Online Public Relations Thoughts

Search engines are catching up with the need to track social media. Last week, Microsoft's Bing announced it would search Facebook and Twitter. Now, Google is about to track real-time information from social circles. This is important news for PR practitioners because it will provide a closer view of what people are thinking. Do not be surprised if one learns that in their daily lives, most people don't think about or discuss issues. That, however, is good to know because it shows the challenge communicators have to get people to pay attention. Clients need to know as well what they are facing when they try to raise awareness. Search engine results can provide a microscopic baseline of opinion and perception.