How hard data can bolster your PR efforts

Unfortunately, we have earned that reputation and have struggled to measure meaningful results and present strong cases for our ideas and suggestions.

Numbers are necessary in our day-to-day routine, and to succeed, PR pros must conquer their fear of math, data and statistics.

Here are three practical reasons why we need data on our side:

1. To strengthen pitches.

“Prove it!” If I had a nickel for every time I heard this from a reporter after sending a pitch, I’d be a wealthy woman.

Don’t be afraid to use statistics to support ideas and opinions. If you’re trying to stress the importance of recyclable materials, grab a stat from the EPA about the amount of garbage thrown away each year to drive home your point.

Here’s a tip: Subscribe to Pew Research Center, which regularly issues email newsletters with its latest research. The newsletters are often tied to current topics in the news, so you won’t have to search high and low for a timely pitch.

2. To prove value.