subject: Social Media Optimisation [print this page] Social Media Optimisation Social Media Optimisation
Since its official introduction in 2006, SMO has taken off. Some predict that SMO will at some point be the dominant internet marketing tool, as opposed to Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO. While SEO is still useful, SMO is a dynamic and interactive online marketing tool that allows internet marketers to promote themselves and their companies in real time.Below is a list of 5 SMO strategies, as recommended by Rohit Bhargava- the man responsible for coining the term Social Media Optimisation.1. Create shareable content.This means making your content interesting and exciting. Write your blog titles so they grab the reader, and make your tweets punchy in the 140 characters allowed. Don't waste space on filler wordsget to the point. Your content has to be different and creative, with the right spin or hook to target the audience you want.2. Make sharing easy.This means writing, posting, and generally making content that is easy for others to share with each other. It's all about creating something in the right sort of format, so that it takes the least amount of time and effort possible to spread it and share it with others. The online environment is instantaneouspeople won't share things that aren't fast and easy to spread around.3. Reward engagement.Retweet the interesting posts of those you follow on Twitter. Reply to those people you believe might react to one of your blog posts, tweets or updates. Engage those who engage you and the content you create. Being active and successful in social media is all about the conversation. A conversation is at least two-sided, so be sure you're not just talking to yourself.4. Add value with your content.Think about new ways to share content. Don't just have a bloghave a twitter feed that links to your blog. Post videos to other sites, which then link back to your blog. Make a Facebook page that includes a link to your blog, and maybe also contains videos and photos. Never be satisfied with one way to transmit what you createthere are so many available online outlets for your content. What works for one viewer might not work for another, which is why multi-media platforms are highly encouraged.5. Encourage the 'mashup'.Let people take what you create and add to ityou won't be able to stop them anyway. You could easily find that your profile is raised because someone else uses your content in their mashups. The more content on the web that leads back to you, the better. Comment on what people might create with your contentlet them know that you are more than happy with their use of your content, and use theirs in return.
