In-home promotions might seem like a throwback to 1950s Tupperware parties, but with PR pros at the helm, these brand-building events are cutting edge, with viral marketing and social networking components.

By using pop-up stores, PR pros can turn an empty space into an innovative extension of a brand. Despite the popularity of the tactic - several well-received pop-ups have occurred in major cities such as New York, LA, and Miami - this technique is still an effective way to reach a new audience, as long as that store has unique aspects.

Rumors never truly die on the Web. Posts might linger online forever, inevitably to be found and disseminated by search engines. As such, many political candidates, or groups under fire from critics, often host "fact-check" sections on their Web sites to help set the record straight. The sections generally require little effort to maintain, but generate significant payback, say PR pros.

As the social media space becomes crowded, PR pros are increasingly looking for ways to unite the media streams they follow.

The often hectic and travel-filled schedules of today's PR pros are no excuse for them to avoid contact with their employees that are seated at their desks in agency offices

A popular feature on media Web sites is the "most popular" ranking, which can be a valuable reference tool for PR pros looking for trends to tap in their media relation's efforts.

Captivating consumers with brand messages for hours is one of the most common PR dreams, and online gaming is helping to make that a reality.

PR PROS routinely aim to win clients a guest spot on a TV show or create a great CEO video-blog. Yet communications pros, also tasked with monitoring a video's success as it spreads across the Internet, are increasingly turning to online video monitoring for tracking.

With all the possibilities that modern media offers for communicating a message, PR pros shouldn't forget about one of the simplest means of outreach: terrestrial radio.

Communications experts seeking to uphold the good name of a brand or organization say monitoring and contributing to wikis - Web sites that have content developed collaboratively by visitors - often take more time than participation in blog discussions or other online media. But that's partly what makes the process worth doing.