The thing a lot of folks overlook about digital public relations is that core skills like strategically utilizing social media, writing for search engine optimization and directing metrics-driven Web strategy aren’t usually sharpened from 9 to 5.

Digital flacks do most of their research and development at home and for themselves. They blog,write columns, speak on/host panels and plan happy hours. They Twitter, Buzz and Facebook. They read countless articles, surf Mashable and attend conferences. All on personal time. I’m not talking about “social media gurus.” These people are traditional PR pros, but with the added bonus of a highly sought-after, enhanced digital skill set.

Because digital flacks rarely leave the practice bubble of the all-seeing, insanely reactive, Very Public Internet, they are getting more PR practice than you. As a result, they may possess a greater understanding of crisis communications strategy; they receive public accolades and enhanced credibility, and are often a client’s one-stop resource in today’s increasingly tech-centric PR profession. Read More…

Have you checked out the free service, Website Grader? It’s from the same folks who brought you Twitter Grader (which seems to be having issues right about now). Anyway, here’s what Website Grader says about my little slice of internet pie:

A website grade of 78/100 for www.flackrabbit.com means that of the hundreds of thousands of websites that have previously been evaluated, our algorithm has calculated that this site scores higher than 78% of them in terms of its marketing effectiveness. The algorithm uses a proprietary blend of over 50 different variables, including search engine data, website structure, approximate traffic, site performance, and others.

To be clear, a 78 in highschool would have spiraled me into a deep depression. BUT last night I scored a 74 and after about an hour of working on the directory and SEO issues they alerted me to my score jumped four points tonight. If only I could say the same for my Google page rank (I’m a 3 right now).

I’m no SEO expert, but Website Grader seems to give one a good overview on how the internet gods view your site and how to improve your standing. Have you used Website Grader? Is it working for you?