So much discussion in the SEO community today centers around social media because of its potential to drive traffic, increase awareness and build links. The challenge of this new medium, though, is to marry social media tactics with real business goals.
|
5 Tips on Using Social Media
| 1. |
Use Social Bookmarking
Sites like digg.com, del.icio.us and mixx.com can help you build brand awareness and increase traffic to your Web site. Just make sure you choose the right social bookmarking site for your business. It won't be successful unless you're in front of the right audience. |
| 2. |
Create a LinkedIn Account
LinkedIn is a professional networking site. It helps you keep in touch with colleagues, prospects and clients. Features like "Answer Questions" give you the chance to share your expertise with the online community. You can also "Get Recommended" and post job opportunities. |
| 3. |
Do Online Reputation Management
Blog or twitter about your company. If a story breaks about your company making a mistake, this is a great way to defend your brand or explain what happened. This way you can speak directly to your audience and defuse an issue. |
| 4. |
Keep it Real
If you don't know what you're talking about, it will be obvious. Make sure that you only network about things you understand. For instance, don't start a blog on French cuisine if you're not really an expert. You don't want to lose credibility. |
| 5. |
Be Consistent
Creating buzz through social media takes time and commitment. If you start a weekly blog, make sure you stick to it. If you have a monthly newsletter, make sure it goes out on time. Keep your topic consistent and relevant. |
|
eMarketing Stat
Who Does Social Networking?
| 37% |
of the U.S. adult Internet population used online social networking at least once a month in 2007. That figure will rise to 49% in 2011. |
| 70% |
of all teens visit social networking sites on a monthly basis. |
Source: eMarketer, December 2007
|
