR, you will find a lot of new information here. If you are experienced in online public relations you still are likely to find some new wrinkles in PR software for journalist databases, newswire directories, reputation monitoring, developing SEO Web content, optimized press releases and more. Journalist Database Services But let’s start by addressing journalist database software because that is what most PR professionals think of as PR software.

Cision, Vocus, eNR and PR Newswire aren’t going away anytime soon. Regardless of the deep cuts in print and broadcast newsrooms, newspapers are still printing, radio and TV stations are still broadcasting news and PR people still still need access to journalists. Social media sites are evolving in this role, role, but usually don’t provide the detailed contact and background information available in journalist databases. In fact, news industry layoffs make a strong case for using Web-based database services, if only to know who who not to call. Also, database providers are adding bloggers, as well as expanding monitoring and analysis services to include online-only publications.
Now There’s a Journalist Database Solution for Solo PR Pros
When I started developing this site one of my goals was to offer top shelf professional tools, at affordable prices, to public relations people and small businesses. Because of the big need – and the big price – database service was at the top of my list of PR software services. I have talked with many PR pros who would use a PR database if the price were right, but who don’t consider the $2,500 – $5,500 price tag right for them. I’m glad to say that no longer is a problem. Over the past months, I have talked with the leading names in the PR software industry – Cision, Vocus, eNR, PR Newswire – and have investigated several others. I nearly struck a deal with one that I could resell at reduced rates by bundling individual users together to get enterprise-level pricing.
Before writing the check to get it started, I called Dan Janal, of BullsEye Publicity. Dan and I had talked previously about how he packages popular PR software services to make them affordable for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Get Vocus for About One-Third Retail Price Bullseye Publicity uses the Vocus database, which has 500,000 reporters listed in dozens of industries, to make custom media lists. As we talked, it made sense to combine forces to make the Vocus media database service affordable to solo PR practitioners and small businesses by mixing and matching people in shared accounts. We know of several cases in which PR people have gone together to do this, but at renewal time if someone wants out, that leaves the other person (or persons) looking to fill the void, or paying more to keep the service. There’s no need to worry about that anymore. How It Works
We aggregate large numbers of people to buy user licenses at a discount, the way big companies do. You can have a private account, or share with one or two other people, as you choose. When sharing, we help make matches based on time zones and preferred hours of use to the maximum extent possible so you can use the service efficiently, when you need it. To find out more, or to get started with a time-share Vocus account now, simply fill out this form, or use the Contact Us form on ThePRDoc.com. We will call you to discuss your specific needs and pricing.
Benefits of The PR Doc/BullsEye Publicity Vocus Journalist Database Service
- No need to find other people to share an account
- No worries about having to scramble to find other participants when someone drops out,
- Your lists and notes are fire-walled: only people you designate can access them
- Vocus tech support
- Convenient annual and monthly payment plans
- Highly discounted price
[It should be obvious, but in the interest of full disclosure, we make money providing this service.]
Additional PR Software to Help You Do More and Earn More Money
Online Writing Tools Reaching the right journalists is part of the solution, but not sufficient for success in online PR. You also need to know how to write effectively for online consumption, including keyword research and placement in text, which distribution services to use and how to monitor online reputation. A solid background in traditional public relations will help you immensely in online writing, but don’t make the mistake of thinking writing styles are the same for both. The differences are not great, but they are important.

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