Linking and Social Networks - Do They Mix Well?
Monday, November 2nd, 2009How many more pieces of content can be published online regarding link building? Well, the answer to that is the same as how many links do you want to build? Link building is all about content, words and information. Without the best content, written in easily readable words providing expert information, the link building efforts will be useless. Useless, you ask? Yes, useless. You see, the links are added to content online for more than page rank building efforts and SEO. They are added as a resource for more information that invites the reader to LEARN MORE, not increase YOUR traffic.
Because of the growing need for surface and deep website links, many Internet marketers forget that these links are being read by more than just search engine bots with algorithms on the mind. The links are to be read by REAL people who want REAL information on the other side of that link. Smacking a link here and there with anchor text does not make for good search engine marketing which is why many Internet marketers are getting closer to their audience with social networking.
Social Networking and Getting to Know Your Reader
A personal relationship between a business and the reader is VERY important to the success of that business. Social networks are the perfect platform to make that happen. Sure, a link can be added to the profile and to the posts on the social networking page, but it is about more than that. Social networking brings life back to the reader who should replace the bots when it comes to importance in link building.
Combining Business and Pleasure
Social networks allow a business to learn more about their customers and target audiences. When starting a social networking page, search for “friends” with interests that could relate to your niche. These are the perfect people to add as their friend lists will have access to your information which could mean a limitless source of potential future consumers.
Once the friend list starts taking shape, give the consumer what they are looking for, expert information in your field. This information needs to be offered without links, at first. Then, as trust is built and the friend list grows, offer them a direct link back to your website. These links are VERY important. The information on the other side needs to be GREAT information that does not push the reader too strong to buy your products or services.
If the link leads to too strong a push, the reader will lose interest in the website and eventually may drop you as a friend on the social network. This is the opposite of what you want to happen. What you really want is the reader to click your link and read the information then pass that link or information on to other friends on social networks.
Which Social Network is the Best?
There is no one social network that is better than another. Each social network will have a different set of potential customers that could be gained by the exposure on the website. The idea is to establish a common name, theme and equally relevant information on all major social networks as well as some smaller, niche style social networks.



