How Does Social Media Impact SEO?

Have you ever wondered why SEO experts rarely emphasise the role of social media in their strategies? It’s not that social media lacks effectiveness; rather, it’s often viewed as a separate entity. But let’s clear the air: social media can significantly boost your SEO efforts. While it might not directly impact your rankings, it plays a crucial supporting role. Despite its indirect influence, social media is essential for enhancing your SEO game and improving your site's visibility. So, how exactly does social media impact SEO? Let’s dive in!

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How Social Media Influences SEO

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1. Your Social Profiles Can Rank Too

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When people search for your business, your social media profiles may appear alongside your website. This added visibility helps push competitors further down the search results and gives your brand more online presence - great news! 

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Take Stephen Ashcroft, founder of Fruity Llama, as an example. A search for ‘Stephen Ashcroft’ shows his LinkedIn profile ranking 4th.  With one search, they know he is a business owner and the name of his company.  This can lead to further enquiries, like, ‘Who are Fruity Llama?’ or ‘What Digital Marketing services do they provide?’  This can result in more traffic on their website.  Even better, if your profile shows up alongside your website, users have multiple touchpoints to engage with your brand.

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2. Boosts Engagement and Signals Quality

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Are you starting a new website? You might find it tough to attract users initially, especially if your content isn’t yet ranking well. Sharing your content on social media can drive traffic and interaction, which is fantastic for SEO!  More engagement means your content is deemed valuable by Google. If users are interacting with your site, it signals that your content is high-quality. Alternatively, if users quickly bounce off your website, it’s probably a hint to refine your content.

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3. Increases Chances of Earning Backlinks

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Backlinks are crucial for SEO - they signal to Google that your site is credible. But getting those backlinks isn’t always straightforward. Here’s where social media comes in: sharing your content can help it reach a broader audience, increasing the likelihood of other sites linking back to you.

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Content which gains significant social media interaction often receives more backlinks. This trend aligns with global observations that effective social media campaigns can help in acquiring valuable backlinks. So, a single mention in a blog or article can open doors to new audiences and more backlinks.

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4. Reaches New Audiences

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While Google is king of search engines, many people, particularly younger users, turn to social media for their queries.  A 2023 report from Ofcom highlights that younger UK users are increasingly turning to platforms like Instagram and TikTok for information and brand discovery.  The report noted that social media platforms are becoming more prominent for younger users compared to traditional search engines.

Having a strong social media presence helps you tap into these audiences. The traffic from social media can drive engagement and result in additional backlinks, both of which are fantastic for your SEO.

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Tips for Maximising Social Media’s Impact on SEO

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• Post Regularly: Aim to post 2-3 times a week on most platforms. For places like YouTube or TikTok, daily posts can help you grow faster.
• Share High-Quality Content: Frequency is important, but so is quality. Provide content that offers real value to your audience. For example, useful tips or educational videos can effectively engage your audience.

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• Apply SEO Techniques to Social Media: Just like with Google, use relevant hashtags on social platforms to increase visibility. Incorporate these keywords across your profiles to boost your reach.
• Create Cross-Platform Synergy: When you publish a blog post, create related content for YouTube, social media, and other channels. Linking these together not only provides more value but also helps with SEO. Google appreciates this synergy and may even reward it with higher rankings.

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Final Thoughts On How Social Media Impacts SEO

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Ignoring social media in your SEO strategy is a missed opportunity. While it might not directly affect your rankings, it certainly contributes to your SEO success by driving traffic, boosting engagement, and increasing your chances of earning backlinks. Don’t underestimate the power of social media—start integrating it into your strategy and watch your SEO efforts get a much-needed boost!

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Looking for Local SEO Service Experts with a Proven Track Record?

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Picture a group of Lancashire SEO service experts gathered around a table, crafting the perfect strategy to elevate your business. At Fruity Llama, we focus on driving real results—strengthening your local search rankings and attracting more customers in Lancashire. Our tailored approach makes your business stand out, transforming online searches into sales and building your brand’s reputation. 

Are you ready to dominate your local market? Let us help you rise to the top of local search results and achieve the growth you deserve.  Visit Fruityllama.co.uk 

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