Hanson & Hunt

Get relevant news and advice about public relations, corporate communications, social media and marketing each month from Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt. Arik is a solo marketing and communications consultant in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Kevin leads corporate communications content, channels and analytics at General Mills.

167: What reputation really means, Radio Shack shocker, Twitter Notes

What does digital reputation really mean? We talk through some ideas for how communicators can help their organizations stand out. Also this month, what’s going on with Radio Shack’s Twitter account? Plus, how long it takes content creators to make it on their own. And, some advice for anyone just starting out in their comms…

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166: Recession-ready tips, PR’s work-life balance, email newsletters

The threat of a recession, and what impact it could have, is something all marketers and communicators should be thinking about. We offer some ideas for your plans in the months and year ahead. Also this month, evidence of a possible shift to better work-life balance in PR. Plus, are email newsletter on the way…

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165: Adding social channels, content program history lessons, avoiding ‘link rot’

It might seem like your organization should be on every social media channel, but does it make strategic sense? We talk through some things to consider when evaluating adding a new channel. Also this month, a great idea to impress your boss, to show how your content and social media program has evolved. Plus, Arik…

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164: Avoiding dumb social posts, owned media tips, telling clients ‘no’

Many brands employ a ‘Let’s have some fun’ attitude on their social media accounts. But are some trying too hard to get attention? Also this month, tips for maximizing your owned media. Plus, TikTok sees an increase in people sharing their opinions as long-form commentary. And, Arik offers advice for fellow consultants on saying ‘no’…

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163: Employee advocacy, local news and PR, reluctant return to office

Organizations of all types have been encouraging their employees to advocate on their behalf on their personal social media accounts for years. Are these programs effective? We run through some ideas for starting and growing social media advocacy programs. Also this month, what’s impacting staff turnover in comms? Plus, is local TV news still effective…

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162: How brands should use Twitter, roles in demand, letting someone ‘pick your brain’

There are a lot of reasons for an organization to use Twitter, Arik reveals what’s on the top of his list. Also this month, can process and passion coexist in comms and marketing? Plus, a study that uncovers which roles and skills are wanted the most, and a report from TikTok that suggests the platform…

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161: User-generated content, internal comms challenges, content costs

As consumers spend more time with user-generated content, on a variety of social channels, there are more opportunities for companies and brands to showcase it. Also this month, is cancel culture affecting brands? Plus, the cost of content production, and we address the mantra of ‘fake it until you make it.’ Is that good advice…

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160: Former journalists, the lifespan of content, “Get Back” lessons

We’re grateful this month to be able to share some audio clips from several former journalists now working in communications and marketing, and have them talk about some challenges of making the move away from news and offer some advice for those thinking about it. Really interesting perspective! Also this month, new data on how…

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159: Questions to ask your social media manager, IG data, advice for new managers

You can learn a lot about social media – from the person who manages it for your organization. So what should you ask them? We have a few questions to bring to them. Also this month, channel data in the 2021 Global Comms Report from Cision and PRWeek. Plus, what’s working right now on Instagram?…

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158: Improving thought leadership, Facebook’s future, ageism in hybrid work

Why is there so much crappy thought leadership content out there? We talk about that and what B2B and B2C brands could do to improve it. Also this month, Arik clues you into what he’s telling his clients about their reliance on Facebook. Plus, an interesting report on the future of corporate communications, key findings…

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