If you have a website, you are familiar with search engine optimization, or SEO. Have you heard of Social Media Optimization, or SMO?
Optimizing your web page content helps search engines understand what your website is about. When people search for topics relevant to your website, the search engines will know to recommend your content in the results.
Social media optimization is very similar. Instead of optimizing your website, you need to optimize your social media content so you will be found on that channel.
This post focuses on optimizing your social media profiles.
Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn allow for lots of information about your company, but the majority of business profiles are incomplete. The person who set up the profile probably rushed through the process.
The more complete your profile is, the more your page will stand out. (Note: Your profile can also get found on Google search results!)
Optimize your profiles
Profiles on social media can be optimized with great text and keyword-rich content the same way you would on your website.
To optimize, just fill in all the blanks on your profiles. Add great descriptions, good keywords, and even include hashtags that are relevant. Include an email address, phone, and a link to your website whenever you can. Our Instagram profile is shown below.
Anytime you have the option to add more information, I highly recommend that you do. Your Facebook “About” tab offers lots of fields for text. You also have a Story option where you can describe your business in greater detail with a wide header image (just make sure your photo is not too tall).
Optimize profile and cover images
Your profile image should be your logo for branding. On Facebook, be sure to add a description with your profile photo. Click on your profile image and fill in the “Add description” field. Add a link to your website here.
Our logo description for Abuzz Social is shown below. I added good keywords, hashtags and a link to our website.
Add a cover photo or video that fits the designated area. Don’t add a tall portrait image where the space calls for a wide portrait image. On Facebook, be sure to add a description with your profile photo. Click on your cover photo and fill in the “Add description” field. Add a link to your website here, too!
Don’t forget the #Hashtags!
Hashtags have become synonymous with social media marketing, especially on Instagram and Twitter. Hashtags make it easy to track topics and they can be pretty entertaining.
Hashtags help with social media optimization by giving your any of your content more reach, including your profile.
The more complete your social media profiles, the better!
