PR Heading Towards Social Media or Another Buzzword?
January 17, 2008
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In doing a little PR for Ignite, I typically use free, basic services like PR.com and PRLeap. For the most part, these are pretty decent for getting a traditional release “out there” easily and affordably. It has also led to Google News inclusion, which has led to boosted SEO of our site.
So today, I was dismayed when I went to PRLeap, submitted my release and then was met with this screen:
As you can see, there is currently no free service anywhere. Believe me, I checked. Then I noticed the following announcement on the website that confirmed my speculations, “As announced on November 26, 2007, PR Leap has discontinued its free service after four and one half years.”
However disappointing this was, I decided to to look more at the pricing to see what exactly the different cost structures included, when I noticed that the first “distribution” listed on this chart was none other than “social media”.
No description. No explanation of what sites are included or where it would be distributed- just social media.
I can’t help but to look at this and think, “Is this just another example of PR trying to head in the area of social media?” or “Is the term “social media” going to be another “added feature” claimed by PR distribution channels and PR agencies?” I can’t help but to think of it as the latter.
So- I’m curious if any of you use PRLeap and use this “social media” feature? If so I’d love to hear your experience with it, and get some insight into the social media it targets.
Comments
5 Responses to “PR Heading Towards Social Media or Another Buzzword?”
Got something to say?
I’m really curious to know what that means… I haven’t used it and i’m saddened to see that it is no longer free.
I think Social Media is at the stage SEO was many a year ago. It’s used very loosely. When in fact there are many sub niches inside Social Media and they honestly deserved to be described in greater detail.
This being a prime ex.
Nice find.
I wouldn’t call any of these services PR in the truest sense.
Very good find, I’ve never used traditional online PR releases for a long time so would be interested in seeing what results you guys have received from those.
I’m actually starting to change the focus of my own services tailored around what we are doing best and the services I prefer to offer.
It is a niche in the social media category (in my opinion) and something you guys offer yourselves.
I am a volunteer for a start-up project management association in Dubai. Free press releases would be very useful. Have you found free services since posting PR Heading Towards Social Media or Another Buzzword? on 17 January 2008?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Adam