Frequently, I have clients ask me how long it takes to win the PR race online. When I'm asked that, what I like to do is remind them it's like asking how far the Internet reaches and then trying to map your way all the way to the end. (impossible)
It's not the length of the time it takes to hit the big time online, it's the journey of the race in building your community, your outreach, your crosslinks, your readership and who the heck knows how that will grow.
It's a marathon not a sprint. So how do you tell how your race is coming?
If you want to measure your race online with your PR person or sans PR rep, then one of the easiest ways to do that is with a simple Google alert - www.google.com/alert - sent to your inbox. This is a great way to plod your progress and plus there's nothing better than opening your inbox and getting your very own Google alert with five places you've been covered!
And if you're worried about the hare (i.e. your competitor) running in front of you, there's nothing more inspiring than setting up a Google alert on their name or product or company too.
Make sure when you get that Google alert that you'll lace up your shoes and talk to those reporters who covered your competitor's race as well. If they're covering your competitor, they should be covering what you're doing.
Now go and win the race, but remember "Slow and steady."
