Two Free PR Tools I Use: ChatGPT and Google Alerts
- Wesley Walker
- Jan 25
- 4 min read
When people think of public relations tools, they usually think of expensive software and paid platforms. In reality, two of the PR tools I rely on the most are completely free. As someone building a modern PR skill set, I’ve found that knowing how to use simple, accessible tools effectively can be just as important as having access to premium ones.
Public relations work moves fast. Stories break. Conversations shift. Messages need updates. If you wait too long, you lose control of the narrative.
The narrative shapes how people understand events, people, and brands. Once a version of the story spreads, it becomes harder to correct. Even accurate responses can feel late if the first message sets the tone. In public relations, timing and clarity matter as much as the facts themselves.
Most PR professionals spend their time doing two things. They write. And they monitor. Writing shapes the message. Monitoring shows how the message lands.
This post looks at two free tools that support those core tasks. One uses artificial intelligence. One does not. Both fit into real PR workflows without adding noise.
These tools are ChatGPT and Google Alerts.
ChatGPT (AI Tool)
What ChatGPT is
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool created by OpenAI. It helps users write, revise, summarize, and organize information through text-based prompts.
When ChatGPT launched, it reached wide adoption in a short period of time. CNN reported that users quickly applied it to everyday writing tasks, including emails, essays, and content drafts.
That early use matters for PR. Public relations depends on writing under pressure. Any tool that reduces friction at the start of the writing process has value.
How ChatGPT works
ChatGPT responds to prompts. You type a request, and it returns text based on patterns in language. The output depends on how clear the prompt is.
You can ask ChatGPT to:
Draft a press release outline
Rewrite a paragraph for clarity
Adjust tone for a specific audience
Shorten a statement
Create talking points
The tool does not know strategy. It does not understand context unless you give it that context. The quality of the output depends on the quality of the input.
More recent updates added voice interaction. According to CNN, voice features made ChatGPT feel more conversational and changed how users interact with it. For PR professionals, this reinforces an important point. AI tools shape behavior. They do not replace thinking.
Why ChatGPT helps PR professionals
PR professionals write constantly. They write for clients, executives, media, and the public. They revise. They reframe. They adapt.
ChatGPT helps speed up early drafts. It gives you something to react to. That matters when deadlines stack up.
Common PR uses include:
Drafting press release structures
Rewriting messaging for tone
Creating headline options
Turning long content into social captions
Building FAQs and interview prep
ChatGPT works best as a drafting partner. The final message should always reflect professional judgment. The tool supports the work. It does not lead it.
Cost and access
ChatGPT offers a free plan with basic access. Paid plans provide higher limits and added features. OpenAI lists current options on its site.
Strengths:
ChatGPT saves time.
It helps organize ideas.
It works across many PR tasks.
It runs on desktop and mobile devices.
Limitations:
ChatGPT requires fact checking.
It can sound generic without guidance.
It does not replace strategy.
Some features require payment.
Desktop and mobile use
Desktop works best for long-form writing and editing. Mobile works well for quick brainstorming and caption drafts. The tool functions the same on both.
ChatGPT used for drafting PR content. Screenshot by Wesley Walker.
Google Alerts (Non-AI Tool)
What Google Alerts is
Google Alerts is a free monitoring tool created by Google. It sends email notifications when new content appears online for selected keywords.
This tool has existed for years. That longevity matters. Many PR tools come and go. Google Alerts remains useful because it does one thing well.
How Google Alerts works
You enter keywords. These can include a brand name, executive name, campaign title, or industry term. Google scans new content and sends email updates based on your settings.
A guide from Hoyt Organization explains that Google Alerts helps PR professionals track coverage without paid monitoring platforms. You can control frequency and sources. You can filter results. The setup only takes a few minutes.
Why Google Alerts matters in PR
PR professionals manage reputation. Reputation depends on awareness.
Google Alerts helps track:
Brand mentions
Leadership mentions
Competitor activity
Industry news
Potential issues
Many PR failures begin with missed signals. Google Alerts reduces that risk by keeping information visible.
A discussion shared among PR professionals on LinkedIn highlights brand monitoring as a core responsibility in communications work.
Cost and access
Strengths
Google Alerts is free.
It requires little setup.
It supports early awareness.
It works for personal and client brands.
Limitations
Alerts may miss some coverage.
Results can include irrelevant items.
The tool lacks analytics and reporting depth.
Desktop and mobile use
Alerts arrive by email on all devices. Managing alerts works best on desktop. Google does not offer a dedicated mobile app for Alerts.
Screenshot placement
Google Alerts keyword monitoring setup. Screenshot by Wesley Walker.
Context on other AI tools
AI tools continue to enter the communications space. Grok, developed by xAI, focuses on real-time social conversation and trending topics. CNN reported that Grok 3 emphasizes live platform data.
Perplexity focuses on research summaries with citations. It works well for background research but serves a different role than writing-focused tools like ChatGPT.
These tools support different parts of the PR process. None replace professional judgment.
Final thoughts
PR work depends on clarity and awareness. ChatGPT supports writing. Google Alerts supports monitoring.
Both tools are free to start. Both fit into daily workflows. Both require human oversight.
Used together, they help PR professionals stay prepared, informed, and in control of the message.
From a public relations standpoint, tools like these help me stay proactive rather than reactive. Google Alerts allows me to monitor conversations, news, and trends in real time, while ChatGPT helps me organize ideas, draft content, and think strategically. Together, they support core PR functions such as media monitoring, research, and message development.
While no tool replaces strategy or critical thinking, using free resources like these has helped me stay informed, efficient, and prepared in a fast-moving media environment.
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