

The Digital PR Podcast
Propellernet
The Digital PR Podcast is your essential podcast for all things digital PR. Join Propellernet’s very own Louise Parker and Steve Baker as your hosts who will be chatting with a variety of guest speakers and top industry experts. Make sure to tune in every month for the latest trends, expert insights, and actionable tips for all things PR. We can’t wait for you to join the conversation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2024 • 26min
#23 The Perfect Pitch with Maddie Davies
In this minisode, Steve is joined by Digital PR Director Maddie Davies, for a chat about how tapping into your client's niche can give a fresh perspective on current events, awareness days, pop culture and seasonality. They cover how to find an in for your client to get their voice heard and cut through the noise.00:00:00 - Introduction: Maddie returns to the Digital PR Podcast and sets the stage for discussing the importance of pitch emails.00:01:00 - The Importance of Pitch Emails: Maddie explains why pitch emails are crucial in PR, emphasising the need for a personal touch and a well-structured overview to engage journalists effectively.00:04:00 - Inspiration and Advice for Pitching: The conversation shifts to sources of inspiration for pitching, with Maddie sharing valuable advice she received about providing journalists with all necessary information upfront.00:06:10 - Analysing a Successful Pitch Email: Maddie breaks down one of her best-performing pitch emails, detailing its structure, key components, and the story behind the campaign about the world's bluest water.00:20:00 - Do's and Don'ts of Pitch Emails: Maddie concludes with her top three do's and don'ts for crafting effective pitch emails, highlighting the importance of clarity, thoroughness, and maintaining a human connection.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Aug 22, 2024 • 23min
#22 Wonky Career Paths: The Power of Transferable Skills with Chloe Tickner
Not everyone in Digital PR has a traditional or linear career path. But will that set you back in the short, medium or long term? Steve wants to find out, so join us as he delves into Chloe's intriguing career journey, which she describes as a "wonky" or "squiggly" path into the world of PR, starting with a degree in biomedical science! Chloe highlights the importance of being proactive, willing to learn, and adapting to new challenges, especially when working with clients from different industries.00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Steve Baker introduces the Digital PR Podcast and welcomes guest Chloe to discuss her unique career path in digital PR.00:01:00 - Chloe's Career Journey Chloe shares her unconventional career path, starting from studying biomedical science to working as a tour guide in the Philippines, and how she transitioned into digital PR.00:05:00 - Benefits of a Varied Career Path Chloe discusses how her diverse experiences have equipped her with a broad skill set, emphasising the importance of adaptability, analytical thinking, and time management in her current role.00:10:00 - Skills for Success in Digital PR The conversation shifts to the essential skills for a successful career in digital PR, including the ability to interrogate information, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from others.00:20:00 - Advice for Transitioning into PR Chloe offers advice for those looking to make a career change into PR, encouraging them to embrace their transferable skills and not be afraid to start from the bottom in a new field.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR Podcast Hosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Aug 1, 2024 • 24min
#21 Digital PR in Germany with Lena Thees
In this episode of the Digital PR Podcast, Steve chatted to Lena Thees, a Senior Digital PR Executive at Propellernet who specialises in the German market. Lena shared insights into the differences between the German and UK media landscapes, highlighting the formality and longer lead times in Germany. She emphasised the importance of being direct and avoiding clickbait when pitching to German journalists. Lena also provided valuable tips for those looking to secure coverage in Germany, such as planning ahead, being patient, and setting appropriate goals.00:01:30 - Lena's Career Journey: Lena shares her background, including her move from Germany to the UK, her studies in media and communication management, and her journey into digital PR through an internship.00:05:00 - Differences in Media Landscapes: The conversation shifts to the differences between the German and UK media landscapes, focusing on the formal approach to journalist outreach and the longer lead times for coverage in Germany.00:10:00 - Digital PR in Germany: Lena discusses the current state of digital PR in Germany, highlighting the challenges and untapped potential in the market compared to the more mature UK landscape.00:20:00 - Top Tips for Pitching in Germany Lena provides valuable do's and don'ts for securing coverage in Germany, emphasising the importance of planning, patience, and understanding the unique media culture.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Jul 17, 2024 • 30min
#20 Navigating Client Relationships: Red & Green Flags with Stephanie Finch
What makes the perfect client relationship? It’s a question almost as old as agency land itself, and one that every PR has a different answer to. This week, Steve sits down with Digital PR Director and industry veteran Stephanie Finch, who’s put together a list of client red and green flags to look out for. We talk early signs of a good client, behavioural patterns and breaking down how the PR world has changed over her many years in the industry. From onboarding comms to creative process, these tips will help your client relationships to run smoother than ever.00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR: Louise introduces the new season of the Digital PR Podcast and welcomes PR director Steph Finch, who shares her background and career journey in digital PR.00:02:30 - Digital PR vs. Traditional PR: Steph discusses the differences between digital PR and traditional PR, emphasising the focus on link building in digital PR and the evolving nature of both practices.00:06:00 - Intertwining of PR Practices: The conversation shifts to how digital and traditional PR are becoming more intertwined, with both practices learning from each other and adapting to new objectives and KPIs.00:09:30 - Choosing Between Digital and Traditional PR: Steph provides insights on why clients might choose digital PR over traditional PR, considering factors like budget, audience demographics, and measurable outcomes.00:15:00 - Building Relationships Between PR Teams: The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between digital and traditional PR teams, sharing strategies for building trust and effective communication to achieve common goals.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Jun 27, 2024 • 22min
#19 Team-First Culture in a Remote-First World with Alessandra Carriban
The working world has changed immeasurably over the past 5 years. When the pandemic launched us from Mon-Fri 9-5 office hours to fully remote, no one could have predicted what things would look like down the line, and it feels like every agency is doing things differently. Steve is joined by Digital PR Manager Alessandra Carriban, to talk about all of the ways in which the Propellernet team keep momentum up when many of us are apart. We explore the unique working setup at our agency, which emphasises autonomy and a flat structure, allowing everyone to contribute regardless of their position.00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR and Team Culture: Steve Baker introduces the podcast and welcomes Alessandra, the digital PR manager, to discuss maintaining team culture in a remote-first environment.00:01:00 - Alessandra's Journey into Digital PR: Alessandra shares her background, detailing her transition from property management to becoming a digital PR manager and her experiences at Propellernet.00:02:30 - Working Setup at Propellernet: The discussion covers the flexible working arrangements at Propellernet, highlighting the autonomy employees have in choosing their work environment and the flat structure of the team.00:05:30 - Challenges of Remote Team Culture: Alessandra identifies the main challenges faced by the team in fostering a strong culture, particularly for new starters and the need for social interaction among team members.00:12:00 - Initiatives to Enhance Team Culture: The conversation shifts to the various initiatives implemented to improve team culture, including topic calls, PR presentations, and structured face-to-face meetings, all aimed at fostering collaboration and connection.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Jun 20, 2024 • 47min
#18 Understanding Digital PR Personalities and Managing Mental Health with Abi Bennetts & Richard Paul
In this Minisode, join Digital PR Director, Abi Bennetts and PR Creative Director, Richard Paul as they have a bumper conversation about PR personalities and managing your mental health. They delve into burnout red flags, conscientiousness and why sometimes, the best thing to do to protect your mental health at work is to walk away. Enjoy!00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast Welcome to the Digital PR Podcast, where Steve Baker introduces the episode and discusses the upcoming mini episodes00:01:30 - Mental Health and Burnout in PR Abi Bennett shares her personal experience with burnout and the importance of discussing mental health challenges within the digital PR industry.00:05:45 - Personality Traits in Digital PR The conversation shifts to the common personality traits found in digital PR professionals, particularly conscientiousness and perfectionism, and how these traits can impact mental health.00:10:00 - Managing Workload and Setting Boundaries Abi and Richard discuss strategies for managing workloads, setting boundaries, and the importance of saying no to prevent burnout.00:20:00 - Navigating a Toxic Work Environment Advice is given for those working in environments that are not supportive of mental health, including the importance of finding someone to talk to and knowing when to leave.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Oct 19, 2023 • 31min
#17 A Journalist's Perspective on Digital PR with Katie-Ann Gupwell
A lifestyle reporter for The Daily Star, Katie-Anne shares her journey from Wales Online to The Daily Star, where she covers a diverse range of topics including health, beauty, fashion, and real-life stories. We delve into Katie-Anne’s typical working day, exploring her shift patterns, story pitching processes, and how she finds inspiration for her articles. She emphasises the importance of topicality and quirkiness in pitches, highlighting that PR professionals should aim to present ideas that resonate with current trends.00:00:00 - Introduction to Season 2: Louise Parker and Steve Baker welcome listeners to the second season of the Digital PR Podcast, highlighting the exciting topics and guests lined up for the series.00:05:30 - Katie-Anne Gupwell's Background: Journalist Katie-Anne Gupwell shares her career journey, detailing her transition from Wales Online to The Daily Star and her focus on lifestyle reporting.00:10:00 - A Day in the Life of a Journalist: Katie discusses her typical working day, including her shift patterns, story pitching processes, and how she balances various topics in her role.00:15:30 - Effective PR Pitching: The conversation shifts to how PR professionals can effectively pitch stories to journalists, with Katie offering insights on timing, relevance, and the importance of understanding the publication.00:20:00 - The Future of Journalism and Digital Publishing: Katie reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism, discussing the impact of social media, AI, and the importance of storytelling in the face of rapid change.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Oct 17, 2023 • 22min
#16 Back To Digital PR Basics with Stephanie Finch
For this minisode with the Propellernet Digital PR team, we're taking it all the way back to basics with the age old question - what is Digital PR? To give you all the answers, we call on Digital PR Director Steph Finch, who has been in the game since link building was even called link building. Hailing from a totally digital background, and bringing over 10 years of experience to the table, Steph talks about what advice she'd give to people wanting to entre the industry, her favourite campaigns, and why she doesn't actually like the term 'Digital PR'.00:00:00 - Introduction to Digital PR: Louise introduces the new season of the Digital PR Podcast and welcomes PR director Steph Finch, who shares her background and career journey in digital PR.00:02:30 - Digital PR vs Traditional PR: Steph discusses the differences between digital PR and traditional PR, highlighting the focus on link building in digital PR and the evolving nature of both practices.00:06:00 - The Intertwining of PR Practices: The conversation shifts to how digital and traditional PR are becoming more intertwined, with both practices learning from each other and adapting to new objectives.00:09:30 - Choosing Between Digital and Traditional PR: Steph provides insights on why clients might choose digital PR over traditional PR, considering factors like budget, audience demographics, and measurable outcomes.00:15:00 - Building Relationships Between PR Teams: The discussion covers the importance of collaboration between digital and traditional PR teams, sharing strategies for building trust and effective communication to achieve common goals.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 10min
#15 Embracing Flexibility in Agency Work with Mary Hickey and Rich Leigh
We're joined by Mary Hickey, Senior Digital PR Manager at North and Rich Leigh, Founder and CEO of Radioactive PR. The episode dives into the ongoing debate about remote work versus in-office work, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic world. Throughout the episode, we explore the pros and cons of different working arrangements, the impact on creativity and collaboration, and the challenges of retaining talent in a competitive market.00:00:00 - Welcome: Join Louise Parker and Steve Baker as they kick off the Digital PR Podcast.00:01:31 - Introducing the Guests: Meet Mary Hickey, Senior Digital PR Manager at North, and Rich Lee, Founder and CEO at Radioactive PR. They share their backgrounds and current roles in the digital PR landscape.00:05:12 - The Office vs. Remote Work Debate: The discussion begins on the ongoing debate about working from home, in the office, or a hybrid model. Rich and Mary share their experiences and preferences regarding workplace arrangements.00:10:10 - Agency Policies and Employee Perspectives: Rich and Mary delve into their respective agency policies on remote work and how these have evolved since the pandemic, highlighting the importance of employee satisfaction and agency culture.00:28:03 - Pros and Cons of Current Work Setups: Rich and Mary outline the positives and negatives of their current working arrangements, discussing creativity, collaboration, autonomy, and the challenges of remote training and team dynamics.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.

Oct 10, 2023 • 20min
#14 Creating Great Ideas in Digital PR with Richard Paul
On this week's minisode, Steve is joined by Richard Paul, Propellernet's PR Creative Director. This time it's all about ideas, with conversation topics including creative campaigns, how to overcome an ideas block, and what Richard does in the shower that Steve does in the car...00:00:05 - Introduction to the Digital PR Podcast: Louise introduces the new season of the podcast, featuring mini episodes with guests from the Digital PR team at Propellernet.00:00:30 - Richard Hall's Career Journey: Richard shares his unique path to becoming the creative director at Propellernet, detailing his background in script writing and various roles in digital PR.00:03:34 - The Role of Creativity in Digital PR: Richard discusses the importance of creativity in digital PR, explaining how it underpins the analytical aspects of the industry and enhances storytelling.00:06:34 - Overcoming Creative Blocks: Richard offers practical advice for overcoming creative blocks, including the benefits of stepping away from the desk, consuming media, and keeping a record of ideas.00:10:31 - The Future of Creativity in Digital PR: The conversation shifts to the current state of digital PR campaigns, discussing the criticism of repetitive formats and the importance of innovation and meaningful storytelling.Check out the full transcript here.–About the Digital PR PodcastHosted by our very own Heads of PR, Lou and Steve, we recorded our first episode of the Digital PR Podcast back in December 2022, and have had some fascinating conversations with movers and shakers from the PR industry in the UK and further afield, sharing their knowledge and experiences.To let us know about any topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d like to see (maybe you’d like to be a guest yourself?) drop us a line at dprpodcast@propellernet.co.uk. If you’re really enjoying the show, make sure to rate the podcast 5 stars and leave us a review.The Digital PR Podcast is brought to you by Propellernet and sponsored by Coverage Book. You can also watch on Youtube as a video podcast.To check out our socials and other useful links click here.


