The 13 Biggest Public Relations Influencers

In the field of public relations, several influential figures have made significant contributions through their expertise, thought leadership, and impact on the industry. While there may not be traditional “influencers” in the same sense as social media influencers, there are professionals, authors, educators, and practitioners who are highly respected and influential in the realm of PR writing.

Here are some of the biggest influencers in the public relations field:

David Meerman Scott: A marketing strategist, keynote speaker, and author, David Meerman Scott is known for his expertise in content marketing, social media, and PR writing. His book “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” is a seminal work in the field and has influenced countless professionals in the industry.

Gini Dietrich: The founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a digital marketing communications firm, Gini Dietrich is a thought leader in PR and content marketing. She is also the author of “Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age,” which explores modern PR strategies and writing techniques.

Ron Smith and Donald K. Wright: Authors of “Effective Public Relations Writing: Strategies, Techniques, and Tips,” Ron Smith and Donald K. Wright are respected scholars and educators in the field of public relations. Their book is widely used as a textbook in PR writing courses and is considered a valuable resource for PR professionals.

Doug Newsom, Jim Haynes, and Kathleen F. S. Haynes: Authors of “Public Relations Writing: Form & Style,” Doug Newsom and the Hayneses are renowned for their expertise in PR writing techniques and styles. Their book offers practical guidance on writing press releases, media kits, speeches, and other PR materials.

Barbara Diggs-Brown: A seasoned PR professional and educator, Barbara Diggs-Brown is the author of “Strategic Public Relations Writing: A Practical Guide to Success.” Her book provides insights into strategic communication planning, messaging strategies, and effective PR writing practices.

Ann Wylie: A writing coach and consultant, Ann Wylie specializes in helping professionals improve their writing skills for PR, marketing, and corporate communication. She offers workshops, online courses, and resources on writing techniques and best practices.

Merry Aronson and Don Spetner: Authors of “The Public Relations Writer’s Handbook: The Digital Age,” Merry Aronson and Don Spetner provide guidance on PR writing in the digital era, including social media, online newsrooms, and multimedia storytelling.

Charles Marsh and David W. Guth: Authors of “Strategic Writing: Multimedia Writing for Public Relations, Advertising, and More,” Charles Marsh and David W. Guth offer insights into writing techniques for various PR contexts, including press releases, social media, websites, and multimedia platforms.

While these individuals may not have the same level of visibility as social media influencers, they are highly respected authorities in the field of public relations and have made significant contributions to the profession through their expertise, publications, and educational efforts.