Google has made it very clear that their ranking algorithm benefits those with strong social signals. Google wants to see social proof that you are a legitimate business with a following of active and engaged consumers. The best way to make sure Google sees your social signals is to create profiles on the most popular social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and of course, Google+.
It’s not enough to simply create a profile and add your basic company information. First, make sure your social profiles are 100% complete and include all relevant information people may search for. Include your business location, website address, hours of operation, all products and services, and relevant photos and videos showcasing your company.
Next, plan a strategy to share content on your social media profiles. Share your original blog posts, articles, case studies, infographics, or videos on your profiles. You can even share links to other articles or content that your followers may find interesting. Take 10 minutes out of your day to actively manage and monitor your social profiles. This small time commitment will have a huge impact on your SEO rankings.
Google+ is perhaps the most important social profile to utilize, since Google now serves search results based on what your G+ friends have +1’d. Claiming your Google+ Local page for each of your physical business addresses is the single most important thing you can do to impact your search engine rankings. Google continues to make the SERPs more localized to the searcher by serving Google+ Local results (formerly Google Places) ahead of organic listings. Make sure your business is set up for local online marketing success.
Social media can no longer be an afterthought. Your company must embrace it, enhance it, and integrate it into your marketing strategy.
Looking for more search marketing insights from a healthcare marketing firm? Check back to our outsource marketing blog next week for part 3 of this 5 part search marketing integration series. Contact Clarity Quest Marketing at 877-887-7611, or visit us online to request a quote.
Author: +Brian Shilling
