The rise in social media has certainly changed how we connect with one another and with our favorite brands and businesses. Between 2010 and 2016, the rise in social media users worldwide totaled 1.17 billion. This number is estimated to grow to almost 3 billion by the year 2020, according to Statista. Each of those numbers represents a human with a real need, and quite possibly that of the services or products you have to offer.
It goes without saying that the potential reach available through social media channels is limitless. In just a click, a marketer in the United States can connect with a potential customer across the globe with almost little to no effort. And yet, there is still a lack of understanding in the relationship between SEO and social media.
SEO And Social Media As Organic Strategies
SEO, or search engine optimization, has evolved over the past few years as a response to the rise in online content, including social media. And if social media users are not developing their content with SEO in mind, it is just like pouring water into a sandcastle’s moat. Solid SEO practices serve as a strong concrete foundation for social media and have the potential to create a lasting benefit for your efforts.
What Is Organic Growth?
Organic growth simply means you are strengthening your company or brand name using the resources and energy you have available. It typically involves low upfront costs and, when compared to external growth efforts, can make a business a stronger competitor.
SEO and social media are organic strategies in that both methods focus on naturally attracting an audience with high-quality content and an attractive brand presence. They are often discussed as two separate practices rather than one strategy where social media works to improve SEO.
While opinion may differ on how the two impact each other and serve to boost marketing efforts, there is some sound advice that can help content developers in their search for answers.
SEO And Social Media: A Winning Combination
Trying to have an effective social media reach without utilizing search engine optimization is like a PB & J sandwich without the J.
Like a cheeseburger without cheese. A cowboy without his horse.
You get the idea.
SEO can’t be effective unless it is backed up with high-quality content. This is where social media comes in and plays its part. It helps content developers “unlock untapped potential” (MOZ). However, social media does not have an influence on site rankings.
The purpose of social media is to bring visitors to your site, draw them to your content and keep them engaged. While this is great for boosting your visibility, it also has an indirect impact on website performance on Google. Billions of people use a variety of social media channels every day, so why not try to reach them all, right?
Google Search Rankings And Social Media Content
A few years ago, social media marketers assumed that their channels impacted SEO in a direct way. Businesses began integrating their efforts so that Google’s algorithm would recognize it and give it a high ranking on searches.
In 2013, Google made a statement that its algorithms do not, in fact, pick up social signals. However, page URLs do show up on the front page of search results. Therefore, developing a quality profile and page name is important for SEO purposes.
In their “Beginner’s Guide to Social Media Strategy”, Search Engine Journal (SEJ) points out that since what we post across our various social channels has the potential to get indexed on Google’s first page – if it’s popular enough – there are some ways to optimize our social media posts.
• Insert the keyword
• Publish the keyword at the right time
• Drive traffic to the post at the right time
In other words, timing is everything when it comes to keywords and social media posts.
Setting Up A Social Media Strategy
SEJ also notes the importance of setting up a social media strategy in order to maintain the most effective reach and hopefully make an impact on search engine optimization. An effective social strategy will be built on:
1. Connection with your audience – understanding who they are and what they need, and then delivering it.
2. Communication with your audience – listening and speaking clearly about your brand or service.
3. Coordination in planning – deciding where and what to publish, as well as how often.
Read more about their suggestions by following the link above.
Partner With Experts In Digital Marketing
If you could use some help with your internet marketing strategies or need some advice on optimizing SEO and social media channels, Thrive Agency has certified experts with the passion for growing your business. As a full-service search engine marketing company, we offer a wide variety of professional services to move your brand to the front page using trustworthy techniques and quality consulting services. Connect with us today to see how we can meet your needs.
