SEO? What is the meaning of this Marketing Jargon?!

What is SEO? What is it for? How is it relevant to Social Media?

First of all, let's break down what SEO is before talking about it in detail.

SEO is an abbreviation for: Search Engine Optimisation.

SEO is an organic marketing method using relevant keywords to add body text to your webpage which in turn helps searchers on search engines, like Google, find you, and hopefully find you first.

To make it more simple, I will give you an example. If I was a recording studio in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. My target audience would search for keywords such as, "studio, music studio, recording studio, rent a studio, near me, Milton Keynes, for musicians, for singer, for music producers." If my target audience were artists based in Milton Keynes, I would ensure that their searches could be found with ease! I would have an image of tour video of the location and then I would use specific keywords that they would search for, in my content.

"In Milton Keynes, we have a recording studio that artists can hire to create their next album. Singers and music producers can expect sound proof rooms with comfort for their creativity. This music studio can be hired for half a day or full day, whether that be for band practise or cooking up your next hit!"

This will mean many music makers in the local area of Milton Keynes are more likely to find the webpage on SERPs (search engine results page).

What is Social SEO?

Social SEO, also known as SMO (Social Media Optimisation), is very similar to SEO on search engine results. However social media is an entirely different platform. However, in recent years, social media platforms have become more and more like search engines. Starting with hashtags, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and Youtube, have been becoming to go-to places for consumers to search for products and services they need. I too am very guilty of using social media to search for things I am looking for.

When I am travelling, visiting new tourist destinations, I utilise social media to help me find the experiences that I would be interested in.

You can use the search bar on social media and find anything you are looking for. This is possible by using the same rules that you use on websites. Using relevant key words, tagging locations, hashtags and alt text is just a few of many ways you can implement SEO on your social media.

Social Media Optimisation is when you optimise your profile (your bio, content and captions) to increase your chances of more people discovering you and your brand in search results. This is where social media and search engine are so similar.

Why should I use SEO?

SEO helps you dominate results pages. Ranking high will increase your:

• Reach

• Viewers

• Engagement on social media

• Site visitors

• Followers

• Sales

• Brand Awareness

There is no evidence that SEO on social media ensures you rank higher in Google search results, and it also is a bit slower with the data... However, this is some data that suggests having a higher engagement on social media does help you rank higher.

In my own research, I have found the more mentions and collaborations on social media, that helps you rank higher in search results, but that is only when searching for a specific brand or creator name.

If you do decide to improve your sites SEO, social media can help you:

• An audience who engages with you on social media are more likely to search for your on search engines

• You can increase your CTR (click through rate)

• Become established. Having an established authority on social media will be pushed by Google and they prioritise creators who show their expertise, experience and how truth worthy they are

• Generate backlinks! Insert your social media links, especially to specific content

• You drive traffic from your social media to your website

• Improve your Local SEO ranking

To get started, use your social media bio to begin.

• Write what you do, your brands relevant keywords and phrases to your bio description

• Add keywords to your profile name

• Add your location

• Use keywords relevant to your target audience, industry and brand.

Top tips for Instagram and other social media platforms; use hashtags and long captions to utilise multiple keywords in each post. This will help you reach your target audience and become searchable on social media!

If you need more professional help with SEO on your website's service pages, blogs & product pages on Shopify, Wix or social media platforms, please get in touch with Social Mood Media!