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Are you trying to find out what editors cover your market space? Do you need to know the publications that write about your market? If so, then it’s time to do some PR research.
The PR research tool that does the best job for me lately is IT Database, a compilation of technology publications that lets you see who is writing about your subject.
Let’s say you are researching “cloud software” articles to find out what editors are writing about this. Pick your parameters (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) and submit. Instantly, it tells you what publications are writing about your topic, the editors who have written the most and companies that have appeared the most in those articles.
It returns with the relevant information and you can click on any article and read it right away. You can also click on the publication link to find out more information or click on the editor link.
Now, you may be thinking that you can use Cision or Vocus to find out this information. ITDatabase is different. It gives you the articles. Personally, I like reading the actual articles that have been written by the editors. That way, I have what was written on my subject as of last week!
Of course, you can always use Google News and Google Alerts to find articles but you have to do a lot more work to get relevant articles. With ITDatabase, it’s only that click of a button.
The database also lists speaking opportunities, editorial calendar opportunities and awards. It’s a handy tool that any PR person should consider.
Travis Van, founder of ITDatabase, was very personable when I called to find out about his service about 6 months ago. And, like me, he’s from New Mexico! I don’t often run across other New Mexicans here in Silicon Valley and so I enjoyed talking with Travis about “back home!”
What tools do you use to help in PR research?
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