WATERTOWN, February 20—Independent technology PR specialist Sterling Hager has established a partnership with iProspect.com, a leading search engine positioning firm, that is designed to raise the visibility of its clients on the World Wide Web, combining the PR firm’s expertise in online business communications with iProspect’s search engine positioning and Web site optimization expertise.  

The exclusive partnership also allows Sterling Hager clients to receive preferential rates on iProspect’ optimization services, which include Web site assessments, search engine audience shaping and analysis, the development of focus groups, and a high-level search engine and directory optimization and submission strategy.  

“We are in the business of trying to distinguish out clients from the competition, and one way we do that is by finding key words and phrases that differentiate our clients and in some cases even define new categories,” says Sterling Hager president Jim Joyal. “Using this technology, we can help ensure that our clients’ positioning is reflected in the way they show up on search engines and the way they relate to their publics on the Internet.”

The firm already incorporates the use of the Web, email, chat rooms and other Internet tools into its strategic planning process, says Joyal. “We build complex and strategic communication plans for our clients around the power of the Internet. Cluttered cyber and market spaces are forcing companies to fight more fiercely, and more strategically, than ever to get in front of their target audiences. Joining with iProspect.com helps us level the playing field.”

According to iProspect.com’s CEO Fredrick Marckini, positioning websites within Internet search engines is an important component in online business communications, and “when the concept is incorporated into a strategic public relations campaign, the value proposition to clients becomes even more powerful.”

In a separate announcement, Sterling Hager has named Don Goncalves vice president of account services. Goncalves joins after serving as director of public and investor relations at Furniture.com. Previously, he headed the PR division of Donovan Group and the national technology practice at Creamer Dickson Basford.
In his new role, Goncalves is responsible for providing clients with high-level strategic counsel in the areas of online communication, corporate marketing, crisis communication and IPO preparation.