This last week I dealt with a lot of questions about social media. So here I am, thinking and writing about it!  Social Media (such as Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace) is growing and a booming way to network with friends and business.  I’m sure you have seen websites with graphics from social networking sites . Right?

Is social media and search engine optimization the same? No, they are different, but they definitely work together! Social media can be a marketing tool used so your business face is seen in public. The objective is to build relationships and develop trust with your clients.

How does SEO  compliment social media? There are a number of factors which allow you to market and build traffic to your site through social media. Make sure to join a network that is right for your business.  Social media sites typically have a niche group they attract.  Joining the wrong site will get zero response. Here are some factors of SEO that should be implemented into social media:

1. Add backlinks in your profile.
2. If possible, add anchor text to the hyperlinks.
3. Add videos and descriptions pertaining to your business.
4. Add a blog.
5. Add promotionals for your new (fill in the blank).

The key to developing your presence in social media is to strengthen relationships.  Post something every day or every couple of days.  Building the relationship and helping people know there is a person behind your company! Go out and invite people to be your friend who might have the same common interests. Make it personal!

The objective is to build relationships and develop trust with your clients.

That, in turn,  impacts people to realize you have some credibility! Reports reveal people buy from companies that are creditable and trustworthy.

Social media should take 15 minutes (or less) every day. Getting the foundation done correctly is the hardest part!  Once that’s done, you can enjoy the conversations and be encouraged by the comments and links you see spread from friend to friend.

Implementing SEO into Social Media also gets your business profile in search results. So make sure you add good keyword phrases! Social media sites usually have good page rank so results tend to rank better from the social media web pages.  If you search Google for your name, (and you have a profile in social media) what do you see on the first page of results? Your profile from a social media site!

So I have to ask you…

Do you have a business profile in social media? If not, what are you waiting for?!?