MonitorThis is a free service that collates results from 25 different global web resources into a single digest-style RSS feed. This list includes an impressive array of social media (from small-scale blog-focused projects such as blogdigger to the behemoth of Twitter), news aggregators like Google and Yahoo News, and sharing/discovery engines like Metacafe and del.icio.us. Interestingly enough, Bing is also included in the sites aggregated– with its recent decision to start weighing Facebook likes into its SERP rankings, you’re getting a double whammy of meta-social search. The service observes results from all of these sources, updating its feed instantly so you can see your chosen keyword’s mention as soon as it’s indexed by the various engines’ spiders.

It’s unfeasible to track down every blog venue, review directory, social networking site and even article engine that may make mention of your brand or business, MonitorThis makes it easy to stay on top of every aspect of your online appearance. Simply import the OPML file into your favorite RSS reader and rest easy knowing you’ve got a watchful eye on your name and reputation.

Enter SEO and social media; suddenly this big bad world is more reminiscent of a classic ride at Disney World. You know, the one where all the little kids talk about how there isn’t that much difference between you and me regardless of language or location. That’s right, because it’s all about getting to know each other and figuring out how to communicate. This is exactly the purpose of using SEO and social media outlets to bring people to your business, except in our “big kid” world we call it public relations.

Okay, I understand that most of your pure business gurus out there believe that public relations is, and I quote, “just ass-kissing and party-planning.” Five to ten years ago they might have had a point, but in this contemporary economy the true principles of the craft are a huge part of why smaller companies have a fighting chance again. The consumer has a renewed interest in quality, and is willing to spend a little more for a more personable experience. While the bottom line is still net profit, they way to success lies within the methods you use to obtain your goals.

If Google and other search engines have replaced the YellowPages, then SEO has replaced the one-page ad. Sure, Adwords are still a highly profitable drive for visits and conversions, but the SEO in and of itself spans beyond the normal realm of marketing. A business owner takes special interest in what the consumer is looking for when they go searching. The use of these technologies can help a business mold their image into something much more appealing to the audience. They are interacting directly and specifically with their public through just a few small changes.

When you throw social media into the mix, then you are really getting some classic public relations action. The basic idea of the PR world is to promote goodwill for your company to its public. So a business going on Facebook to garner “likes” that convert to sales has to add things to this medium that will stir interest. Some of the typical things you will see in a business fan page are news, specials, and community projects. This is public relations! You are showing your consumer the good you do for them and the community. These simple acts inspire the kind of loyalty that results in a stronger bottom line.

In effect, established public relations principles mixed with cutting-edge marketing strategies not only gain customers, but implore them to be active members in the community that is your business. They feel a connection not only with what you do but also with the personal responses you show to your environment. This is the way small business regains its individual face, loyal customer base and larger profits. Now that’s something to plan a party for!

Matt Siltala of Dream Systems Media

On our pal and colleague Matt Siltala ‘s site, Dream Systems Media, they just posted a great article from Janet MeinersThaeler, @NewspaperGrl on press releases and their SEO value.

We LOVE online PR around here!

The post is about online PR and how a press release can get you quality backlinks.

Start with a good story and then use online distribution.

The post has a link to a site that ranks press release distribution sites for their SEO value. It also gives tips on what to write about (finding a good topic is key to getting coverage from bloggers and journalists alike).

It’s a good read and validates our opinion and use of PR in support of website promotion.

Check it out and if you like it, tweet or Spinn it.

In case you missed it, I had the good fortune to be interviewed by Matt on a related subject “Press Releases and SEO ” a couple months back.