About two weeks ago, I received an invite to the alpha testing of PitchEngine’s, the new social network for PR pros and media, Social Media Release (SMR) Builder, by none other than the founder himself, Jason Kintzler. Created with the concept of combing traditional PR methods with social media, PitchEngine offers a new way of sharing news. This network allows users to discuss PR and the media in forums, share videos, meet fellow PR pros and send SMRs all free of charge. Presently, PitchEngine has over 250 brands using the alpha and the PitchEngine Network is continuously growing.
PitchEngine’s user ability is like that of the traditional press release online distributors, Marketwire and PR Newswire, but of course with social media flair. On the media side, users are able to customize their profile pages, invite friends and connect with others – a true social network. In the PR side, account holders can add an “Active User” to a company or individual’s account – allowing them to perform similar functions of the account holder (i.e. write, publish and edit SMRs ). The new SMR tracker lets users know how many times their releases have been viewed. Currently, you can only upload one brand, but Jason mentioned the addition of multiple brands to an account so that PR firms can efficiently use PitchEngine’s services.
To create a press release, users just select the option and are immediately brought to a page that offers more than just words on the release. Users can include images, videos, audio and more. Releases can be viewed and shared via email, cut-and-paste link or directly to social sites like Twitter, FriendFeed or Facebook.
What’s next for PitchEngine?
- Social Media Newsroom – users who upgrade their account to a social personalized newsroom can now host and archive SMRs for specific brands or for their agency as a whole. PR Firms can also make the newsroom a part of their client or brand’s website. (This should be in the public beta in a few days)
- Once mainstream PR starts using the service, PitchEngine can reveal the media side of the site. The media will be able to filter PR content by industry and category and get a personalized PitchFeed delivered to their custom profile page.
- The newsrooms will be available for a minimal subscription fee, but the SMR builder will remain free.
“I can’t let too many details out of the bag yet, but the method of pitch delivery will be unprecedented – a stark contrast from the distribution methods out there today. Media will have ultimate control over what they’re being pitched,” said Jason.
Buzz Meter Ranking: 4 out of 4 Buzz Bees
Positive: PitchEngine embodies everything PR pros need to transition from traditional media to new media relations. Users who currently use regular press release online distributors have never met such an easy tool! With the simple uploading and saving, I was able to draft a test press release in 5 minutes. The PitchEngine Network is also a good hub for PR pros to connect.
Negative: PitchEngine only supports the latest browsers, so the laggards using Internet Explorer 5 or 6 will have to upgrade.
Conclusion: PitchEngine is definitely on its way to becoming a dream-team tool for PR pros through the combination of traditional and new media. As Jason stated, ‘I came up with the concept out of genuine passion for all things media and PR. I want to help both industries make the transition to new media relations. "A New Spin on PR.” Well Jason, with all of the additions you’re planning, PitchEngine will take that ‘new spin on PR’ to a whole new level. I can’t wait!
[...] “…definitely on its way to becoming a dream-team tool for PR pros through the combination of traditional and new media.”-The Buzz Bin [...]