So, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or in plain English "search engine/device optimization", is the process by which your website climbs up in the search in Google, Bing and others. It refers to anything that will help your site appear at the top of search engines.
The benefits of SEO are many, and we do not think that a few points will fully unravel the issue.
If we were to make a small generalization, we would say that good optimization is needed for:
- top positions in Google's search engine;
- more traffic to your website;
- engaging and involving your target audience;
- building trust;
- establishing your business/brand.
You've most likely heard this many times, but taking care of online communications, we can't help but stress - social networks are an important part. They go hand in hand with SEO.
The main question that concerns us in this case is how to make this combination work and be successful. To answer, whether your question seems difficult or not, we'll start at elevation "0".
There are a variety of strategies and techniques that can be used to increase the visibility of your website, but robust social media maintenance and management is one of the most important components. The more tangible your business's presence is on the networks, the more discoverable you will be to users.
We've happily picked out a few helpful tips that will bring you traffic and literally launch your site forward.
J6-Design
#Content sharing helps link-building
External links are crucial for search engines to recognize your site as a trustworthy and valuable resource. They're also a way to get people to want and share the content you present. So work on creating interesting and useful reads for users to showcase to their social networking circles. Start with sharing on a set schedule through your social profiles. Be an active participant in a given online community and share content personally to the more influential among users.
#Google + Twitter
Earlier this year, Google and Twitter formed a partnership that gives Google access to Twitter feeds and tweets. Since then, Google search results are more likely to include tweets and real-time news, especially those that have a hashtag, high popularity or are trending right now on Twitter. If you don't have a Twitter account, you'd better create one right away. Google has yet to reward anyone with engaging and enjoying quality follower profiles on this social network.
#Hashtags = new keywords
Hashtags can function as keywords, especially when it comes to a Google - Twitter partnership. Keywords are defining for optimization, but in social media, hashtags are a way to develop and climb in rankings. Hashtags make your content discoverable much faster, whether it's in Instagram or Facebook. And the easier your content is to display, the further ahead you'll appear in searches on Google. If the purpose of social networking is to be part of global communication, whether the topic is relevant to your business or not, hashtags are the easiest way to get noticed.
#The number of followers matters
In addition to the previous two points is the number of your fans. Not only do they help you with sharing your content and link-building, but their number influences Google's algorithm. Moreover, fake and bought fans won't help you because Google can measure their quality. And until you gather a huge amount of the order of 3 thousand followers, it's not worth spending your potential for even 100 of them. Slowly but surely, good social media practices such as useful content, user engagement, Twitter chats and 'conversations', adequate posting time and frequent sharing will help you build a follower base.
#Social channels are the new Google
The more integrated social networks become with mobile technology and our ever-connected online lives, the more users will turn to the networks to find what they need. Now, as soon as we want to search for a video for help on something, we head to YouTube. Or when we're interested in the latest fashion trends, we turn to Instagram. If you build a presence on these social networks, you're securing discovery from users, regardless of what device they're using.
#Local business and community building
Last but not least, if you are a business looking to grow locally, social media can provide you with key traffic. Local businesses with a highly engaged community would rise to the top of search, so make sure you are constantly interacting with your audience. Now you'll ask "How?" There are a few methods for this:
- Make sure your profiles on all social networks have your exact address and location listed on the map;
- Organize events;
- Share photos of your customers and tag them in them (or encourage them to tag themselves)
Offer discounts and incentives;
Don't forget to thank your local users. You won't believe the power of a simple "thanks for choosing us". In addition to all this, build trust with other local businesses, share information with each other, exchange customers by offering discounts and vouchers and use testimonials.
Social networks are a force. And one that continues to gain momentum and engage us. Working with social networks involves experimentation and constant evolution.
If you are wondering how to improve your optimization through the networks, we recommend you to follow Proper media in Facebook и LinkedIn. We actively use our social profiles to give you valuable tips and other resources to help your business shine online!
Sources: www.socialmediatoday.com, forbes.com, www.informaticsinc.com
