Social media optimization, or SMO, is a form of online marketing that focuses on participating on various social media Web sites to generate traffic, buzz, and links back to your Web site. Social media Web sites include social news Web sites such as Digg, Sphinn, and StumbleUpon; video sharing Web sites such as YouTube and Revver; and social network Web sites, including MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Various recognized SEO and SMO pundits have referred to SMO as “the new SEO” because SMO is often used as an effective and powerful method to quickly build large numbers of links back to your Web site, which can lead to improved organic search-engine rankings.
In fact, an increasing number of businesses are currently using MySpace and Facebook as a vehicle to manage reputation, build brand recognition, promote products, and generate buzz.
Getting your Web pages, videos, photos, and news articles submitted to StumbleUpon in an effective way to generate buzz, traffic, and build back links to your Web site.
MyBlogLog is a free social networking service that includes a popular widget that you can install on you blog that shows you visitors the most recent MyBlogLog members who have visited your Web site. MyBlogLog is a great way to get people to visit your Web site and learn more about your business or hobbies.
LinkedIn is a popular business-oriented social networking site that allows you to network with like-minded business professionals and build a list of contacts. LinkedIn is an effective network for sharing professional information and news about your business-related activities.
Video sharing Web sites such as YouTube and Revver allow users to upload, view, and share video clips.
Social news Web sites such as Digg and Sphinn allow users to submit news stories for other members to view and vote on.
If you want more information about SMO and SEM, I recommend reading my article about Business Networking Sites. You’ll find usefull tips, links and articles on how to market you business online.
