Few weeks ago it was “officially” claimed by both Google and Bing (Yahoo) that look at social media data to help determine the rank of a web site. So let’s all go out and go social media nuts right? No, but you will need to incorporate a social media strategy for 2011 and beyond if you want to succeed in the SEO world. Google claimed they use data such as how many times something was retweeted, followed on Twitter and liked or linked to within Facebook. With the focus on all things social, the fact that it’s beginning to effect organic search comes as no surprise. It just solidifies exactly how important and main stream social media has become. Face it – we live in a social world now.
This confirmation from Google needs to directly translate to your business and your marketing plan for 2011. So, as you’re laying out your plans be sure to include activating, maintaining and/or growing your Twitter followers, Facebook Friends lists, social bookmarking articles, LinkedIN profile and blog.
Social Media Marketing Grows Search Engine Optimization
The idea is that you and your company have a personality and you need to use it to reach out to the ever growing social media market. We could go on and on about the importance of social media on the growth of your company, but if you aren’t convinced by now you better be. I think most businesses know they need to has a social presents but have a hard time to find what it does for the business and the worth of it. At this point, I explain to my clients it does not matter what type of business you are you need to be doing it. It may not give you 100 new leads or sales but it keeps your current customers and potential customers close to you. Close is good and close means more future business. 
If you were one of the social media believers, then this is a great boost for you and your business. However, if you haven’t set up your social media marketing plan, then now is time to catch up. As it stands now – the current impact that this social data will have on your organic search results is still small. Remember that the major search engines use hundreds of factors in determining how a web site ranks however, building your online brand is about much more than search engines rankings. It’s about connecting with your target market and growing your customer base. Social media is the perfect tool to accomplish that in 2011.
We will be talking more very soon on detailed social media strategies so stay tuned.
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