When it comes to Internet Marketing there are many articles that discuss a move from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to Social Media. Social Media and SEO have a lot more in common than most people think and those similarities are often the most important elements.
Before I go over the similarities of the two I would like to give the correct definition of Search Engine Optimization and Social Media:
Search Engine Optimization is the process of improving the quality and volume of traffic to your website by using SEO techniques that will help achieve a higher ranking with the Search Engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN) when certain keywords and phrases are typed in the search field.
For example; say a person searches the word web design Toronto, it means they are simply looking for a company that specializes in web design.Social Media is a term that describes the usability of social networks, online communities, blogs, wikis or basically any online collaborate media for marketing, sales and customer service. This can include anything from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr, Digg, etc.
Below we will take a look on how some ways SEO and SM are similar and why you should consider both when putting together your Internet Marketing plan. Here are 5 similarities between SEO and SM:
Each revolves around quality content. When you use ‘garbage’ content you will not build organic links and if you do not provide useful, worthwhile content, you cannot expect people to Tweet about it or even Like it.
They both have long-term success. This actually ties in with the issue of quality content, but actually goes way beyond that. SEO and SM can offer quick results, but only if you try and game the system. Long-term success usually goes towards individuals or companies that actually deserve it – the ones that provide good quality content, do something unique or innovative, or give people exactly what they want. Even a quick fix does not offer the best Return On Investment (ROI) only because you have to constantly and patiently work yourself to those who deserve the attention get it more naturally, leaving more time to grow there business.
Both are involved with On-Site and Off-Site. On-Site Optimization is like titles that are easily understandable and have keyword-rich content, as to Off-Site Optimization is link building on blogs, forums and articles. With Social Media, your On-Site work is created to have people share your content, while your Off-Site work is through social networks, micro-blogging services and other social media tools.
Each involves trust. With SEO, a site’s overall trust can actually increase the Search Engine rankings and the traffic over time because with trust you can lead more towards organic backlinks and therefore better rankings. With Social Media it is more your credibility with your social media networks that lead to more traffic. The more your website or blog has trust the more likely people would want to build a relationship with you.
Both build visibility and relationships. Search Engine rankings and Social Media presence can help start a strong relationship. People normally come across bloggers or businesses when they search for something and that is why Social Media takes it a step further. Not only will you be found in searches on social media networks, but you can also get clients out of it.
Not only can both SEO and Social Media coincide with each other, but they can and are complementary as well. Rather than picking and choosing between the two, a good idea would be to make your internet marketing effective in both areas.
What did you or your company choose between? Did you choose both? Why or why not? Have you seen any other similarities between SEO and Social Media?
What SEO & Social Media Have In Common