Slack is one of the most widely used workplace collaboration tools today. Nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies are customers. The app’s popularity has only increased since the pandemic forced many people to work from home – mainly because most workers never returned to the office. Slack has a clear lead over other productivity platforms like Microsoft Teams.

MGP has boasted an all-remote PR workforce since day one, and we’ve used Slack since its inception. With the boost in PR firms handling much of their work and collaboration via Slack rather than in-person or via other programs, we thought we’d share what we’ve learned. 

Here are seven steps to maximize Slack in a PR setting: 

1. Name and Use Slack Channels Carefully: PR agencies use Slack to collaborate with clients and colleagues. Channels must be marked to differentiate between client and in-house communication. Client-facing channels should include a prominent tag like “client.” Doing so will help avoid accidentally sharing a conversation or observation with a client meant for internal communication only.
2. Don’t Talk Personal. This best practice follows directly from the first. Even if you are sure you are in the right channel, it’s best to park critical observations. Keep it buttoned up, polished and professional – even if you’re sure you are in the right place.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet. No one wants to read paragraphs or essays on Slack. Share a link to a file if something longer needs to be read or reviewed. The more text you add, the greater the chance your PR colleagues or clients will zone out. Messages should cover deliverables, the client asks for action items. A personal touch is ok, but don’t turn Slack into the place for long-form content or debate. Your PR colleagues are busy. So are your clients.
4. Utilize the Pin Function.  Every agency has core documents and spreadsheets they use daily. Pin those at the top of the appropriate channel so they are easy to find and at the ready.
5. Park the Emojis and Giphys: We’re not calling for an emoji or giphy ban. There is a place for an emoji and a giphy here and there. But if everything you post has emojis or giphys, people will stop paying attention and taking you seriously.
6. Have a Dedicated Project/Work Channel: It’s easy to lose track of work in Slack without a system. Have dedicated channels for work awaiting review. When work is finished, delete messages from the system.
7. Connect Integrated Workflow Tools like Dropbox and Google Drive:  The more Slack is a gateway to all the tools you use to handle your work the easier it is to move projects along and deliver excellence. 

Slack is a fantastic tool that allows PR teams to collaborate from afar and keep on top of pressing work. Manage it wisely, and you’ll keep producing quality work and delighting clients.

Mercury Global Partners believes in clear communication with clients, journalists and influencers. We can help tell your story and stand out in an age of noise and confusion. Email us at hello@wearemgp.com to learn more.

Slack is one of the most widely used workplace collaboration tools today. Nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies are customers. The app’s popularity has only increased since the pandemic forced many people to work from home – mainly because most workers never returned to the office. Slack has a clear lead over other productivity platforms like Microsoft Teams.

MGP has boasted an all-remote PR workforce since day one, and we’ve used Slack since its inception. With the boost in PR firms handling much of their work and collaboration via Slack rather than in-person or via other programs, we thought we’d share what we’ve learned. 

Here are seven steps to maximize Slack in a PR setting: 

1. Name and Use Slack Channels Carefully: PR agencies use Slack to collaborate with clients and colleagues. Channels must be marked to differentiate between client and in-house communication. Client-facing channels should include a prominent tag like “client.” Doing so will help avoid accidentally sharing a conversation or observation with a client meant for internal communication only.
2. Don’t Talk Personal. This best practice follows directly from the first. Even if you are sure you are in the right channel, it’s best to park critical observations. Keep it buttoned up, polished and professional – even if you’re sure you are in the right place.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet. No one wants to read paragraphs or essays on Slack. Share a link to a file if something longer needs to be read or reviewed. The more text you add, the greater the chance your PR colleagues or clients will zone out. Messages should cover deliverables, the client asks for action items. A personal touch is ok, but don’t turn Slack into the place for long-form content or debate. Your PR colleagues are busy. So are your clients.
4. Utilize the Pin Function.  Every agency has core documents and spreadsheets they use daily. Pin those at the top of the appropriate channel so they are easy to find and at the ready.
5. Park the Emojis and Giphys: We’re not calling for an emoji or giphy ban. There is a place for an emoji and a giphy here and there. But if everything you post has emojis or giphys, people will stop paying attention and taking you seriously.
6. Have a Dedicated Project/Work Channel: It’s easy to lose track of work in Slack without a system. Have dedicated channels for work awaiting review. When work is finished, delete messages from the system.
7. Connect Integrated Workflow Tools like Dropbox and Google Drive:  The more Slack is a gateway to all the tools you use to handle your work the easier it is to move projects along and deliver excellence. 

Slack is a fantastic tool that allows PR teams to collaborate from afar and keep on top of pressing work. Manage it wisely, and you’ll keep producing quality work and delighting clients.

Mercury Global Partners believes in clear communication with clients, journalists and influencers. We can help tell your story and stand out in an age of noise and confusion. Email us at hello@wearemgp.com to learn more.