ChatGPT and Google Alerts: The Two Free Apps Every PR Professional Should Have in Their Toolkit
- Believer's Business
- Feb 22
- 4 min read
Creating smarter content and tracking conversations without spending a dollar.
By Donnae' "Donny J" Jackson
Public Relations & Communications Professional
Published: February 22, 2026
Introduction: Why PR Professionals Need Smart Tools (Not Just Hard Work)
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. That level of responsiveness requires more than talent; it requires the right tools.
The good news? Some of the most useful PR resources are completely free.
In this blog, I review two apps that support everyday public relations workflows: 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 two essentials of modern PR: creating the message and tracking the narrative.
Pull Quote:In PR, speed matters — but strategy matters more. The right tools help you achieve both.
App Review #1: ChatGPT (AI Tool)
Purpose of the App
ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is an artificial intelligence platform designed to assist with writing, brainstorming and research through conversational prompts.
For PR professionals, its role is clear: help turn ideas into polished communication faster.
How ChatGPT Works
Users type prompts describing what they need, and the platform generates text responses based on context and language patterns.
PR professionals commonly use ChatGPT to:
Draft press releases
Develop media pitches
Brainstorm campaign ideas
Rewrite messaging for different audiences
Improve tone and clarity
It functions best as a creative starting point rather than a final product.
Why It’s Useful for PR Professionals
Public relations often means juggling multiple deadlines at once. ChatGPT helps eliminate the blank-page problem and speeds up early drafting stages.
Key benefits include:
Faster content production
Creative inspiration during brainstorming
Efficient message refinement
Support for multitasking professionals
AI doesn’t replace PR expertise — it enhances productivity so professionals can focus on relationship-building and strategy.
Pricing Structure
Free version: Core features suitable for daily PR work
Paid plans: Faster performance and expanded capabilities
This makes the tool scalable from students to agency teams.
Best Things About ChatGPT
Saves time on writing tasks
Encourages creativity
Beginner-friendly interface
Useful across multiple PR formats
Worst Things About ChatGPT
Requires fact-checking
Can sound generic without editing
Needs human insight for authenticity
Computer vs. Mobile Experience
Desktop
Ideal for long-form writing
Easier editing and workflow management
Mobile
Great for quick brainstorming
Helpful during meetings or travel
Key Difference: Desktop supports deep work; mobile supports quick creativity.
Pull Quote: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 Feb. 22, 2026. https://www.google.com/alerts
OpenAI. “ChatGPT.” OpenAI, accessed Feb. 22, 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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