Do You Know SMO?

Clients often come to me a bit confused about social networking.  Who knew that you’d have to learn a new language in order to utilize new media technology?  There’s RT (Re-Tweet) or DM (Direct Message) and the uber-important ROI (Return on Influence).  It can feel as though you’ve bypassed another country entirely and leaped onto another planet!  All joking aside, one we all need more familiarity with is SMO:  Social Media Optimization.

The concept of making the most of your online efforts is nothing new.  However, the way in which social networking happens compels us to re-think traditional optimization strategy.  In an effort to prevent your eyes from glazing over, I’d like to offer 3 simple strategies that you can implement immediately to enhance your social media networking efforts.

1.  Create a Facebook Fanpage and add an email opt-in box to it.

One little known fact to most Facebook users is that search engines fully index Fanpages.  The non-geek explanation of indexing means that a search engine makes a notation of when you post an update, a link, video, photo, etc.  This causes you/your site to gain ranking organically (naturally) in the search engine.  (Not to mention, for free!)

Most users can create a functional, basic fanpage on their own.  I’ve got a short 3 minute video that covers how to create your own.  Once you’ve created your page, you can browse the Facebook applications for the Static FBML application.  (That stands for Facebook Mark Up Language)  This application allows users to place HTML code within their profiles and fanpages.

Once the application is added to your fanpage, you simply go into your email client (I personally use Mail Chimp) and generate the HTML code for an email opt-in box.  You then copy and paste the code into the Static FBML application and voila!  Your fans can now opt-in to your newsletter/email updates directly from Facebook.  Brilliant!  (TIP: Don’t forget to change the box name from <FBML> to Email Updates or something along those lines!)

2.  Comment on a blog post relevant to your audience!

Bloggers LOVE comments–especially well thought out comments.  No “fluff” please! (Example of “fluff” = Great post!)    Make this an opportunity to engage and connect with industry experts and thought leaders.

Not sure how to find a blog?  Google’s blog search is a great place to start.  Type in your industry keywords and you’ll be directed to blogs that fit that criteria.  I personally follow (via an RSS reader ) numerous industry specific blogs to keep me in the know.  It’s helpful to my business, my clients and my readers.

If you like a particular blog and aren’t sure that you’ll remember to check your RSS reader daily, email subscriptions may be a better fit for you.  Most sites offer email subscriptions of new blog posts delivered to your inbox.  Considering that I subscribe to over 100 blogs, I have a few CAN’T miss blog feeds delivered via email.

3.  Give a shout out to someone!

It can’t all be about YOU.  You can promote a project or blog post that someone you know (or want to know) is involved in via Twitter.  You can link to YouTube videos, share links, etc. on Facebook.  You can even add a link for someone to Digg or Kirtsy.  Sharing is SEXY and it’s savvy when done properly.

Remember, this is simply the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  My hope was to share a few simple action oriented suggestions to get your juices flowing.  You’ll get the hang of it rather quickly.  And if you get stuck, ask for help! (I offer free help on my fanpage.  Post your question to me and I’ll answer it–for FREE!)