Embarking on a remote PR career offers flexibility and challenges, so I’ve gathered eight expert tips from PR professionals, including freelance consultants and senior managers. From prioritizing clear, routine communication to scheduling weekly one-on-one check-ins, these seasoned pros provide invaluable advice for thriving in a remote PR role.
- Prioritize Clear, Routine Communication
- Utilize Project Management Tools
- Plan for International Connectivity
- Create Your Own Media Hub
- Invest in Organizational Systems
- Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Maintain a Sense of Urgency
- Schedule Weekly One-on-One Check-Ins
Prioritize Clear, Routine Communication
Communication is key when working remotely in PR. You can never go wrong with sending reminder emails, confirmation messages, and weekly wrap-ups to clients or bosses. To ensure WFH PR success, it’s critical to make communications routine, detailed, and clear (use bullets to define action items or important notes; highlight deadlines and to-dos for emphasis).
Katie Waldron, Freelance PR Consultant, Katie Waldron PR
Utilize Project Management Tools
You can work from anywhere by leveraging digital tools that keep you connected and organized. In my opinion, the key is to establish strong communication channels with your team and clients. One tip I’d recommend is investing in a reliable project management tool, like Asana or Trello, to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and ongoing projects.
When I first transitioned to a remote PR role, setting up these systems helped me stay on top of everything without the need for constant in-person check-ins. Clear communication and consistent updates through these platforms ensured that everyone was aligned, no matter where I was working from. This approach can give you the flexibility to work remotely while maintaining high productivity and strong client relationships.
Andrew Lee Jenkins, Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Plan for International Connectivity
Becoming location-independent as a PR professional has been relatively simple to achieve. Staying connected while on the move, especially between countries, has been the biggest challenge I’ve faced. It really takes research and planning. You’ve got to be prepared to switch internet service providers as you cross borders.
Understanding local laws and restrictions, and preparing any documents you’ll need ahead of time, smooths the process and relieves the stress. Having multiple ISPs, even if one is on your mobile and one via a Wi-Fi box, gives you a safety net if you have connectivity issues. There are international plans, but they are hugely more expensive than opting for a local provider.
Tori Bell, Digital PR Specialist, PR With Tori
Create Your Own Media Hub
If you want to thrive as a remote PR professional, consider setting up your own media hub—whether it’s a blog, podcast, or video series. It’s a great way to share your insights, show off your expertise, and stay connected with potential clients.
Plus, it doubles as a live portfolio, helping you stay relevant in the industry, no matter where you’re working from.
Matias Rodsevich, Founder & CEO, PRLab
Invest in Organizational Systems
To work from anywhere as a PR professional, it’s essential to have the right systems in place for organization and communication. One key tip is to invest in a reliable project-management tool like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com. These platforms allow you to manage client campaigns, track media outreach, and ensure deadlines are met. You’ll also want to integrate communication tools like Slack or Zoom to stay connected with clients and your team in real-time.
Establish a daily routine that includes time for focused work, client calls, and proactive media pitching to maintain productivity and responsiveness, no matter where you’re based. Lastly, be sure to set clear boundaries around your availability to avoid burnout while working remotely.
Ronald Osborne, Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset
My advice to anyone starting a remote role—especially in PR—is to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. That means practicing self-motivation, personal accountability, proactive planning, and making a greater effort to communicate and collaborate. As we learned during the COVID era, remote work presents potential challenges like social isolation and increased distraction, but conversely, it offers the chance to improve focus and manage time more efficiently.
Be sure to leverage tools like online calendars, project management software, video conferencing, and social media to stay productive—it’s all about the success of “You, Inc.” and its clients. Lastly, as you thrive in your new remote environment, don’t become complacent—like all enterprising professionals, take advantage of in-person opportunities such as networking events, client meetings, and educational seminars.
Chris Shanelaris, Head of Public Relations, Americas, Axis Communications
Maintain a Sense of Urgency
No matter what, you must have a sense of urgency. Reply promptly to emails, texts, and phone calls from the media to show urgency. When you show that you are responsive and helpful, they’ll call on you more often. So, even if you are remote or in a different time zone, state your hours in your signature line and let the media know that you can also be reached via text, etc.
CHARLOTTE SHAFF, President/Owner, THE MEDIA PUSH
Schedule Weekly One-on-One Check-Ins
One of the best tips for starting your remote PR role is to keep communication flowing! Along with reliable Wi-Fi, setting up weekly one-on-one check-ins with your manager or boss is super helpful. It keeps you aligned on goals, helps you get feedback, and makes sure you’re always in the loop on projects. Staying connected like this makes working remotely feel a lot smoother and keeps everything running on track!
Micaela Schuffman, Senior Public Relations Manager, Jack Link’s
