Using Social Media For SEO:The Dos And Dont's

It is now quite clear that social signals are an important factor in determining search results.Are you using social media specifically to increase your search rankings?If so, are you aware ofthe dos and don’ts in using social media for SEO?

Why Social Media Etiquette is Crucial

Social media is a very social/public platform. Any improper/unacceptable behavior on social media will not only fail to deliver desired SEO results, but can actually destroy your carefully created online reputation. So you should know the Dos and Don’ts.

Dos and Don’ts in Using Social Media for SEO

Do

1. Focus on Creating High Value Content

‘Content is king’, period. When you create high value content that is genuinely interesting and adds value, use of the right social media strategies can give it the viral nature you want,resulting in more social shares which are social signals that translate into higher search rankings. If on the other hand, you focus more on getting the content shared without ensuring that the content is genuinely share worthy, you will be disappointed for sure. Here are some tipsto create share worthy content.

2. Share Others’ Content

Social media is ‘tit for tat’. When you share others’ content, they share yours. Of course, I am saying you should share worthless content. But definitely there are others in your niche, who produce high value share worthy content. By sharing such content, you not only increase the chances of your own content being shared, but you also establish relationships that can provide benefits in many ways, including SEO benefits through guest blogging opportunities.

3. Be Polite

Politeness goes a long way in the online world (at least for now). Thank people who shared your content and they will invariably do it again. Often simply requesting someone to share your content can yield a positive result.

Don’t

1. Use Social Media Solely for Self Promotion

Social media is a social platform and not an advertising medium. Blatant promotion about you, your company, your products etc will put people off. Focus more on adding value to the community and customers.

2. Spam Social Media

Using fake ids and spamming social media is only waste of time. Because this tactic will not give you genuine social media engagement and consistently strong social signals, which actually contribute to SEO. You might as well utilize this time on creating more high quality posts or responding better to customer queries/complaints on social media.

3. Annoy People on Social Media

Social media lets you easily connect with peers and niche influencers and your own customers.This is a privilege and you would do well not to misuse this by annoying them. For instance, you may want to post on a high ranking blog, but if you are not getting a positive response from the blog owner, don’t pester him/her on social media. Instead focus on making them aware of your expertise in the field with your incisive comments and sharp analysis.

That is the smart way to use social media, which will eventually result in SEO benefits.

Any social media dos and don’ts you follow?

This post has been written by post penguin link building expert Yasir Khan, founder of Canada’s top SEO firm Quantum SEO Labs.