Securing approvals on content can often be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially when there are multiple stakeholders who need to sign off on it.

Depending on the size of the company, a PR person may need to secure approval from the company’s CEO, CFO, or other senior executives, such as the vice president of product. In some cases, the legal department may also need to review and approve the release to ensure that it is compliant with any relevant laws and regulations.

Fortunately, with the right approach and tools, you can streamline and make the approval process more efficient.

Here are some best practices for securing approvals on content:

• Define a clear approval process: Before starting any project, it’s important to have a clear and well-defined approval process in place. This should include the roles and responsibilities of each person involved in the process, as well as the steps that need to be taken to move the content from draft to final approval.
• Use a project management tool: A project management tool can be a valuable asset in the approval process. It allows you to keep track of the status of each piece of content, as well as the comments and feedback from reviewers. This makes it easier to see where the content is in the process and what needs to be done next.

If you’re not using project management software, you’ll want to develop another system – whether it’s a shared document in Google or Microsoft or a whiteboard – where you can physically keep track of deadlines and facilitate collaboration between parties.

• Communicate regularly: Regular communication is key to ensuring that the approval process runs smoothly. This means keeping reviewers informed about the status of the content and reminding them of deadlines. You may also want to provide them with clear instructions about how to provide feedback and what is expected of them.
• Set realistic deadlines: Deadlines are an important part of the approval process, but it’s important to make sure they are realistic. If deadlines are set too tightly, it can lead to rushed and potentially subpar work. On the other hand, if they are set too far in the future, it can lead to delays and missed opportunities.
• Be open to feedback: The approval process is an opportunity to improve the content and make it the best it can be. This means being open to feedback from reviewers and considering their suggestions. It’s important to strike a balance between making changes based on feedback and maintaining the integrity of the content.

One important note about securing approvals on quotes from third parties for content including press releases.

The best practice for securing quote approvals for a press release is to first make sure that the quote accurately reflects what the person said, and that it is presented in the proper context. Once the quote has been finalized, you should reach out to the person who gave the quote and ask them to review and approve it before it is included in the press release.

This is essential to ensure that the person is comfortable with how it’s being used. It is also important to make sure that you get the person’s approval in writing, either via email or a signed approval form, so that you have a record of their consent.

Overall, the key to a successful approval process is to have a clear plan, the right tools, and good communication. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your content is approved quickly and efficiently.