Gina Smith

Optimization Tips for Facebook, Google+ and Twitter

Some professionals say social media helps with website search engine optimization (SEO). Some say it does not. As with anything, the process in which it is implemented directly effects how various social media platforms impact your SEO. This article will discuss tips on how you can increase your chances of making social media work for you.

Let’s first start with the basics. Well, at least what seem like basics. The first mistake many businesses make is not including social links on EVERY page of their website. Most will include them on their HOME pages, and that is it. So, first and foremost, if you want to increase your chances of your social media sites positively impacting your SEO, be sure to place all your social links on every page of your website, in your e-mail signature (have your employees do the same) and in your e-newsletters.

All social sites can be optimized for SEO. Just like with your website, you must use keyword rich content. Google has an excellent tool to help you gauge which keywords related to your business are most frequently searched. Below are a few simple SEO tips for some of the most popular social media platforms:

Facebook
Choose a name for your Facebook page, and don’t make it spammy. Often, people try to jam too many keywords into their page name thinking it will help with SEO, when, in fact, it can do just the opposite. A good practice is to simply use the name of your business. Next, select a URL username which best represents your business. Preferably, use the name of your business or some derivative thereof. Avoid generic usernames. Finally, use as many of your SEO keywords as possible when composing your About and Info sections.

Google+
First, be sure to create a Google+ profile for your business. It is important to use keyword-dense copy when describing your business. Next, in Google+, the title tag is important for rankings. Use keyword rich text in the first sentence of your post since it becomes part of your title tag. Finally, be sure to optimize your author photo with a tag.

Twitter
Choose a Handle (username) which best represents your business or brand. This will become part of your Twitter URL. When possible, the name of your company is generally a good choice. Next, select an account name. This can be different from your handle, and should be representative of your company. Next, you have 160 characters to create a dynamic, keyword rich bio. Use those characters wisely! Finally, Google search engines pick up on the title tag of your tweet, which generally incorporates the 40 or so characters, so make them count!

Finally, be sure to take time to plan your content. Develop a social media calendar. Thinking through your posts ensures you are providing useful content. Remember, making your posts interesting increases your chances of people sharing your post. The more they share, the more connections you make. And, when people are interested, they tend to want to visit your website and share your website link.

If keeping up with your social media sites becomes too overwhelming, consider third party providers such as HootSuite to help you schedule your social media posts. Or, if you want to outsource your social media all together, qualified companies like Global Response can manage any and all of your social media campaigns.

Taking time to optimize your social media sites is just as important as optimizing your website. Effectively implemented, your website and social media sites will work together to maximize your SEO and increase search engine rankings.

Gina Smith writes freelance articles for magazines, online outlets and publications. Smith covers the latest topics in the business, golf, tourism, technology and entertainment industries.

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