3 actionable ways your social media efforts can make your message rock SEO.
The last time I looked, I searched for the answer on Google. Unless your goal for being online is to be the best-kept secret on the Internet, making sure your website is optimized for search is a no-brainer. Using search engines like Google and Bing are how people find answers to their questions. I even learned how to install a bumper on my car from a YouTube video (long story).
There’s some debate about what place social media has in the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Some say it doesn’t matter, just have an awesome website. Others will say it’s key to be active every day on social media for people to find you.
Here are three ways your participation on social media can get your message found on search engines:
Biography
Give information in your bio about what your followers can expect to hear from you. For example, your Twitter bio should give information about your brand and what information people can expect to get from you. Search engines pick up the content of your bio, so make it valuable!
Notice how Google looks at mine and Ben’s podcast, Election College.
Our bio is “We’re the #podcast about US #Election #History.” If you’re into history, elections, or podcasts, you might be interested in what we have to say. That’s why this appears at the top of a Google search for people who are looking for a history podcast about elections.
Since your bio doesn’t change very frequently, search engines pick that information up and your account becomes easy to find.
Social Media Platforms Are Search Engines
Social media platforms themselves are search engines. Take YouTube, for instance. The video sharing website is the second largest search engine that exists. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others have search features. When you provide strong keywords in your niche on these platforms, future customers will find you.
As an aside, I absolutely love Twitter’s “Advanced Search” feature. If there’s breaking news about a certain topic (even location), that’s where I’m going to learn more!
Participate and Answer Questions in Forums
Participating in forums like Reddit and Quora are also beneficial to people finding you online. Search engines like Google love answering questions and these online forums oftentimes are the best places for people to find practical answers.
One of the top search results when you search for our podcast is the Reddit forum that Ben and I created when we started Election College.
Show Value
When you post valuable content with your intended audience in mind, you will be found. So, answer those questions, give how-to information, and be helpful!
Need help getting found? I can help. Whether it’s setting up your website or managing your social media, I’d love to have the opportunity to help you “Identify, Simplify, and Amplify” your message using digital media!
–Jason
