Online Public Relations

By Mark Sceats

Online PR is not simply about posting media releases on your web site. Whilst this may be appropriate, don't limit yourself just to this. There are also various online announcement services you can use to announce your new site or major content changes.

Another way you can use the Internet for public relations is to actively participate in appropriate online newsgroups or forums used by your target audiences. With most forums you have the opportunity to include a ‘sig’ with your postings. This is a signature usually with your names, web site address and strap line. The trick is to contribute content of value, not to be overtly commercial, and ensure you abide by the forum rules.

If you do this and post regularly enough you'll develop credibility as an expert and people will click through to your web site. Becoming a forum moderator, whilst time consuming, can enhance your credibility even further.

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