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Why Social Media Is a Game Changer for SEO

Discover how social media can revolutionize your SEO strategy! Learn how social platforms drive traffic, enhance rankings, and amplify your content’s reach.

Think that the worlds of social and search don’t collide? Think again. While social media and search were once distantly connected, there’s some serious synergy now.

Search algorithms — both within social platforms and Google — have become smarter, and there’s increasing overlap. Not only can social posts be featured in search engine results, but many folks are turning to social media to conduct searches, too. 

We’re here to explain why social media can boost your SEO strategy, how it directly influences search rankings, and to provide actionable ways to leverage this dynamic duo.

Understanding the Intersection of Social Media and SEO

It’s no secret that search engines love fresh, relevant, and engaging content. While social media and SEO may operate in different spheres, their overlap is undeniable. When your content garners attention on social platforms, it sends positive signals to search engines — boosting your website’s visibility in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Here’s why:

Social Posts Can Pop Up in SERPs

Ever Googled something and noticed Instagram posts or LinkedIn updates pop up in the results? That’s because search engines increasingly index social media content — which means expanding your brand’s footprint beyond your website can lead to more ranking and engagement opportunities on traditional search engines and within social platforms themselves.

Social Media Can Drive Increased Page Engagement Overall

When users click through to your blog or landing page from a compelling social post, their engagement (time on page, shares, and comments) can help bolster your SEO efforts. Every engaged reader from social media is a signal to search engines telling them your content is worth ranking higher.

Social Signals and Algorithms

Although not a direct ranking factor, social signals (likes, shares, and comments) can amplify your content’s reach. Adding social to the mix can drive more traffic and earn valuable backlinks — a key ingredient in SEO success. A report from Hootsuite revealed that articles shared organically on social media see a 12% boost in referral traffic, whereas boosted (paid) posts see a 22% increase in referral traffic, contributing to higher rankings over time.

How Social Media Boosts SEO

1. Drives High-Quality Traffic

 A well-executed social media strategy directs a steady stream of qualified traffic to your website. The more targeted your audience, the higher the likelihood of engagement, reinforcing your content’s relevance to search engines.

2. Enhances Content Distribution

Social media is a content amplifier. It gives your blogs, videos, and infographics a larger stage, increasing the chances of your material being shared, linked, and cited by authoritative sources. 

3. Builds Brand Authority

When your brand is active and engaging on social channels, it fosters trust and credibility. This online presence can indirectly influence how search engines perceive your site’s authority, positively impacting rankings.

4. Strengthens Local SEO 

Social platforms, especially Google Business Profiles and Facebook, are essential for local SEO success. Reviews, location check-ins, and shared posts tied to a specific area increase your visibility for local search queries. Consumers value and engage with review responses during the decision-making process, too. Forbes reports that 90% of users refer to reviews when deciding where to purchase products or services. 

Practical Steps to Integrate Social Media with SEO

Boost your social media and SEO performance with these five simple tips. 

1. Optimize NAP Information and Bio Content on Your Social Profiles

When optimizing your Google Business profile and social profiles, it’s essential to ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) information is current. Further, double-check that your social media bios and descriptions are complete and aligned with your website’s SEO strategy. 

2. Strategically Repurpose and Share Your Existing Content 

If you’re not repurposing your SEO content across channels, you might miss a big opportunity! Promote blogs, video content, photos, product links, and other valuable content on your social channels alongside attention-grabbing copy and visuals. Include direct links to drive traffic back to your site. 

3. Encourage Social Sharing

The more your content circulates, the more visibility it gets. Make it easy for folks to share (and snag backlinks) by adding social sharing buttons to your website content. Social sharing buttons make it easy for readers to spread the word and act as your “unofficial influencers.” 

4. Leverage Analytics & Test, Test, Test 

Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to monitor how your social efforts drive traffic and engagement. Adjust your strategy based on what resonates most with your audience. 

Keep in mind that you may see different results across different social platforms. Tailor your strategy for each platform to ensure that your copy, media type, and content shared resonate.

5. Keep Your Keyphrase Strategy Consistent 

The terms you want to rank for on your site should also mirror the keyphrases you target on social media. Wait, keyphrases on social media? Yes, you read that right! Using keyphrases in your copy can help users find your content in social platform searches – and make it easy for search engines to index and place your social content accordingly in the SERP. 

Make the Most of Search and Social With GPO 

At GPO, we understand the intricate dance between search and social media. Our team of experts specializes in crafting comprehensive strategies that marry these two powerful channels to elevate your brand’s online presence.Ready to level up your rankings and engagement? GPO can help you get you there. Get in touch now to learn more about our tailored digital solutions.

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