Hi Stuart,  why would you want to use sudonyms? - you will just lose cred when journos ring back to check further details and reception say "no one works here of that name" - its their job to check details.  Better off using "spokesperson" if you do not want individual names being published - Journalists will respect this - and you can be direct and say company policy is not to have individual names published.

Cheers

Sarah

On 14:48:32 12 March 2008 StuartReddall wrote:

Hi there, I am soon to be releasing a number of press releases via the company i work for and i really need some views on the use of sudonym names.

1) How important is it to have a sudonym name?

2) How long does it take for a sudonym name to gain authority?

3) Are there some areas when writing press releasese and articles that using a sudonym name should be avoided?

Does anyone know anything on this at all? all views greatly received.

Hi Stuart

I would advise strongly against using a pseudonym. Whilst I understand your reasoning, authority gained through deception might work for search engines, but it adds no value to your company’s reputation. PR is all about reputation and trust.  And online particularly, a genuine voice. It is not about the distribution of content off website, but about building open and honest relations with your stakeholders.

By twisting PR to fit in with SEO strategy, and thereby ‘faking it’ you are in danger of a backlash from the very community you want to attract. Public relations, is by its nature a relationship – and no one wants a relationship with a pretend person!

However, open honest and transparent communications can benefit from a SEO strategy and plan. My advice would be to think about your reputation first before embarking on false or misleading PR. Our experience shows that you gain a greater authority, valuable search rankings and ultimately the right type of customer too!

Just my thoughts as a PR practitioner.

Kate

www.immediatefuture.co.uk