Social media is hugely important today in effective SEO. The way search engine optimization is implemented now is quite different than how it was done even a year ago. While no one knows exactly how Google weights social media in the algorithms (and never will know these closely-guarded secrets), it’s a sure bet that these tips will improve your rankings.
Tip #1 – Listen. Is your target audience frequenting Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter most? Monitor these channels to determine which social media sites they’re visiting most often, along with the bookmarking sites, forums and blogs they participate in. Listen to social conversations so that you can create content around the topics your audience is talking about, and optimize that content.
Tip #2 – Engage. In order to be successful with social media, you must engage with your audience in a way that is genuine. Certainly, you want to promote your offer – but you also want to connect with people so that they come to know and trust you. Always monitor your results, and keep in mind that just like creating content, blogging and other aspects of SEO, social media is something you must stay on top of on a frequent basis.
Tip #3 – Streamline your website. It’s essential that your visitors can easily share your content, images, and blog posts. If you use WordPress to build your website, there are several plugins that make sharing simple and quick.
Tip #4 – ASK your readers to share! This is so simple, yet many marketers fail to do it. Never assume that your readers will “share” without you asking. Directness is effective; encourage those who find your information valuable or useful to share it.
Tip #5 – Craft content worthy of sharing. Whether your content is entertaining, informative or debatable, make it worth sharing. It’s also important that you share content you find valuable and give others the “thumbs up.” Be sociable, and share other people’s great content the way you want yours to be shared.
Social media definitely plays a role in SEO, and its importance will likely continue to grow in the future. If you’re not socially “savvy,” you may want to consider social SEO training. Ignoring this aspect of search engine optimization won’t make it go away, but it might just allow your competitors to get an edge over your online business success.
