At the Heart of Natural Ranking: the era of SMO (part 2)

By BĂ©linda B, published on

This article concludes a series of articles about SEO. You now know everything about SEO. It remains only to clarify the SMO. In French, we speak optimization for social media or social referencing. This acronym appeared around 2006. Rohit Bhargava, marketing specialist and professor, published in Aug. 10, 2006 the article 5 Rules of Social Media. Bhargava for the first time introduced the concept of social media optimization. We can say that the author was right and that he put his finger on an item that has great importance today. Why ? Just because users are connected. They are constantly online: they share, like and discuss. We all do. Then you understand that a good strategy may be winning. A closer look at the good practices for the SMO is at your service.

The 5 rules of SMO

When speaking of SMO, these different techniques which have the purpose to attract users on a certain type of content which is promoted on social media. Think about those you use: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. Yep, all platforms are good for advertising! Do not forget that blogs are an excellent promotional vehicle. Blogs have even created a new phenomenon: the guest posting. This allows a person to write and publish a text on the website or blog of another person. This method is increasingly used because it can generate more visibility that if one added the same article on his own website. There are also various blogging services. Think of TypePad. Note also that lists Technorati millions of blogs and offers tools and services for developers.

By cons, it is not enough to be present on social networks. We must be active. It should animate your platforms to your target audience is and continues to be - this is the hard part- interested. Five years after publishing 5 Rules of Social Media, Rohit Bhargava has reissued the five rules. Things are scrambling quickly and this reissue corresponds to the needs of today's reality. Let's look at the rules more closely.

1. Create content that can be easily shared: create original content, unique and interesting that your users will want to share. Obviously, the more they are challenged by what you say, the more they are tempted to share your content. Whether on Facebook or Twitter, bet on creative content.

2. Facilitate sharing of your content: Limit the efforts and actions taken by your users. Sharing your content should be through a button or a click. For example, if you create a video, be sure to include a link for users to integrate their personal page.

3. Reward user engagement: Bhargava recalls that in 2006, marketing experts were concerned only incoming links (inbound link). Let today this element aside. Focus on your users. Animate your networks. It is much more important that your users comment and participate in discussions which you are the instigator. You can then, for example, respond to comments.

4. Share, share and share: you understand, the important thing is to share. And all means are good! Create an account on Vimeo and share video content. Remember to share your content on Twitter. Be creative.

5. Encourage mixtures: be open-minded. Allow users to add their views to yours. They could for example take one of your articles and add elements. It's a great way to optimize your content on social media.

You now have a ton of suggestions. Feel free to explore new avenues. It is important to mention that develop a significant presence on social media takes time. If you are focused and you set realistic goals, you will be surprised of the path you have traveled. Following Bhargava's article, other experts have added their voices to hers and added new rules. You want to take a look at the article? Follow the following link: http: //www.rohitbhargava.com/2010/08/the-5-new-rules-of-social-media-optimization-smo.html

Staying in shape with good practices

You are now following the rules. Bravo, keep it up! It should nevertheless think long term for your efforts continue to bear fruit. There are a lot of considerations. You know, we need you to share interesting content for your audience. Feel free to exceeding the scope of its company or address topics that are directly related to it. For example, if you sell musical instruments, you could talk about a brand new sound recording software. If you are stuck for ideas or fresh new you could watch what is said in comments published on your website or on social networks. With one click, you will find a ton of topics of interest to your users. You can even ask questions of your target audience. This is a sure way to identify what interests them and you show the same time as you actually care about them.

Building a lasting relationship with your audience takes time. Be yourself. Remember that you are talking to the same people if they are not in front of you. Engage the conversation as often as possible. There is no ideal frequency. Know that the life of a tweet is about thirty minutes. The important thing is that you have something to say. This may seem obvious, but nothing is more annoying for a user to read the void content. Find your rhythm as your tone. You want your audience laugh? Nothing better than to experiment. You will see what appeals to users. Put yourself in their place. It is certain that you will learn a lot. You can even watch your competitors. You would be surprised to find that what works for them may also apply to you. The methods and optimization tips abound by the thousands. Examine rigorously your needs, choose your means and share!

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