SmallBusinessOnlineCoach.com

Social Media Can Benefit An SEO Campaign.

To begin, I would like to thank Matthew Hunt for enabling me to contribute this article to his blog. As a keen SEO content writer and social media user I have learned just how important it is to network with others in the industry, a sentiment that Matthew clearly shares.

I first noticed Matthew’s company, Small Business Online Coach, whilst browsing my Twitter profile, so I thought it only fitting that the subject of the post should focus on the hot topic of the moment, social media.

If you are new to social media you may think that sites such as, Twitter and Facebook are dominated by celebrities and teenagers and not a viable platform for a professional business. In fact, after taking a closer look it is clear to see that individuals from a variety of industries use these websites to market their company and network with customers, stakeholders and others in the industry.

Whilst social media is often not classed as a direct SEO technique, it is a closely linked practice that provides a means for businesses to boost their online presence. So I guess the first question is, how can social media be used by businesses for this purpose?

Networking – This is arguably the most important reason to use social media. Part of achieving a presence online, is connecting with other internet users, this could be customers or others in the industry.

Networking is the basis of all social media activity; once a business has started to follow relevant social media users they can then share information, communicate and ultimately start to become an authority in their industry.

Twitter and Facebook offer a means of contacting internet users that are relevant to a business, its products and services. What’s more there are a number of online directories such as, Listorious and WeFollow that can be used to find other Twitter users based upon detailed specifications.

Link Building – Taking a quick look at any Twitter or Facebook feed, it is clear that one of the most prevalent types of comments are those with links to external resources.

Article and press release writing are two techniques that SEO consultants regularly use to market websites. Social media sites offer the chance for consultants to point other users to these resources, increasing the chance that their clients’ websites are viewed by relevant consumers/industry figures.

In most cases other users will appreciate the opportunity to keep updated, as the next point explains.

Keep Up to Date – As well as communicating with other users, social media websites can be used to simply observe what people within the industry are writing about and to pick up the very latest tips and tricks of the trade.

As an example, Twitter users often tweet about their latest blog posts, articles, press releases and other information related to their industry. This offers an excellent opportunity for businesses to learn from others, again enhancing the importance of following relevant users.

Real Time Search – One of the most influential changes in Google is the introduction of real-time Twitter updates to their search listings. If a Twitter user tweets about a subject and includes a searchable phrase, say ‘SEO,’ when this is searched for the tweet will show up in the ‘Updates’ listings.

This is just another way that businesses can achieve a presence in the search engines for their key phrases.

Of course, it is always worth taking a look at how others are using social media. Below are just a few of the things that I have observed whilst using Twitter and Facebook.

Research Social Media – Before starting out in social media it is crucial to research the ways that it is used, by whom and how often. Whilst some social media sites may be perfect for a business, not all are. For example, there may be a high prevalence of companies in a specific industry on Twitter but only a handful on Facebook. Choosing the best social media route for you can be the difference between success and failure.

Also, business owners should look at how others are using social media, what they are posting, how often they are posting and with whom they are communicating.

Post Relevant Information – Some of the most successful social media users post information that is relevant to their followers/fans/friends.

In order to keep these users engaged it is important to regularly post significant information, tweeting about your dinner or that you are bored is one way to lose friends fast.

Designate Time – Above all it is vital that business owners do not underestimate the amount of time it will take to manage social media, in some cases it could call for an employee to dedicate every day to this type of marketing.

In order to keep the interest of Twitter and Facebook users, businesses should post on a regular basis. As mentioned previously in the post, the real-time function is a real advantage, posting relevant topics on a regular basis will ensure that the business dominates not only the organic listings but the ‘updates’ list too.

Of course this is just a starting point for any business that is thinking of venturing into the world of social media. There are vast resources online that discuss the best ways to use these websites, but as with anything, practice certainly makes perfect. It would be great to hear if you have any tips for using social media effectively for a business!

The Author of this guest post was Danii Ingram. Danii is one of the Content Writers at Creare and often writes on subject matters involving Social Media, e-marketing and SEO Content Marketing for the Creare blog.