These days, social and search are so closely related, that it is essential for businesses to get involved and set up a social media marketing strategy for their business. Search engines are changing the way they display search results, and social media is the number one reason for that.
Bing, Google, and most other major search engines have started including social data in their search results. So when you search for a certain word or phrase in your favorite search engine, you will likely see social results right next to the traditional website search results. Your search results may be different from your friends based on social signals like your Facebook likes, +1s and tweets.

The affect of social media on search
We all know that social media is taking over the world. But, social networks show us what real people like and want to share with their friends. So search engines are taking advantage of that information in order to give you better results when searching for items or info on the internet. Users are now able to “vote” for their favorite content with clicks, bookmarks, tags, and ratings. These things signal search engines so that your search results are more personalized based on what you and your friends like. Search engines are now taking into consideration the opinions of people to determine which websites are most popular.

Make your social media accounts more specific
With hundreds of different social media networks out there, the first step is to narrow down the options and decide which ones will benefit your company the most. The most popular networks are free, so it is very beneficial for most businesses to take advantage of these. But your business is not like everyone else’s business, so your social networking strategy should be different, too. Research what each social network will do for your business and make your decision based on your industry and target market. Once you get your social network accounts set up and running, figure out a schedule to help you keep track of how you are managing each of them.

Quality content – use your keywords
Just posting on your social media accounts is not enough. With the growth of social networking and its connection to search engine results, the quality of your posts is just as important. Content quality will always reign supreme with search engines, and this is no different for social media.  After all, the search engines are pulling your content for search results. So the better your content and the more keywords used, the higher your social networks will rank in search engines.  Keep your social posts full of interesting and unique information that engages your users and the search engines will be engaged as well.
Remember to keep in mind that each social network is different, and they each deserve different attention. Don’t make the same posts on Facebook and Twitter every time. You have a different audience for each network and you should tailor your posts and activity to that network. Also, you don’t want to duplicate your content too many times on the web. Regardless of where it is located, search engines frown upon duplicate content.

Social Sharing
Another important SEO strategy related to social media is social sharing. If your content is easy to share with others, it will help drive up your search results. The more people that read and view your posts, the more likely it will be to show up higher in search results. Plus, with real-time search results, social media updates and posts are obvious additions to the immediate results people love so much.

By no means does this mean to drop all search engine optimization on your website, but it does mean that there might need to be an adjustment to your strategy. Combining SEO on your website with social media just makes your overall ranking and web presence stronger.

The focus and keywords need to be the same across the board on your SEO to make sure that you are enforcing your efforts and not competing with them. A successful collaboration between your website and social SEO will help you win over those search results we all strive to get.

"Rachel is a graphic designer who is passionate about combining function and style into stylish websites that truly do the brand justice. Rachel uses her experience in a variety of areas including design, marketing, advertising, and social media to give clients the complete package."

Among all the trends in the world of social media, the newest, and quickest growing, is Google+ for businesses. So, why should your company worry with setting up a Google+ Business page?  Isn’t it just one of many on the ever-growing list of social outlets?  Yes, it is—but it’s different, and is set apart from the others.

Unlike other social outlets, Google+, in its new-born state for business usage, is taking a very innovative perspective that other similar setups have not.  Google+ is interactive in seeking out suggestions and requests for features and functionality from users.  And here’s the kicker—these requests and suggestions are not only being listened to, but acted upon, by Google!  The ability to offer feedback, to help drive this outlet towards what works best and easiest by users is  not the usual take for social media options.  This is really just the icing on the cake, though.  Google+ has much more to offer businesses than just curiosity at what they want.

Google+ offers organized interaction.  Business pages can create circles for specific consumer demographics, target groups, and contacts.  What is the true impact of this?  Well, you can stream, create hangouts, and run specials to your organized and specialized groups, on your terms.  You have the ability to appeal specifically to your target market of contacts in circle A, and then stream an entirely different promo to the group in circle B.  The ability to target specific groups, with business information and appeals specifically created for them, adds a depth to this outlet that is lacking from the others.

Additionally, Google+ features sharing options by means of the +1 button, which can be on any website, regardless of participation in Google+; but proves most beneficial to those with a Business + account.  The more people who +1 your streams, images, information, etc., the more others in other circles see your business’ impact.  This relates to word-of-mouth spreading, much like Facebook “likes”, but that is visible in search engine results.

Like other social outlets, there is a Google+ “badge” that can be added to your website icons to connect viewers directly to your Business+ page.  While this newest option in the world of social media is similar to the other selections, each does carry with it very distinctive benefits and perks that the competition does not offer.  Until you give them a try, you never know which will fulfill your business needs best.  Happy and loyal consumers are those that have businesses catering to them, interacting with them, and connecting with them in a fun, friendly, and consistent manner.

Do you get the most from your website? Is your site being used to its full potential? Here are some tips for using our website tools on your site.  If you have a News & Events Manager on your site, it can be used to update your customers on what is going on with your business or community. You can post information on upcoming events or news that will feed directly to your home page. You can add articles and images about the events and keep people involved. Your News & Events Manager has a built in RSS feed and can feed into social media outlets like facebook so that your fans get in on the news, too!  If you need help using your site to its full potential, just ask us how! We are here to help you get the most from your website. Call or email us today! TWG is working harder for your business.

Facebook is free online advertising that connects your business to an endless number of customers and potential customers, while also putting you in the mix to be among other businesses, including your competition.

According to a recent Google study, 75% of American adults use the internet daily; and among those, 93% use Facebook regularly.  By having your very own business Facebook page—you are providing your company the opportunity to connect to each and every one of these Facebook users.  And the more activity you have on your Facebook page, the higher your Google ranking may be. 

The Web Guys have tools available that can allow you to update your blog on your site—and then auto feed via RSS this updated information to both your Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Call us today to find out how we can help you get involved in the fast-growing social networking outlets.

Chick-fil-A at Elizabethtown is now available, even on Sundays, through new social outlets!  Check out the new Facebook and Twitter pages for this location.  Also, look into receiving their new text alerts so you will never miss out on any of the deals, coupons, and customer rewards.  Sign up for free email notifications and be among the first to know of upcoming events and specials!