Some interesting stuff regarding Google’s handling and indexing of PR releases – and I know that if your business is Geotech that you send your press releases to GISuser.com! This from CyberAlert… Those questioning the value of press releases may wish to consider a recent, small and little-noticed change in Google’s search algorithm. The change, first reported by Reuters, allows press releases to outrank media articles reporting the news. Google increased the number of sources permitted the “In the news,” a section within general search results. Only links from bona fide news sites appeared in the section previously.
“The goal of search is to get users the right answer at any one time as quickly as possible — that may mean returning an article from an established publisher or from a smaller niche publisher or indeed it might be a press release,” Google spokeswoman told Reuters.
The algorithm change is bad for media outlets and good for organizations issuing press releases. Publishers may lose traffic, while brands can place their viewpoints above those of skeptical and questioning journalists. It’s part of the continuing demise of established media outlets and the fragmentation of online news.
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