What is Social Media Optimization?
Social Media Optimization is the next level of marketing, following its previous version, the Search Engine Optimization. To put it in the simplest of terms, SMO is a strategy that helps your business gain recognition by utilizing the social media platform.
To explain further, SMO involves spreading word of your business and improving your customer base by connecting with people in various online forums and media, and enabling more people to find your business page or website.
SEO vs. SMO –
Search Engine Optimization focused on improving the rank on a site on a search engine by making use of keywords, better content, and search engine optimized language. Social Media Optimization goes a long way further. It places importance on the popularity of a site or a web page on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Why is SMO important?
Google, as we all know, is the most widely used search engine. In the latter half of 2013, this popular search platform came out with a new SEO algorithm – the Hummingbird. The update was so called because of its speed and precision. The distinguishing feature that sets the Hummingbird apart from other updates is the fact that it has redesigned the way the Google search engine weighs and determines the rank of a site. It takes social media recognition into consideration, meaning that pages and content that is frequently shared and accessed on social media will naturally receive a higher ranking on the search engine.
Techniques to achieve Social Media Optimization –
As with any new challenge, SMO can be achieved with a few tweaks to the way your business operates currently. Some tips and tricks in this regard are –
• Create engaging content that encourages the viewers to promptly share the page and spread the word. This ensures widespread access to the said content, and consequently, greater popularity on the social platform.
• Develop bite sized content in the form of snippets and list articles. It is easier for people to read and register this kind of content. SlideShare presentations also work well to engage a reader easily.
• Encourage the reader to share the post. This need not be done in a blatant and pushy manner. Instead, gently prodding the audience on with insightful questions that encourage sharing would be ideal.
• Make sure that your content is unique, interesting, and more visual. People tend to remember colors and visuals better, and this helps to draw in more viewers.