Can Social Media Marketing Aid SEO?

Can Social Media Marketing Aid SEO?

Does it ever feel like you’re yelling into an empty room when your business publishes a post on Facebook?

This can be a common feeling among businesses posting promotional content. You might be wondering if organic social media is even worth your time, especially with the updated Facebook news feed algorithm.

Competition on the coveted Facebook news feed is fierce. Sometimes your organic posts don’t get as much engagement as you’d hoped.

While this can be discouraging, I’m here today to reinforce your efforts by helping you feel (and know) that social media marketing (SMM) isn’t a waste of time. You should continue posting organically on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, and the rest.

Why? Do it for SEO.

How Social Media Marketing Can Benefit SEO

Yes, social media can help with search engine optimization (SEO). But not necessarily in the ways you might think.

Allow me to explain.

Can Social Media Help with My Ranking on Google?

Let’s begin with Google.

Does Google include social media signals in its ranking algorithm? Not right now. Will it someday? I dunno.

What we do know is that social media is not a direct ranking factor for SEO.

Repeatedly, Google has said that social signals won’t help you in search results at all. Instead, Google treats content like Facebook and Twitter page links as it would any other webpage for search.

However, your company’s social channels will appear within the top Google results in search listings for your brand name.

Just look at the second and third results on Google when I search for 9 Clouds (in an incognito window, of course):

Social Media Marketing

Twitter (#2) and Facebook (#3) are the first two search results, right after our website.

This is one big reason why it is so important for you to keep your social media platforms active. Not only does having recent content available heighten the user experience, it also creates more opportunities for the user to click.

Why Should My Business Post Continue Social Media Marketing?

Social media channels tend to feel more personal than a cold, robotic website (no matter how awesome your site may be).

Your SMM expresses your business’s personality and establishes your brand, while giving your business great platforms to distribute your content.

Even if your “likes” don’t seem to be adding up, you’re still creating more chances for your business to get recognized by sharing links and building an audience. Try shifting your mindset from social metrics to business metrics.

Just remember that when people are on social media sites, they generally aren’t creeping on business pages and promotions. They instead seek out content relating to their own social network, interests, and hobbies.

Make your content stand out by creating enjoyable and entertaining posts. More people will get behind your brand if they are intrigued.

Social Media Marketing

How Are Social Media and SEO Correlated?

According to Search Engine Journal (SEJ), the “correlation between social signals and ranking position is extremely high.” Websites with the best rankings on Google tend to have a strong social media presence.  

SEJ goes on to explain that this correlation is due to the “overlap between brand websites performing strongly in social networks and being allocated top positions by Google.”

There is a correlation between good SEO and good social media presence, but it’s important to note that this is not causation. Social media won’t directly influence your SEO, but your SEO won’t be successful without active social media channels.

Kind of confusing, right? Let’s simplify this a bit.

What is the the main goal of social media for your business? To attract new leads.

What is the main goal of SEO for you business? To attract new leads.

Why can’t social media and SEO work with each other to accomplish this shared goal?

Both SEO and social media can:

  • Increase traffic to your website
  • Improve your brand recognition
  • Distribute your content to a larger audience
  • Share links to the website, speeding up your content indexation
  • Assist ongoing lead tracking efforts

So, the next time you question whether your organic SMM efforts are worth it, remember this notable and proven correlation to SEO.

Need Help with Social Media Marketing? We Got You.

Think your SMM could use a refresh? We have plenty of social media resources available to help you get inspired.

Social media is great for promoting your content, connecting with customers, and reaching new audiences. To learn more about how your dealership can generate more traffic, more leads, and more revenue, check out these social media tips

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