Every website owner should know by now that inbound links to their website play a large role in your website ranking within Google and other search engines, and increased ranking means increased traffic, and that’s good for business.

But what about links from Twitter and Facebook that go to your website? Do they contribute to the total of inbound links and thus increase ranking? The answer is yes.

Google treats these links the same as other links no matter what the website so they do contribute. However, don’t forget that the quality of the link is very important. In other words the reputation of the website the link is coming from (its more about quality rather than quantity).

In simple terms its best seen like this. Each website has a pagerank of 1-10. Getting a link from a website that has a high pagerank carries more weight/points than a link coming from a website that has a low page rank. Check your pagerank or a website that you know is linking to you by using a free pagerank checker tool. 

Nonetheless, Facebook linking can be quite difficult for Google as most profiles are not public and Google won’t be able to access the page. Twitter also has a nofollow policy which basically means they attribute a value used to instruct some search engines that a hyperlink should not influence the link target’s ranking in the search engine’s index. It is intended to reduce the effectiveness of certain types of search engine spam, thereby improving the quality of search engine results and preventing spamdexing from occurring.

Some Twitter related sites and Twitter’s own search can have the nofollow rule removed so its best to use these sites whether they contribute or not. After all, if you are providing a valuable resource, read or information on your website and advertise its URL users will organically link to it anyway and that’s the best form of link building you can do.

If you are interesting in social media strategies or services relating to link building then why not contact ADK for a training session or discover a our set of services to help you build your online ebusiness presence.

How do you optimise opportunities in social media, spend less time yet be more effective? Find out with our quick and easy article on doing just that.

When considering the how, the why, the types and benefits of social networking there is a mass of available. Typing a few relevant keywords into your Internet search browser reveals millions of resources that might be useful.

Information sources include starting out in social networking, foresight studies, webinars, videos, workshops in almost every business network, step-by-step instructions, social media roadmaps concerning a particular application, as well as a wealth of academic papers, consultancy reports and articles.

So if there was one single tip to help you get into and make the most of social networking, it would be to go to Google and type in ‘How to get started with…’ or ‘How to social network with Twitter/LinkedIn/FaceBook etc. But in reality you are not learning anything new. The techniques used in online social networking are exactly the same as face-to-face networking. There are just a few new attitudes and techniques that you need to adopt to make it work for you.

Just as with face-to-face networking we meet people, discuss ourselves and others, we share personal information and opinions, build relationships, and mix general chat and business conversations together. People who are successful at online social networking do just that. Those that merely broadcast their products or services are not usually too successful.

To explain further, imagine that you are at a business networking event. A new member comes in, does not introduce themselves, and now and then amid others networking together says ‘buy my product from me’ or ‘see my new service I have on offer’. This is known as broadcasting and should only be used now and then amid the chat, opinions and comments of that networking group, whether online or offline. Some experts say 75% business/brand 25% personal, others say 50-50 but you will know when the time is right to make those business building announcements.

Now think about eBay. If you’ve purchased from eBay you will know that sellers are rated by the buyers. Social networking works on a similar premise. To be heard and respected within an online networking group you must contribute something valuable, then people follow you, become your online friends, or join your network. This is achieved by responding to other peoples’ posts, comments and blogs, and by creating interesting conversations or topics. Then when you make that service announcement, more people will share that information and the viral part of you social networking starts to work effectively.

Nevertheless, you shouldn’t find a social networking site, join and start contributing or posting unless you understand Social Media Optimisation (SMO). Again, I suggest a Google search for Social Media Optimisation as this will provide ways of making the most of your social networking content and allow you to find people offering services to assist you.

When determining which social media sites are right for you, you need to consider the type of market you seek. This is important as social media sites will usually have some kind of theme such as environment, shopping, friends, children, hobbies, academia, technology, etc.

Go to Google and search for ‘social media list’, check out some sites and pick three that suit your business. You’ll be surprised how many there are. For example, if you are selling energy efficient products or recycled goods then sites like Care2 may be just up your street. For consultancy LinkedIn may be better. Just remember that social networking is used for many reasons so do not exclude those that may benefit your business in areas of research, colleague communications, and partnerships.

As for posting and contributing to social networks remember that your objective is create something that’s linkable or begs to be replicated by other users. It is the viral nature of social media that is core to its success and yours. And remember to use keywords or tags within your contributions even if it is just 140 characters on Twitter.

Once you start contributing to a social network be sure not to get too involved that it takes too much of your time and doesn’t generate enough leads or awareness.

Social networking takes time to cultivate relationships and build sales and contacts. Be sure to regularly care for your social network. Don’t neglect it and only use it when YOU need something. Remember, networking is a two-way street!

If of course you believe strongly in a social media networking strategy for your business and you cannot commit your time or feel that you have little writing skills then you will have to consider paying someone to do it for you. If you do then ensure that you vet the person or organisation first. Ask for some references and speak to their clients to find out what impact their social media services had on their business.

Finally, remember that you need to make it as human as possible. People still buy from people so use your networking talents online and build relationships that mean something to your business and your potential customers.

ADK Ltd provides consultancy and advice on social media strategies.

When commissioned by the South West Tourism Skills Network to produce and deliver a social media and emarketing course I was faced with several approaches.

Of course I could have been simplistic e.g. here is Facebook/Twitter and this is how you use its functions, but in reality there is a mountain of how to’s and resources on how to use social media.

So I decided to take the business approach; to show whether there is value in social media and marketing, and how the business can evaluate or choose whether social media and emarketing is right for them. In addition to this I decided to show how to plan a social media and emarketing strategy, while optimising the content.

Then came the first day of delivery in Somerset and the first two hours was focusing on business. This in it self proved to be a very positive approach and responses seemed to move from ‘I’ve done a social media course before and I’m probably not going to learn anything new’ to ‘I’ve never seen it from that angle and didn’t realise that attitudes and social media optimisation played a large role’.

The day covered social media, blogs, email marketing, website optimisation, search engine optimisation and social media optimisation. All-in-all the course was an overwhelming success. And here are the testimonials to prove it:

Testimonials

“I came to the course thinking that it was going to tell me information that I already knew about the exponential growth in social media but I was really impressed with the added insight and hands on approach to getting to grips with this exciting marketing communications opportunity. I’d have no hesitation in recommending ADK to my colleagues whatever their level of on-line competence.”

Jon Jefferies - Head of Marketing – Fleet Air Arm Museum

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“I was very enthused to attend the course on Social Media and eMarketing having come from an IT background.  When asked what course I was attending many people said to me that they did not think there would be any content on the course that I didn’t already know, but this was not the case at all.  I found the whole day incredibly exciting and informative and could not wait to hear and learn what Andrew had to say next.  The content of the course was very useful and clever, covering many concepts that I had not even considered as a valuable marketing tool.  I have taken on board every aspect of the course and will soon be setting up our email marketing system and social media profiles to build our online presence.  Andrew also inspired me to consider the content of our new website which we are in the process of creating to increase the amount of traffic to the site and in turn increase our search engine rating.

Andrew is a very educated and articulate tutor, presenting the course content in a clear, fun and concise manner.  I found his approach to the subject innovative, informative and easy to retain the information conveyed.  The course was packed with very useful information and I now feel I have enough tools and knowledge to take on the role of creating an online presence for our Holiday Park.

I would recommend this course to any business looking to create a greater online presence with a view to cutting down on the cost of advertising”.

Marie Hudson - Bucklegrove Caravan & Camping Park

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“The course yesterday was very informative, and covered many things I didn’t know about that will be useful to us - you were very clear in what you said and you clearly know your subject inside out! ….and you have a good way of putting it over to a load - mainly -  of old codgers ( like me).  This Social Media thing is a whole new world to me out there but I’m delighted I have done the course…its the sort of thing that was asked for last time we did a Somerset Tourism course…..and I am very pleased with the whole day. Everything now needs to come together to get something to work this end. The day was very much appreciated.

Francis Thyer - Deputy Custodian - Glastonbury Abbey

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I have just returned from another course, I say another course because I have been on so many, but this one was different, Social Media and Marketing had so many great ideas and cutting edge information on how to market your business that I hardly knew were to begin.  I highly recommend Andrew Knutt’s workshop, generated by Somerset Tourism and Skills Network this is one course you don’t want to miss.

Jack Edgar – Blakehay Theatre
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‘My husband attended ADK’s search engine optimisation course and was so impressed by Andrew’s knowledge and easy to understand teaching that our manager and myself attended his Social Media and eMarketing course. This was an excellent course, very beneficial and informative. In fact, I was so impressed I have booked Andrew to provide the same course to other garden centre and nursery owners through the West of England and Wales Horticultural Trades Association Retail Business Improvements Scheme’.

Felicity Down – Cleeve Nursery
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About The Tutor and Course Writer (me)

This social media and emarketing workshop was written and delivered by Andrew Knutt who has 17 years experience in business, IT, the Internet and other related technologies. Andrew is an associate of the Institute of Business Consulting and runs his own design and media company in Somerset, ADK Ltd.

Over the years Andrew has delivered many workshops, seminars and courses on IT, ebusiness, ecommerce, design, the Internet, and business development; helping 100’s of small to medium sized businesses make the most of technology. As a qualified IT technician Andrew also brings a practical edge to his workshops.

Andrew’s reputation as a positive, upbeat and passionate presenter is also a great experience for all who attend his workshops; each going away with enthusiasm and confidence.

Andrew also sits on the board of the South West Design Forum, chairman of the Somerset Design Enterprise Network, and advocate of Into Somerset. He is a member of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Taunton Chamber of Commerce, Blackdown Down Hill Business Association, UK Web Design Association, and a Microsoft Partner.

To learn more about ADK services visit http://www.adk.ltd.uk

Services include consultancy, web design, ecommerce, social media strategies, SEO, SMO, training, digital publications, graphic, print, media, animation, video, elearning and branding.