SEO: Local & National? Tips on Social Marketing

SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which is also known as search engine marketing, has two distinct flavors. And, both are based on organic search results - not paid ads. Gear your content with a "local" strategy and you are telling Google to display your wares when searches are made in your local area or about your local area. Configure your content with a "national" strategy to have your wares displayed when someone searches anywhere in USA, or globally, using terms relevant to your products/services. For example, if you are offering services such as construction or a restaurant, you probably don't need to attract a national audience.  On the other hand, when selling books, consulting, or jewelry you can deal with potential customers located in broader geographic locations. Two tips. To succeed with local SEO, make sure you placed your business in the FREE Google and BING local business directories. But, when seeking national/global SEO results, be sure to adjust your web site audience distribution in Google and code your web pages for specific SEO targets.

“In a way, the Web is like your agent: It speaks for you whenever you’re not around to comment.” ~ Chris Brogan & Julien Smith Improve Your SEO Check out your competition that is beating you in the search engine results - as an organic listing. What are the descriptions they are using on each page? When are they making social media postings? Where are the links for sharing pages in social media? Is the content focused  locally or nationally? Do they have their street address listed on the web pages? One of the best ways to grow your following and increase engagement on social media is to be there consistently.  The first step is to put the right systems in place to keep your posts relevant, interesting and valuable for your audience. Visual content can act as a “gateway” to more valuable content. When planning visual content to post on social platforms, think in terms of how it can drive traffic back to your website, products and services. If you want to be successful with your social media plan, stop random acts of hashtagging and use a good hashtag to tie all of the pieces of your campaign together.