Search In Social Media – Learn It Like SEO

September 2, 2009

What does Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace have in common? Besides the obvious connection being ‘social media sites’. They all encoporate search into their websites, and not just for other users but for content.

I’m not saying that their algorithms, and engines are as powerful as Bing or Google but many of the rules you apply for those you should be looking at for social media, Twitter especially. Content, links, both very important.

First on the plate is content. While you’re not going to have as much content as say a blog, there are still general rules to follow when posting on a social networking site. Keep it all relevant, and make it engaging. When someone becomes a fan on Facebook, or follows you on Twitter there’s a reason. It’s because they find your content engaging, and worth having a look at on a regular basis.

Be creative, which honestly to me is more important in the social world than the search world. When someone searches a word on Twitter, all sorts of non-sense is going to pop up in their face. Make sure your content is what they want to see, and be more engaging than the other guy.

Obtaining links is a bit trickier than content. Most of your visits are going to be obtained by friending, or following others. If you’re not a personable person then definitely learn to adopt an online persona. People want to follow someone who is interesting, is friendly and trustworthy.