There is a need in all humans to feel connected with one another, to interact with others and to be able to relate to another person. Social media optimization thrives on that need. Social media is all about communication. Its about sharing perspectives, insights, experiences and opinions with one another via blogs, wikis, message boards, and videos.
While SEO is still an effective means to gain traffic, the web is no longer two dimensional. It has evolved. Its become increasingly interactive, taken on a three dimensional shape. One that caters to our visual and audio senses, and allows web browsers to have more control over what they see, hear, and, what is hot. Search engines alone no longer determine what is popular. This is great for net marketers in a number of ways.
Social media optimization, according to Wikipedia, is a way to optimize web sites so they would be more easily connected or interlaced with online communities and community websites, also called social media sites. Methods of SMO include adding RSS feeds, adding a DiggThis button, and incorporating third party community functionalities like Flicker photo slides and galleries or YouTube videos. Social media optimization is a form of search engine marketing.
The four characteristics of Social Media Optimization are:
Participation- Consumers are not afraid to participate in communities by generating content and engaging in conversations about topics that interest them. Web masters who know this are constantly encouraging user participation on their own sites and blogs.
Conversation- Consumers today do not want to be marketed to. Blatant advertisements are not as effective as they used to be. Instead, consumers wish to be communicated with through conversation that is being stirred up on blogs, wikis and forums. Consumers now have methods to express their thoughts, recommendations and complaints and they are doing so. Webmasters can now communicate with their target audience in real time, and can take these concerns, recommendations to better serve their audience.
Openess- To build trust with their target audience in order facilitate conversation, webmasters must first be open with them. They need to let them know who they are right off the bat. Pretending to be someone your not is the surest way to lose trust. And because any good business is first built on trust its crucial to be open and honest with your market.
Community- Social media conversation is not pulled out of thin air. Every form of social media is based on the fact that we all want to belong to something; they all have a community component to them. Social media sites are micro-communities that allow people with similar interest to share insight, advice, and recommendations about products and services. Before a webmaster can begin to monetize they must first become an accepted member of the community. This is why the first two characteristics are so important.
SMO can be a websites savior. Many web sites are static meaning they are rarely updated and are used as a storefront. Setting up a blog or adding unique, provoking pieces to sites like Digg is a great way to increase linkage to your website. Encourage user participation by facilitating the conversation that is happening virtually everywhere. By not joining in you are silencing yourself. Get heard yourself heard. Consumers are already talking about products and services; help them to get their attention on hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who would like to develop a trust business relationship and benefit from the great links I have for sale?
By: shmitche | 27-05-2008
I need trust based business relationship because... This is what I have to offer: 1)Permanent one way links. 2)In a network of 1000's of untapped websites: PR2 ? PR5 only (Class ? C). 3)Unique handwritten content only in this network and every post. 4)You can target and rank for any text link keyword you choose. 5)You can direct your link to any page you choose in your website. 6)Completely untraceable. 7)Only 5 dollars a link. 8)Content and links are distributed naturally (chosen from options by buyer through me) for SEO. Restrictions: 1)No porn, gambling, or black hat websites or cheap websites. I will have to authorize the site. 2)Security is tight there are no reports (I don?t have access for my own sites) only yahoo link search and a jump in rankings and traffic will be evident. 3)I only want to sell once a month to one client. 4)I will only sell $500 - $600. per month 5)Payment must be upfront (A must for system to work) 6)Will not reveal my source. Contact me for any questions.
Will the Link Building help getting good serps or the the unique content will do? Any ideas..?
By: Seo-company | 27-05-2008
Will the Link Building help getting good serps or the the unique content will do? Any ideas..? Any SEO Experts or Companies out there?
Can I submit someone else's website (into my ...
By: drabsv | 24-05-2008
Can I submit someone else's website (into my Google Webmaster Tools account) ?
What is the easiest way to increase your page ...
By: iwebmaster | 19-05-2008
What is the easiest way to increase your page rank ?
I have bought a new website at number one wallpapers...
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I have bought a new website at number one wallpapers and a really good script for itI know about Google ranking and such but I was wondering the best way to get visitors to my new site rather than worry about GR.I know I can buy links etc back to my site and the higher PR relevant one way links etc help but I also know that Google can ban you if they find out you are buying links So can anyone suggest good 'legal' ways to get good quailty visitors to my site?By the way the site is online but I haven't uploaded any wallapers yetThanks
How many link are required for 2 0r 3 PR? Mostly i ...
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How many link are required for 2 0r 3 PR?Mostly i have seen .in website not rankedin uk.Is this possible to ranked http://www.mindq.in/in uk search engine please any one suggested me.
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