Digital PR Explained

Google I/O 2025 introduced the most significant changes to Search we've seen in years, from AI Overviews and agentic search to personalized results and multimodal discovery. In this episode, Britt Klontz breaks down what these updates really mean for PR pros and why now is the time to think beyond links and big-name coverage.

Ross Wilkers, Senior Staff Writer at Washington Technology and host of the WT360 podcast, joins me to break down a recent episode he produced after discovering a company’s LinkedIn content. We discuss how that thought leadership led to a podcast feature, what PR pros can do to help their clients get invited on industry shows, and why strong bios and responsiveness matter. Ross also shares practica...

Nina Pfister, co-founder of MAG PR, joins Britt to share how her team uses a streamlined, AI-assisted workflow to scan the news, personalize pitches, and land high-quality coverage quickly. From their “Show Me You Know Me” philosophy to recent wins with CNBC and PitchBook, Nina breaks down what it really takes to pitch smarter and build stronger journalist relationships.

Faking expertise might seem like a shortcut to better SEO and media coverage, but it almost always backfires. In this episode, Britt Klontz breaks down why fake experts are hurting brands more than helping them, and what you should do instead. Learn how to spot real expertise, why it matters for EEAT and AI-driven search, and how to build trust that actually lasts.

What does it take to keep a podcast growing year after year? Meg Carney, host of Outdoor Minimalist , shares how she collaborates with a publicist to promote every episode, why she prioritizes industry impact over viral buzz, and the small moves that make a big difference.

When Meg Carney set out to create a limited-series podcast about toxic chemicals in outdoor gear, she brought on a PR pro to help get the word out. The result? A #1 Apple Podcast and coverage in outlets like National Geographic. In this episode, Meg shares what went into the launch, how PR helped amplify the show, and why industry-specific coverage made all the difference.

In this solo episode, Britt explains what to do when your data-led pitch isn’t landing. From adding context to translating impact, learn a few simple ways to turn small or underwhelming stats into angles that journalists actually care about, all in under 8 minutes.

Want to land your story on local TV? In this episode, Joe Donatelli, Digital Director at News 5 Cleveland, shares insider tips on how PR pros can successfully pitch to local newsrooms. We cover who to pitch, what makes a story stand out, why exclusivity matters, and how PRs can seamlessly support TV journalists. Plus, Joe reveals under-the-radar opportunities that PR pros often overlook.

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Emmy-winning journalist Lindsey Mastis shares how PR professionals can successfully pitch AI and tech stories to the media. She walks us through a standout pitch that led to her viral story on using AI to learn the violin, highlighting the power of excellent logistics, compelling visuals, and well-prepared experts. Lindsey also reveals the biggest mistakes...

Are backlinks outdated? Beth Nunnington, Global VP of Digital PR at Journey Further, shares why traditional SEO strategies need a refresh. She breaks down how brands should focus on off-page trust signals, the role of AI in search, and a case study that skyrocketed rankings and engagement.

Want to land a byline in Store Brands ? Greg Sleter, Executive Editor & Associate Publisher, shares exactly what makes a strong pitch for the Viewpoints column. He explains the key elements of a successful pitch, common mistakes PR professionals make, the types of stories he’s looking for, and how to build meaningful relationships with trade journalists.

In this episode, Matt Prince, founder of For You Path, shares how his personal experience with mentorship inspired him to create a free resource connecting young professionals in PR, communications, and marketing with mentors, tools, and opportunities. Matt discusses the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.

PR reporting has long been stuck on outdated metrics like unique visitors per month (UVPM), but as digital PR evolves, so should the way we measure success. In this episode of Digital PR Explained , host Britt Klontz sits down with Michelle Songy, CEO and Founder of Press Hook, to discuss why it’s time to rethink PR metrics. Michelle shares why UVPM alone isn’t enough, how brands can track meaning...

Getting booked on a podcast is just the beginning. What you do next determines the impact. In this episode, publicity strategist Beth Nydick shares how to turn podcast appearances into business opportunities. She talks about common media myths, practical follow-up strategies, and ways to engage the right audience. Whether you're an entrepreneur, PR professional, or thought leader, this episode...

In this episode, Matt Prince, head of PR at Taco Bell, takes us behind the scenes of the brand’s most innovative campaigns, including the "The Cantinas" retirement community and the Live Más Live event. Learn how Taco Bell leverages consumer insights, bold creativity, and a touch of humor to connect with customers and maintain its status as a cultural icon.

Award-winning travel writer, columnist, and TEDx speaker Sucheta Rawal shares how Substack has become a powerful tool for PR professionals to connect with journalists. We break down the details of a standout pitch Sucheta received, including what made it compelling, from personalization to thoughtful follow-ups, and how it led to a feature story. Tune in to learn actionable tips on crafting pitche...

In this episode, journalist and content strategist Matt Swenson shares insights from his 20 years in the industry, including how PR professionals in the sports world and local tourism can adopt a newsroom mindset. We explore the importance of timeliness, authentic storytelling, and relationship-building using a standout campaign from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as a case study.

This episode explores why niche publications are often more effective than big-name outlets. Host Britt Klontz chats with Jennifer Ringler, founder and CEO of ReadHealthy Communications, about connecting with the right audience through targeted media. Jennifer shares tips for identifying niche publications, creating compelling pitches, and setting realistic client expectations. She also includes a...

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Dan Berthiaume, Senior Editor of Technology at Chain Store Age , shares his expert advice on crafting pitches that stand out for exclusive Q&A interviews. Dan shares the key elements of a successful pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and emerging retail tech trends to keep on your radar.

Freelance journalist Cassandra Brooklyn joins Digital PR Explained to discuss how she selects products for her articles and what PR pros need to know about pitching. From affiliate links to product showcases, Cassandra shares tips for building better relationships with writers and getting your pitches noticed. Featuring insights from her work for Forbes , CNN , and Travel + Leisure .

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Britt sits down with Laura Dunn , Senior Manager of Strategic Communications at Embrace Pet Insurance, to uncover how brands can repurpose influencer content. Laura shares creative ways to turn influencer partnerships into media pitches, case studies, and more. This episode contains actionable advice to help you amplify your campaigns and boost collaborati...

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO of Kite Hill PR and founder of Communications Week, joins Britt to unpack the concept of mixternal communications—integrating internal and external messaging for maximum impact. Tiffany shares insights on evolving PR strategies, a case study from McDonald’s, and actionable tips for planning your 2025 communications strategy. Tune in...

What makes original research a PR superpower? In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Liz Weir, Chief Marketing Officer and SVP at LevLane Advertising, shares how her team partnered with Rosie Wellness to create a compelling white paper on women’s health. Liz dives into how the research process informed PR strategies, drove media coverage, and positioned LevLane as a thought leader in the field....

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Michelle Mekky, founder of Mekky Media Relations, shares how her team orchestrated an influencer-led bar crawl to showcase Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Discover how Michelle selected the perfect influencers, balanced creative freedom with campaign goals, and delivered impactful results for a local tourism agency. Tune in for actionable insights on crafting...

In this episode of Digital PR Explained , Britt talks about the art of newsjacking —using trending news to land expert commentary in major publications. Learn how to craft the perfect pitch to get your expert featured quickly and effectively. Tune in for step-by-step tips on subject lines and email structure, and make it easy for journalists to say yes. Perfect for PR pros looking to boost media c...