While participating in a webinar a few months ago titled “New Media PR,” the featured speaker was asked about “search engine optimization” and replied that (and I’m paraphrasing) it’s very important; there are tools available to help you do it; and PR people really should check with their IT department for information on how to do it.

REALLY? Not quite the answer I was looking for. It made me think of my husband, who is an IT guy. Not that I don’t think he’s a smart dude, but he’s just about the last person I want messing with my press releases.

Optimized “content.” CONTENT. It’s as much a part of a press release (or social media release) as the header or the dateline. And, that’s my job, not the IT person’s.

Why do I care so much? Consider the following:

According to the “2008 Journalist Survey on Media Relations Practices”:

• Nearly half of journalists report visiting a corporate website or online newsroom at least once a week, while nearly 87% visit at least once a month.

• More than 75% of journalists say they use social media to research stories.

• Nearly 75% follow at least one blog regularly.

Are they finding you and your clients?

If your press releases, press room, blog and web content aren’t optimized for search engines, it’s almost as though you don’t exist. Even worse, when journalists search for facts or experts, they may just stumble upon your client’s biggest competitor.

Kane Consulting is sharing the SEO love. Join us, and the search specialists from Nina Hale Consulting on March 27, 2009 for an intensive, one-day seminar that will cover the basics – how it works, why it works, and how to start dong it. For details or to register, visit http://www.kaneconsulting.biz/kane_registration.html