Hanson & Hunt

By Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt

What's Hanson & Hunt about?

Get relevant news and advice about public relations, corporate communications, social media and marketing each month from Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt. Arik is a solo marketing and communications consultant in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Kevin leads channel development at CHS Inc.

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Hanson & Hunt episodes:

03.22.2024
187: Web traffic from links, thought leadership, internal comms report
There's new evidence that you should reconsider sharing links in your social media posts. Also, why your thought leadership approach might be stuck in “mutually assured irrelevance.” Plus, a new report on challenges in internal communications, the increase in distractions...
02.23.2024
186: Maximizing LinkedIn, new Pew data, collaborative articles
What kind of posts perform best on LinkedIn? We'll dive into an overwhelming new analysis of user activity on the platform. Also, Pew recently released its latest data on the usage of all major social media channels. Plus, LinkedIn collaborative...
01.29.2024
185: 2024 trends, Solo Stove, career contentment
From the rise of social search to AI's use in content creation there are many trends identified for the new year. We'll talk about a few that are getting attention. Plus, Solo Stove's use of Snoop Dogg, a new free...
12.20.2023
184: AI content, crappy photos, comms priorities
The quality and trust of AI-powered content vs. human-powered content is a hot topic right now. We'll look at two new studies that get into that. We also chat about the priorities for comms leaders in 2024. Plus, the viral...
11.22.2023
183: Creator report, social subscriptions, kids and influencer careers
There's some great insight about creators and their fans in the "Creator Connections" report from Teachable. We also chat about the outlook for social media platforms charging for subscriptions. Plus, a post on the impatience so many organizations have right...
10.19.2023
182: Corp Comm study, LinkedIn is weird now, NPR doesn't miss X
Was it ever worth it to share a link to a blog or website on Twitter? We talk about some data from NPR after they left the platform. We also chat about the type of stories that could drive meaningful...
09.21.2023
181: Social career insights, Chobani's ghostwriter, fake podcasts
We chat about Hootsuite's first-ever Social Media Career Report, which has some interesting insights on workload, salaries, mental health and more. We also share what stood out to us in Edelman's Trust at Work report. Plus, Chobani's "ghostwriter" job posting...
08.17.2023
180: Splintering of social media, crisis comms, YouTube thumbnails
It's time to think differently about your social media accounts. We discuss why a niche approach is in and scale is out. We also chat about one company's shoutout of their social media team in their latest earnings report. Plus,...
07.20.2023
179: Side gig scrutiny, new FTC guidance, Threads
We discuss how going against the grain in social media starts with taking a data-driven approach. We also chat about what early-adopter brands are doing with Threads and how you should be thinking about it from a strategy perspective. Plus,...
06.22.2023
178: Too much content, UGC vs influencers, Twitter boots Arik!
We discuss a great report from Reuters on how people are getting and interacting with news from social media. We also chat about a growing call for organizations to produce and post less content. Plus, the rise of the bored...
05.18.2023
177: Bud Light's messy month, reputation report, how comments lead to content
We talk about Bud Light's marketing mess and the lessons we all can learn from it. We also spend some time on USC's 2023 Global Communication Report, which focuses on the state of corporate reputation. Plus, what PR managers want...
04.20.2023
176: Long-form video, Twitter's meltdown, marketing skill sets
Documentaries and brand films are just two examples of long-form videos that many companies are producing. We talk about why organizations are creating them, how you can know if they're right for you and how you can create them. Also...
03.23.2023
175: 5 social media truths, internal comms trends, 'invisible' CEOs
We all know that social media is getting more fragmented. What the platforms used to be isn't what they are today. And we're all spending our time in more places. So it's time to take a fresh look at how...
02.16.2023
174: ChatGPT, de-influencing, going dark on social
We offer our thoughts on generative AI and ChatGPT, advice for how to use it in the content marketing and social media space and how to get your teams thinking about its possibilities. Also this month, why is it still...
01.19.2023
173: In-house creators, LinkedIn backlash, do you need to be on social to work in social?
Have you noticed who is the face of your favorite brands on TikTok? Sometimes, it's an employee. We talk about some examples of this trend, the risks, and what you should consider if your brand wants to hire an in-house...
12.15.2022
172: Effective influencers, social salaries, data-driven decisions
Does influencer marketing really pay off? We’ll look at how you can make the most of your influencer partnerships. Also this month, remember when Lush quit Facebook and a few other social channels? How have they done without them? Plus,...
11.17.2022
171: Should you stay on Twitter? Audio's impact, choosing a podcast host
What should your organization be thinking about when it comes to Twitter? Should you stay or go? Also this month, audio content continues to make an impact, a new resource from Tik Tok filled with good advice for marketers, and...
10.20.2022
170: Short-form video, content careers, 9-person IG team
The social media platforms, and marketers, are prioritizing short-form and live video. We’ll offer some ideas to help your organization tap into the trend. Also this month, the lack of a career path in content marketing. Plus, what could you...
09.22.2022
169: Demonstrating real value, one word tweets, dressing down for the job interview
It's time to end the thinking that leaders in comms, PR and marketing don't have business chops. We'll discuss earning and keeping the coveted seat at the table, at any point in your career. Also this month, the factors that...
08.18.2022
168: Top comms challenges, zero-click content, the crying CEO
What are your biggest challenges as a communicator? We'll discuss a new survey of your peers that tackles that, as well as the top comms activities this year. Also this month, the fallout from ‘the crying CEO.’ Plus, have we...
07.21.2022
167: What reputation really means, Radio Shack shocker, Twitter Notes
What does digital reputation really mean? We talk through some ideas for how communicators can help their organizations stand out. Also this month, what's going on with Radio Shack's Twitter account? Plus, how long it takes content creators to make...
06.28.2022
166: Recession-ready tips, PR's work-life balance, email newsletters
The threat of a recession, and what impact it could have, is something all marketers and communicators should be thinking about. We offer some ideas for your plans in the months and year ahead. Also this month, evidence of a...
05.19.2022
165: Adding social channels, content program history lessons, avoiding 'link rot'
It might seem like your organization should be on every social media channel, but does it make strategic sense? We talk through some things to consider when evaluating adding a new channel. Also this month, a great idea to impress...
04.21.2022
164: Avoiding dumb social posts, owned media tips, telling clients 'no'
Many brands employ a 'Let's have some fun' attitude on their social media accounts. But are some trying too hard to get attention? Also this month, tips for maximizing your owned media. Plus, TikTok sees an increase in people sharing...
03.18.2022
163: Employee advocacy, local news and PR, reluctant return to office
Organizations of all types have been encouraging their employees to advocate on their behalf on their personal social media accounts for years. Are these programs effective? We run through some ideas for starting and growing social media advocacy programs. Also...
02.17.2022
162: How brands should use Twitter, roles in demand, letting someone 'pick your brain'
There are a lot of reasons for an organization to use Twitter, Arik reveals what's on the top of his list. Also this month, can process and passion coexist in comms and marketing? Plus, a study that uncovers which roles...
01.20.2022
161: User-generated content, internal comms challenges, content costs
As consumers spend more time with user-generated content, on a variety of social channels, there are more opportunities for companies and brands to showcase it. Also this month, is cancel culture affecting brands? Plus, the cost of content production, and...
12.16.2021
160: Former journalists, the lifespan of content, "Get Back" lessons
We're grateful this month to be able to share some audio clips from several former journalists now working in communications and marketing, and have them talk about some challenges of making the move away from news and offer some advice...
11.18.2021
159: Questions to ask your social media manager, IG data, advice for new managers
You can learn a lot about social media - from the person who manages it for your organization. So what should you ask them? We have a few questions to bring to them. Also this month, channel data in the...
10.28.2021
158: Improving thought leadership, Facebook's future, ageism in hybrid work
Why is there so much crappy thought leadership content out there? We talk about that and what B2B and B2C brands could do to improve it. Also this month, Arik clues you into what he's telling his clients about their...
09.23.2021
157: Content publishing challenges, trust 'the long tail,' comms job titles
Those who create content for blogs and websites are well aware their traffic hasn't been the same for several years. We discuss a post that tees us up for how you can try and break through – perhaps with email...
08.19.2021
156: Planning hybrid comms, thought leadership, YouTube and brands
The 'return to the office' might be delayed again for many organizations but comms plans still have to be in place for the hybrid workforce. We discuss some things to consider and the challenges of the future workplace. Also this...
07.22.2021
155: Measuring your comms, brands and college athletes, Pfizer's PR win
Measurement of your communications efforts and programs is tricky. There's a lot you could track. So what should you pay attention to? From data dashboards to content scoring and focus groups, we talk through some ways to get smarter about...
06.24.2021
154: Timely social media advice (w/Jen Hartmann), authenticity gap in comms, brand films
Our June 2021 episode includes:Social media advice for 2021 (:55)Guest: Jen Hartmann, John Deere (13:15)Spotlight: The Carolina Panthers and social engagement (32:55)FleishmanHillard's Authenticity Gap study (34:40)Brand films (39:40)Listener question: How should I network post-pandemic? (45:05)LINKSTALKING POINTFocus more on Facebook, customer...
05.20.2021
153: Be a better writer (w/Sarah Mitchell), content approvals, business blogs
Our May 2021 episode includes:State of Writing in 2021 (1:00)Guest: Sarah Mitchell, Typeset (4:40)Spotlight: Alaska Air's boomer hype house (21:00)Ragan’s Communications Benchmark Report (24:30)Altimeter's 2021 State of Digital Content (27:30)Listener question: Should I start a business blog? (32:15)LINKSTALKING POINTState of...
04.22.2021
152: Execs on LinkedIn (w/Lee Odden), media pitching tips, too much corporate email
Our April 2021 episode includes:Executive use of LinkedIn (:50)Guest: Lee Odden, TopRank Marketing (6:15)Spotlight: Dove leads on diversity (27:45)The State of Journalism 2021 (29:10)Corporate email study (33:50)Listener question: Brands and Clubhouse (38:50)LINKSTALKING POINTLearn why and how executives should become active...
03.18.2021
151: New podcasting/social media data (w/Tom Webster), viral drones, internal comms challenges
Our March 2021 episode includes:The 2021 Infinite Dial Report (:50)Guest: Tom Webster, Edison Research (8:00)Spotlight: Viral drone video (24:50)Gallagher's State of the Sector 2021 (28:50)NFTs and marketing (33:05)Listener question: Getting your audience to your blog (37:25)LINKSTALKING POINTThe Infinite Dial 2021The...
02.18.2021
150: Reframing influencer marketing (w/Jason Falls), Clubhouse, content marketing trends
Our February 2021 episode includes:The state of influencer marketing (1:05)Guest: Jason Falls, "Winfluence" (9:10)Spotlight: New Zealand tells tourists to stop copying other people's photos (30:15)What marketers need to know about Clubhouse (33:00)Pandemic changes for B2C content marketers (37:20)Listener question: Social...
01.14.2021
149: The PESO Model (w/Gini Dietrich), DQ employee's viral TikTok, social posts in trying times
Our January 2021 episode includes:The PESO Model (1:25)Guest: Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks (7:40)Spotlight: Dairy Queen employee on TikTok (19:15)How employee comms can help fight change fatigue (22:05)Digital marketing trends for 2021 (24:25)Listener question: How should brands approach social media during...
12.17.2020
148: Brand journalism, KFC gets sexy, hated interview questions
In our December 2020 episode, we discuss:Pinterest's "soon-to-be trending" report (4:00)Short-form content (6:50)Comms predictions for 2021 (7:30)Spotlight: KFC's sexy Colonel Sanders movie (10:10)The state of brand journalism (14:20)PRWeek and Cision's Comms Report (30:05)The interview questions job candidates hate (39:50)INTRO SEGMENT12...
12.07.2020
147: Bonus/Blois Olson, fluence media
Arik and Kevin interview Blois Olson of fluence media. He shares his insights on the political landscape, social media, the impact of COVID-19 on communications, 2021 planning, local media and PR, the benefits of email newsletters and more.LINKSBlois Olson (LinkedIn...
11.19.2020
146: Career path for social media, COVID's impact on 2021 comms, sports and Twitter
In our November 2020 episode, we discuss:The 2021 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public Relations (4:00)The latest IGTV research (7:50)How brands are using sports Twitter to connect with fans (9:50)Spotlight: The Cheetos holiday cookbook (13:55)Social Media Trends 2021...
10.26.2020
145: Bonus/Voicing your opinion on politics
Plenty of communicators are posting their thoughts on politics on their social media accounts. Should you? Arik discusses that and shares some advice for how to do it.MORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad...
10.15.2020
144: Advice when between jobs, always-on employee comms, social hot takes
In our October 2020 episode, we discuss:Social media marketing on Reddit, Twitch and Quora (2:20)New blogging statistics (4:05)LinkedIn Stories (5:20)Spotlight: Ocean Spray and TikTok (8:40)Spotlight: Monster Cereal Sweepstakes (10:45)Social media hot takes (13:45)Refining your approach to employee comms (24:45)Advice if...
09.28.2020
143: Bonus/Laura King, CorTalent
Arik interviews Laura King, a director at CorTalent - who manages the company's recruiting and business development - and a co-founder of Marketers' Community. She offers advice for your job search, the importance of LinkedIn, ways to stand out, networking...
09.16.2020
142: Networking in a pandemic, comms planning, PR ethics
In our September 2020 episode, we discuss:Email makes a comeback in internal comms (3:20)Facebook sets limits on ads (5:20)Microsoft's deepfake detector (6:30)Spotlight: Red Wing Shoes and #LaborDayOn (9:00)Communications planning advice (11:45)PR ethics (24:35)Networking in a pandemic (33:00 )QUICK NEWS &...
09.01.2020
141: Bonus/Brands taking a stand
Arik examines the complex topic of companies and brands making the decision to take a public stand on politics and key societal issues.LINKSMost Loved Brands 2020Survey reaffirms consumers are serious about brands taking standsBest Buy says 30% of 1,000 new...
08.13.2020
140: How to brag, our "hills to die on," mixternal comms
In our August 2020 episode, we discuss:Instagram Reels (3:00)Cision’s State of the Press Release (5:50)Employee perspectives on COVID-19 (9:05)Spotlight: Country Time's bailout relief fund (13:25)Our "hills to die on" (15:10)The benefits of mixternal collaboration (28:55)How to brag better (35:45)QUICK NEWS...
07.23.2020
139: The burnout is real, Facebook backlash, what consumers want from brands
In our July 2020 episode, we discuss:Edelman's Trust Barometer Special Report: Brand Trust in 2020 (3:40)What Black Lives Matter supporters want brands to do (4:45)What companies and employees are posting on LinkedIn (5:55)COVID-19’s impact on marketing (7:00)Spotlight: Arby’s audio tweets...
06.25.2020
138: Bonus/Marsha Pitts-Phillips, Minnesota PRSA
Arik interviews Marsha Pitts-Phillips, the Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and the president and founder of MRPP & Associates Communications. They discuss a variety of topics relevant to the communications...

What's Hanson & Hunt about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Hanson & Hunt episodes:

187: Web traffic from links, thought leadership, internal comms report

186: Maximizing LinkedIn, new Pew data, collaborative articles

185: 2024 trends, Solo Stove, career contentment

184: AI content, crappy photos, comms priorities

183: Creator report, social subscriptions, kids and influencer careers

182: Corp Comm study, LinkedIn is weird now, NPR doesn't miss X

181: Social career insights, Chobani's ghostwriter, fake podcasts

180: Splintering of social media, crisis comms, YouTube thumbnails

179: Side gig scrutiny, new FTC guidance, Threads

178: Too much content, UGC vs influencers, Twitter boots Arik!

177: Bud Light's messy month, reputation report, how comments lead to content

176: Long-form video, Twitter's meltdown, marketing skill sets

175: 5 social media truths, internal comms trends, 'invisible' CEOs

174: ChatGPT, de-influencing, going dark on social

173: In-house creators, LinkedIn backlash, do you need to be on social to work in social?

172: Effective influencers, social salaries, data-driven decisions

171: Should you stay on Twitter? Audio's impact, choosing a podcast host

170: Short-form video, content careers, 9-person IG team

169: Demonstrating real value, one word tweets, dressing down for the job interview

168: Top comms challenges, zero-click content, the crying CEO

167: What reputation really means, Radio Shack shocker, Twitter Notes

166: Recession-ready tips, PR's work-life balance, email newsletters

165: Adding social channels, content program history lessons, avoiding 'link rot'

164: Avoiding dumb social posts, owned media tips, telling clients 'no'

163: Employee advocacy, local news and PR, reluctant return to office

162: How brands should use Twitter, roles in demand, letting someone 'pick your brain'

161: User-generated content, internal comms challenges, content costs

160: Former journalists, the lifespan of content, "Get Back" lessons

159: Questions to ask your social media manager, IG data, advice for new managers

158: Improving thought leadership, Facebook's future, ageism in hybrid work

157: Content publishing challenges, trust 'the long tail,' comms job titles

156: Planning hybrid comms, thought leadership, YouTube and brands

155: Measuring your comms, brands and college athletes, Pfizer's PR win

154: Timely social media advice (w/Jen Hartmann), authenticity gap in comms, brand films

153: Be a better writer (w/Sarah Mitchell), content approvals, business blogs

152: Execs on LinkedIn (w/Lee Odden), media pitching tips, too much corporate email

151: New podcasting/social media data (w/Tom Webster), viral drones, internal comms challenges

150: Reframing influencer marketing (w/Jason Falls), Clubhouse, content marketing trends

149: The PESO Model (w/Gini Dietrich), DQ employee's viral TikTok, social posts in trying times

148: Brand journalism, KFC gets sexy, hated interview questions

147: Bonus/Blois Olson, fluence media

146: Career path for social media, COVID's impact on 2021 comms, sports and Twitter

145: Bonus/Voicing your opinion on politics

144: Advice when between jobs, always-on employee comms, social hot takes

143: Bonus/Laura King, CorTalent

142: Networking in a pandemic, comms planning, PR ethics

141: Bonus/Brands taking a stand

140: How to brag, our "hills to die on," mixternal comms

139: The burnout is real, Facebook backlash, what consumers want from brands

138: Bonus/Marsha Pitts-Phillips, Minnesota PRSA