The Value of Social Media Marketing

January 26th, 2010

Since the introduction of MyFace (a term I use to describe the MySpace/Facebook craze), Twitter, etc., Social Media Marketing has taken the front seat, in the drive to establish/maintain a Company’s brand and positive reputation; both in Search results and the e-marketplace. Popular social mediums provide a wealth of consumer-generated data, that satisfies the Search Engines’ desire for fresh, query-relevant content; that is both informative and engaging.

For a number of years, Search giants like Google have echoed the importance of current and relevant data; displayed on Web pages. Now, with the introduction of Universal Search, real-time results and Google Caffeine, it appears that Google (for one) has recognized the value of current user-generated data; and afforded it the appropriate weight in it’s algorithm.

Search Engines recognize that every second, millions of active members are contributing and sharing insight, knowledge and experience; in social communities and blogs, around the globe. This generates a pool of fresh, query relevant data; that can be searched and indexed routinely. Often, this information (albeit proven or dis-proven) provides more up to date information, than that found on the outdated Blog posts and forgotten Web pages; that often litter Search results.

The inclusion of MyFace and Linkedin pages/profiles, Youtube videos- and now the introduction of  Twitter to search results;  affords Internet marketers a valuable opportunity, to increase their client’s exposure on the World Wide Web.  Utilizing popular social venues, businesses should take advantage of this valuable opportunity to generate relevant, keyword rich and optimized daily content; that promotes their products/services, and improves Search Engine placement.

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The Importance of Local Search

January 22nd, 2010

Many Small Business owners see a national or international SEO campaign, as a costly endeavour; and a lengthy commitment. As such, it creates a fear and apprehension; that too often results in neglect or avoidance. Not realizing the benefits of SEO, and persuing a structured and affordable campaign; can be a costly mistake.  In fact, I have a saying…”Making no decision, is often worse than making the wrong decision; would have been in the first place.”

A recent study reported that 82 percent of shoppers, begin their local business search; online. This suggests a consumer migration from traditional methods of local search, like yellow pages ads; to the Internet. At a fraction of the cost of an aggressive national or international optimization campaign, Local SEO offers an affordable solution; for big and small businesses.  By concentrating Internet marketing efforts on local consumers, merchants and retailers can improve their Web exposure; and increase the liklihood of consumer contact or purchase.

Local Search represents a geographically specific target area, and as such, creates a valuable opportunity for small businesses; to generate consumer interest and revenues. Consumers seeking local business telephone numbers, addresses or product/service information; are actively using traditional search engines (such as Google and Yahoo!) to lookup local info and contact local businesses.

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