Cision is a public relations software that helps
monitor media by using press releases and media list building. It is useful for
public relations practitioners, because all of the information is right there
which makes it easy to use. In the article, "Cision Hosts Social Media Week Session on Content Marketing and PR" professionals use their products to help manage all aspects of their brands: from identifying key media and influencers to connecting with audiences.
A feature that was the most interesting was the influence rating. The lowest rating was zero and the highest rating was 99. Each page for a media outlet would have a specific number for the influence rating. This article explains that outlets are measured on both their reach and the sharing activity they generate on the Web. Other Cision tools include searching media calendars and creating or editing lists.
Cision is useful in creating relationships, because it is easy to send out a press release and then connect with a journalist by following up with an e-mail. It could also be vice-versa by sending the e-mail first and then sending out a press release. It's a great way to open doors and start connecting with as many journalists or reporters as possible.
It was surprising at how expensive it is use Cision. Cision offers a free demo, but after that then there are several options to choose from. There is a solo edition which is only used for one user. Next is the team edition for three users. The corporate edition is next and includes five users. Last is the agency edition which doesn't have a specified user amount. The higher the edition the more it includes. Pricing starts as low as $350 a month. The bigger the company the more expensive it is to use Cision.
