Public Relations and Social Media Marketing: How Much Social Media Is Necessary for Public Relations Success? This is a question I have often asked myself since the public relations industry has changed so dramatically over the past ten years with the advent of online social media. Nowadays celebrities are using Twitter as their own personal press release distribution in real time and in brief succinct announcements that get their pr message across in 140 characters or less. So why would they even need to employ a public relations firm to write up traditional press releases for them? Facebook allows entrepreneurs, public figures, politicians and large companies to interact with their “fanbase” personally and directly, so why go through a spokesperson any longer?

The above questions are valid to ponder when deciding whether or not to hire a public relations professional or a large public relations agency, BUT, the wild card remains in navigating the still mostly uncharted and sometimes choppy waters of online networking and social media. How much information sharing with your public is too much? Are you creating the right image for yourself and your brand? Are you confident in your writing ability? Do you undersatand the fundamentals of SEO – search engine optimization? Do you have a comprehensive understanding of what your audience wants to see and what may turn them off or actually work against generating more sales? Now, in addition to pursuing traditional media appearances and media placements for my public relations clients, I am more than ever, helping clients to create and to maintain their online social media image, their social media message and I am monitoring and directing my clients’ relationship with their audience and consumer base. I have spent countless hours learning from some of he best and brightest in online media marketing and I share that knowledge with my clients.

While social media may look off the cuff, spontaneous and casual from afar, it is actually anything but, especially where household named brands are concerend. Every tweet, every Facebook posting, every blog entry, every posted video and posted picture is carefully thought out and timed to perfection by their PR and marketing team, and we have all seen what can happen when it isn’t. Just look at the news to see how many public figures and well known brands have gotten themselves into hot water when they get a little too liberal with their keyboards. That is where public relations professionals are still of vital importance; we help you to navigate these murky waters with grace and public relations success.

What is it with celebrities pushing drugs on us in television commercials? And who on their public relations team convinced them that this would be a good idea for their public image?  Is it to stay visible in the public eye or simply to make a quick buck?  I really don’t get it. Either way, the ends just don’t seem to justify the means, and there is an embarrassment factor involved, no?

I just came acorss an article on AOL about that eyelash enhancing drug, Latisse and those commercials with Brooke Shields that we have all seen ad nauseum. Turns out some of the possible side effects of using this strictly for cosmetic enhancement drug are permanent. Duh! Why put a chemical into your system or on you unless it is medically necessary?  For people who use things like Botox, Latisse, permanent makeup, etc. and suffer uncomfortable, unsightly or dangerous side effects, I have this to say and this is a quote straight from the film Anne of Green Gables, “Now I hope you see where your vanity has gotten you.”  Leave nature alone.

I have seen Vanessa Williams on The Rachael Ray Show specifically to promote Botox Cosmetic. That’s why she was on Rachael Ray. She wasn’t promoting an album or a film. She was on there to plug Botox! Seriously? Ok.

Sally Field has been seen in commericals promoting the bone strengthening drug, Boniva. I’ll give Sally some points for the fact that it is a legitimate medical drug and not for cosmetic purposes, but why promote a medication for a drug company? Was Sally so passionate about the results she experienced with Boniva in stengthening her bone density that she just had to shout it from the rooftops? I just don’t know if I buy that. I think that generally speaking, celebrities lend their names to drug company advertising campaigns for money. I just don’t think that decision is a good one. All of these drugs have side effects and possible complications, as all drugs do. Why lend your name to that?  It is just asking for possible trouble and there are much better and more image enhancing ways to make a buck these days with a famous name.

I’m not saying Sally Field could make an appearance at the lastest night club opening, but I’m sure there are other options for her.

I don’t know if any of these women were advised by their public relations firms to accept these deals or if it was cooked up by greedy agents, or perhaps it was brokered through the celebrity, themselves.

Either way, I just don’t agree with it.