ChatGPT and Google Alerts: The Two Free Apps Every PR Professional Should Have in Their Toolkit
Updated: Apr 26
Creating smarter content and tracking conversations without spending a dollar.
By Donnae' "Donny J" Jackson
Public Relations & Communications Professional
Published: April 26, 2026
Why PR Professionals Need Smart Tools
As a communications professional entering an industry that moves at digital speed, I’ve learned quickly that public relations is no longer just about writing well—it’s about working efficiently, staying informed, and adapting to new technology. PR professionals are expected to manage messaging, monitor brand reputation, and respond to media conversations in real time.
The good news? Some of the most useful PR resources are completely free. Below, I review two essential apps: ChatGPT, an AI-powered writing assistant, and Google Alerts, a media monitoring platform. One helps create stronger communication faster, while the other ensures you never miss what’s being said about your brand online. Together, they represent the two pillars of modern PR: creating the message and tracking the narrative.
In PR, speed matters — but strategy matters more. The right tools help you achieve both.
App Review #1: ChatGPT (AI Tool)
ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is an artificial intelligence platform designed to assist with writing and research through conversational prompts. For PR professionals, its primary role is to turn ideas into polished communication at a fraction of the traditional speed.
Why It’s a PR Game-Changer
The greatest advantage of ChatGPT is how it eliminates the "blank-page problem." According to OpenAI, the tool functions as a creative starting point rather than a final product. It encourages creativity by offering unique brainstorm ideas for campaigns and speeds up the drafting process for press releases or media pitches. Because it is beginner-friendly and useful across multiple formats, it allows multitasking professionals to refine their messaging efficiently.
However, users should be cautious. As noted in a 2023 study by Dwivedi et al. in the International Journal of Information Management, generative AI requires heavy human oversight. Without manual fact-checking and editing for authenticity, AI-generated content can sound generic.
Experience & Pricing ChatGPT offers a robust free version suitable for daily work, with paid plans available for those needing faster performance. On a desktop, it is an ideal deep-work companion for long-form writing, while the mobile app is perfect for quick brainstorming during travel or meetings.
AI won’t replace PR professionals — but PR professionals who use AI will have an advantage.
App Review #2: Google Alerts (Non-AI Tool)
Purpose of the App
Google Alerts is a free monitoring service that tracks online mentions of keywords and sends notifications directly to your email inbox.
Its purpose for PR professionals is simple: stay aware of media coverage and public conversation at all times.
How Google Alerts Works
Users create alerts using keywords such as:
Brand names
Client mentions
Competitors
Industry topics
Executive leadership names
Google scans newly indexed web content and delivers alerts whenever those keywords appear online.
Why It’s Useful for PR Professionals
Reputation management is central to PR success. Google Alerts allows professionals to stay proactive instead of reactive.
It helps PR practitioners:
Monitor brand visibility
Track campaign coverage
Identify media opportunities
Detect potential crises early
Instead of searching manually, information comes directly to you.
Pricing Structure
Free: Fully free service
Paid plans: None available
This accessibility makes it ideal for students, freelancers and small teams.
Best Things About Google Alerts
Completely free
Easy setup
Automated monitoring
Works across multiple topics or clients
Worst Things About Google Alerts
Limited analytics features
Some social media mentions may be missed
Email notifications can become overwhelming
Computer vs. Mobile Experience
Desktop
Easier alert customization
Better keyword management
Mobile
Instant updates via email
Convenient real-time monitoring
Key Difference: Desktop is best for setup; mobile is best for awareness.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | ChatGPT | Google Alerts |
Tool Type | AI writing assistant | Media monitoring |
Main Function | Content creation | Reputation tracking |
Free Version | Yes | Yes |
Paid Options | Yes | No |
Mobile Access | Yes | Yes |
Best PR Use | Messaging & ideation | Media awareness |
Final Thoughts: The Modern PR Starter Pack
Public relations today requires equal parts creativity and awareness. Professionals must craft compelling stories while staying constantly informed about public conversation.
ChatGPT strengthens the creative side of PR by accelerating writing and brainstorming, while Google Alerts strengthens strategic awareness through continuous monitoring.
Together, they form a practical, cost-effective toolkit that supports smarter, faster and more informed communication.
For emerging PR professionals especially, learning how to use tools like these signals adaptability — one of the most valuable skills in today’s communications industry.
About the Author
Donny J is a communications and public relations professional passionate about digital media strategy, emerging technology and modern storytelling. With an interest in AI’s growing role in communications, they focus on combining creativity with data-driven tools to build effective and innovative PR campaigns.
References
Google. Google Alerts. Accessed Apr. 26, 2026. https://www.google.com/alerts
OpenAI. “ChatGPT.” OpenAI, accessed Apr. 26, 2026. https://openai.com/chatgpt
Dwivedi, Yogesh K., et al. “So What if ChatGPT Wrote It? Multidisciplinary
Perspectives on Opportunities, Challenges and Implications of Generative
Conversational AI.” International Journal of Information Management, 2023.
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