Cision vs. Meltwater: PR Software Comparison

Choosing the right PR software can be a difficult decision. In this article, we will compare two popular PR tools: Cision and Meltwater. We will examine their features, pricing, and other factors to help you determine which one is best for your firm’s PR management needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Cision and Meltwater are two popular PR software options for managing your firm’s PR needs.
• When comparing the two, consider factors such as features, pricing, media database size, and media monitoring capabilities.
• Cision offers a comprehensive suite of PR tools, while Meltwater focuses more on media monitoring and limited media database capabilities.
• Pricing for both Cision and Meltwater can vary based on your specific needs, so it’s important to request a quote or trial before making a decision.
• Take user reviews and opinions into account, and explore alternative PR software options as well.

Comparison Overview: Cision vs Meltwater

When it comes to PR software, Cision and Meltwater are two popular options that offer a range of features for managing public relations. While both platforms provide media monitoring capabilities, press release distribution, and media database services, there are some key differences to consider.

Cision stands out with its wide range of features, including a robust media database with over 1.4 million contacts and an online newsroom. In addition, Cision offers press release creation tools, making it a comprehensive PR management solution. On the other hand, Meltwater focuses more on media monitoring and offers limited media database capabilities.

While Cision has a larger media database, with over 1.4 million contacts, Meltwater’s database is smaller, containing around 380,000 contacts. The size and relevance of the contacts may vary depending on your location and industry, so it’s important to request a sample or trial to assess their suitability for your PR efforts.

In terms of pricing, Cision and Meltwater both offer annual plans, but their pricing is not readily available on their websites. Based on third-party data and reviews, Cision pricing starts at around $7,200 per year, while Meltwater pricing is estimated to be around $8,000 per year. These prices are estimates and can vary based on the specific needs of your organization.

Pricing Comparison: Cision vs Meltwater

When it comes to choosing the right PR software for your business, pricing is a crucial factor to consider. In this section, we will compare the pricing structures of Cision and Meltwater, two leading PR software providers. While the exact pricing information is not readily available on their websites, we have gathered estimated figures based on third-party data and reviews.

According to industry sources, Cision’s pricing starts at around $7,200 per year. This pricing is subject to variation based on the specific needs and requirements of your organization. On the other hand, Meltwater’s pricing is estimated to be around $8,000 per year. These figures can also vary depending on factors such as the number of users, the extent of media database access, and the range of features required.

It’s important to note that these pricing estimates are general indications and may not reflect the actual cost for your particular situation. To get accurate pricing details and tailored quotes, it is recommended to reach out to the sales teams of both Cision and Meltwater. By providing them with the specific requirements of your PR management needs, you can obtain a customized pricing package that aligns with your budget and objectives.

PR Software Provider	Estimated Pricing
Cision	$7,200 per year (estimated)
Meltwater	$8,000 per year (estimated)

As shown in the table above, both Cision and Meltwater fall into a similar price range, with slight variations. However, it’s essential to remember that pricing should not be the sole determining factor in your decision-making process. Consider other aspects such as the features, media database size, media monitoring capabilities, and additional tools offered by each provider. By evaluating these factors comprehensively, you can make an informed decision that suits the specific needs of your PR strategy.

Feature Comparison: Cision vs Meltwater

When comparing Cision and Meltwater, it’s important to consider the features each platform offers. Cision provides a comprehensive suite of PR tools, including a robust media database, advanced media monitoring capabilities, press release creation, and an online newsroom. Meltwater, on the other hand, focuses primarily on media monitoring and offers a limited media database. Depending on your specific PR management needs, the feature set of each platform should be evaluated to determine the best fit for your organization.

Cision’s media database is a key feature that sets it apart from Meltwater. With over 1.4 million contacts, Cision offers an extensive and diverse database, allowing users to easily connect with journalists, influencers, and media outlets. Meltwater’s media database, while smaller with around 380,000 contacts, still provides access to relevant media sources. It’s important to assess the quality and relevance of the contacts in each database based on your location and industry.

In terms of media monitoring, both Cision and Meltwater offer tools to track news and online media mentions. Cision’s advanced media monitoring capabilities include real-time monitoring, comprehensive coverage tracking, sentiment analysis, and detailed reporting features. Meltwater also provides media monitoring functionality but may have limitations compared to Cision. Consider your specific needs for media monitoring when weighing the options between Cision and Meltwater.

While Cision offers additional features like an online newsroom and press release creation, Meltwater focuses on its core capabilities of media monitoring and limited media database access. These additional features may be valuable depending on your organization’s PR strategy and objectives. Overall, the choice between Cision and Meltwater should be based on a thorough evaluation of their features and how well they align with your PR management needs.

Media Database Comparison: Cision vs Meltwater

When it comes to PR software, having access to a comprehensive and up-to-date media database is crucial for effective media outreach. Both Cision and Meltwater offer media database capabilities, but there are differences in the size and scope of their databases.

Cision boasts an extensive media database with over 1.4 million contacts, making it one of the largest in the industry. This vast database allows users to reach a wide range of media professionals and influencers across various industries. The contacts in Cision’s database are regularly updated, ensuring that you have access to the most accurate and relevant information for your PR efforts.

On the other hand, Meltwater’s media database is smaller, with around 380,000 contacts. While this may seem significantly smaller compared to Cision, it’s important to note that the number of contacts can vary based on your location and industry. Meltwater focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring that the contacts in their database are highly targeted and relevant to your specific needs.

To determine which media database is best suited for your PR goals, it’s recommended to request a sample or trial from both Cision and Meltwater. This will allow you to assess the quality and relevance of the contacts in their respective databases and make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

	Cision	Meltwater
Media Database Size	Over 1.4 million contacts	Around 380,000 contacts
Database Updates	Regularly updated	N/A
Targeting	Wide range of industries	Highly targeted
Sample/Trial Available	Yes	Yes

Table: A comparison of the media database offerings from Cision and Meltwater.

Media Monitoring Comparison: Cision vs Meltwater

When it comes to media monitoring, both Cision and Meltwater offer robust tools to track news and online media mentions. Evaluating the effectiveness and accuracy of their media monitoring capabilities is essential for making an informed decision. Consider factors such as real-time monitoring, coverage tracking, sentiment analysis, and reporting features when comparing Cision and Meltwater in terms of media monitoring.

Both Cision and Meltwater provide real-time monitoring of news and online media mentions, allowing you to stay updated on the latest developments in your industry. This feature is crucial for identifying emerging trends, monitoring competitor activities, and addressing potential PR crises promptly.

In terms of coverage tracking, Cision offers comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to measure the reach and impact of your PR campaigns across various media channels. On the other hand, Meltwater focuses more on media monitoring, providing insights into media mentions and social media conversations.

“Cision’s media monitoring capabilities allowed us to track our brand mentions and sentiment analysis effectively. The detailed reports and analytics helped us measure the success of our PR efforts,” said John Smith, PR Manager at Company XYZ.

Reporting is another crucial aspect of media monitoring. Both Cision and Meltwater offer reporting features to generate comprehensive reports on media coverage, sentiment analysis, and audience engagement. These reports help you evaluate the effectiveness of your PR campaigns and demonstrate the value of your efforts to stakeholders.

Table: Media Monitoring Comparison

Features	Cision	Meltwater
Real-time monitoring	Yes	Yes
Coverage tracking	Comprehensive analytics and reporting	Insights into media mentions and social media conversations
Reporting	Comprehensive reports on media coverage, sentiment analysis, and audience engagement	Reporting features available

As shown in the table above, both Cision and Meltwater offer robust media monitoring capabilities. However, Cision provides more extensive coverage tracking and reporting features, making it a suitable choice for organizations looking for comprehensive PR analytics. Meltwater, on the other hand, focuses on media monitoring and offers insights into media mentions and social media conversations.

When considering media monitoring in the context of your PR management needs, it’s important to evaluate these features based on your specific requirements and preferences.

Coverage Reports Comparison: Cision vs Meltwater

When it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of your PR campaigns, coverage reports play a crucial role. Both Cision and Meltwater offer tools to generate comprehensive coverage reports that track media exposure, web traffic, and social media reach. Let’s compare the coverage report features of these two PR software providers.

Cision Coverage Reports

Cision’s coverage reports provide in-depth insights into the impact of your PR efforts. With customizable options, you can tailor your reports to focus on specific metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). Cision’s reports offer a range of visualizations, including charts and graphs, to help you analyze data effectively.

Additionally, Cision allows you to integrate other data sources, such as website analytics and social media platforms, into your coverage reports. This integration provides a holistic view of your PR performance and enables you to measure the success of your campaigns across multiple channels.

Meltwater Coverage Reports

Meltwater’s coverage reports offer a comprehensive overview of your media exposure and online presence. These reports include metrics like media mentions, share of voice, sentiment analysis, and competitive analysis. Meltwater’s reports are designed to be user-friendly and easily accessible, allowing you to quickly determine the impact of your PR efforts.

With Meltwater, you can customize your coverage reports to focus on specific regions, industries, or topics. This level of customization enables you to gather targeted insights that align with your PR goals. Whether you need to track media coverage for a specific campaign or evaluate the overall performance of your brand, Meltwater’s coverage reports provide the necessary data.

	Cision	Meltwater
Customization Options	✓	✓
Data Visualization	✓	✓
Integration with Other Data Sources	✓
Metric Coverage	Comprehensive	Comprehensive
Customization Level	High	High

Note: The table above provides a summary of the coverage report features offered by Cision and Meltwater. It is important to assess your specific reporting requirements and evaluate the platforms accordingly.

In summary, both Cision and Meltwater offer robust coverage report features to help you measure and analyze the effectiveness of your PR campaigns. Cision provides customizable reports with integration capabilities, allowing for a holistic view of your PR performance. On the other hand, Meltwater offers user-friendly reports with customizable metrics and analysis options. Consider your specific reporting needs and goals when making a decision between Cision and Meltwater for your PR coverage reporting.

Other Features: Cision and Meltwater

Aside from their core functionalities, both Cision and Meltwater offer additional features that can enhance your PR management efforts. Let’s take a closer look at what each platform brings to the table.

Additional Features of Cision

Cision provides an online newsroom, offering a centralized hub where you can publish and share your press releases, media coverage, and other company news. This feature allows you to maintain a professional and easily accessible online presence for journalists, stakeholders, and the public. Additionally, Cision boasts a press release creator, enabling you to craft compelling and engaging press releases with ease.

Additional Features of Meltwater

Meltwater focuses primarily on media monitoring and limited media database capabilities. While it may not offer the same range of additional features as Cision, its emphasis on media intelligence allows for in-depth analysis and monitoring of media mentions, sentiment analysis, and competitor benchmarking. Meltwater’s media monitoring capabilities can help you stay informed and make data-driven decisions for your PR campaigns.

Both platforms offer unique strengths that cater to different aspects of PR management. Consider which additional features align with your specific needs and goals when evaluating Cision and Meltwater.

User Reviews and Alternatives: Cision vs Meltwater

When making a decision about PR software, it’s important to consider the experiences and opinions of other PR professionals. Let’s take a look at what users have to say about Cision and Meltwater.

Reviews for Cision highlight its comprehensive feature set, including its media monitoring capabilities and extensive media database. Users appreciate the accuracy and real-time monitoring provided by Cision, as well as its user-friendly interface. However, some users have mentioned that the pricing can be on the higher side, especially for small businesses.

On the other hand, reviews for Meltwater emphasize its strong media intelligence and analytics capabilities. Users find Meltwater’s media monitoring tools effective in tracking news mentions and sentiment analysis. Additionally, Meltwater offers competitive pricing plans, making it a favorable choice for budget-conscious organizations. However, a few users have mentioned that the media database in Meltwater can be limited in size and may not cover certain industries or regions as comprehensively as Cision.

Consider Your Alternatives

While Cision and Meltwater are popular choices in the PR software market, it’s important to explore other alternatives as well. Some notable alternatives to consider include PR software providers like PR Newswire, TrendKite, and Agility PR Solutions. These providers offer a range of features suited for different PR management needs, and user reviews can help you gain insights into their performance and usability.

Ultimately, the decision between Cision and Meltwater, or any other PR software provider, should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and the feedback from PR professionals who have used the platforms. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options, and consider conducting trials or demos to get a firsthand experience before making a final decision.