Public relations professionals are often on the go and looking for new ways to manage their time. There are thousands of smartphone apps designed to make working and life in general easier. Here are seven recommendations that can help both communicators and other business professionals who are on the go.

1. Flipboard – Free

Ever wish all of your favorite social networks and websites could be viewed in one place? With Flipboard they can. Flipboard combines everything you enjoy reading and puts it into a magazine format for easy reading. This is perfect for public relation pros that need to keep up with both social media and the latest news. Flipboard is able to help you keep your eye on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, Flikr and more.

2. HootSuite – Free

Social media has become a major part of most public relations campaigns today. HootSuite provides an app that can help you manage all of your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Foursquare accounts in one simple location. It allows you to send or schedule updates in advance, along with helping keep track of the latest stats and important keywords being used.

3. InstaPaper — Free

See an article you would like to read, but don’t have time for it at the moment? InstaPaper is a simple solution to help fix this problem. By simply hitting save in your web browser, you can view the reading material later and in an offline environment. You can even use the app to look at articles your friends have posted to Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr.

4. Dropbox – Free

Forget a file that you need to work on? Dropbox is a great solution for storing all your documents, photos and videos. Once Dropbox is installed on your computer you can simply “drop” the files you need into the program for later access. Dropbox also makes it easy to share files with others.

5. Evernote – Free

Evernote is a great resource for gathering content beyond your desk. It helps you keep track of notes, voice memos, snapshots, ideas and more and then lets you sync them with your computer. It’s perfect for helping organize things that need to be reviewed later.

6. Keynote – $9.99

All of Apple’s iWorks programs are available in app form. Keynote is particularly helpful if you are putting together a lot of presentations. The app is very intuitive and makes it easy to design an attractive presentation even when you are away from your desk.

7. AP Stylebook 2011 – $24.99

No public relations arsenal would be complete without an AP Stylebook. Now it’s available in app form for any questions you might run into on journalistic style. It offers easy search function, the ability to create your own custom entries, note taking and bookmarking features.

What are your favorite apps?

About the author

Kellie Englehardt

Early on Kellie realized she wanted to pursue a career helping businesses with their communication needs. She interned as a reporter during high school at a local paper and served as editor-in-chief of her college paper, leading the team to several national awards. But that was just her younger years. Kellie has led public relations efforts for major brands in hospitality, consumer goods and non-profit sectors, helping them secure placements in top media outlets including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and 20/20. Outside of work you will find Kellie jet setting around the world, doing art projects and enjoying all that Utah has to offer. Kellie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations and hospitality and tourism.