402. WebPR › webPR tactics › online press roomSocial Media News Release (SMPR), designed to communicate facts more tipclearly and concisely, and to use the tools provided by social media. Go to www.edelman.com/ news/ for some examplesThis is the outcome of an evolving conversation between PR companies and of the Edelman version in action.journalists and bloggers. It is a work in process, and there is plenty being saidboth for and against this approach, but it is an elegant example of PR firmslistening to the conversation, engaging and responding.16.5.4 BloggingWriting a blog is one of the best ways for a company to build its own voice inthe new world of social media and citizen journalism. Not only do blogs playa role in SEO (with fresh, key phrase rich content creation), they also play astrategically important role in reaching out to customers.Blogging takes a company right into the heart of the conversation and notedemonstrates the company’s comfort with this communication channel. A For information on blogging, be sure to readblog facilitates regular commentary spoken in the voice of the company and the chapter Social Mediablogging teaches companies how to engage personally with their customers. Channels.16.5.5 Online Press RoomAs the Internet increases ease of access to information, an essential partof WebPR is ensuring that pertinent information is easy to access. Makingsure journalists, customers and investors are able to find all key companyinformation quickly and easily means that you are able to slip into thatconversation that much more easily.A Nielsen Norman study found that when a journalist uses a corporate websiteto find basic information, they are successful only 73% of the time (Nielsen).Journalists often work to tight deadlines, and having the required informationto hand could make the difference between being written about and not. Anonline press room can ensure a company is able to meet journalists’ needs.An online press room must have: • Company history • Key executive biographies • Pertinent background information • Logos and images in a variety of sizes, resolutions (for web and for print) and formats • All news releases • Multimedia gallery (video, audio and visual) 405