What Is SEO and SMO in Digital Marketing?

Most marketers would say that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is vital to business success in digital marketing. That’s because close to one-third of U.S. consumers use the internet to look up businesses each day.

So, if you have a website – but you’re not sure why traffic hasn’t picked up yet – it’s likely because SEO isn’t part of your digital marketing methods. But, with the right digital marketing strategy (and a little help from Charley Grey), you can put your business’s website at the top of the first page on Google.

Another method for driving traffic to your website is SMO (Social Media Optimization). SMO is the action you take by optimizing your social media platforms with search terms to increase website traffic.

SEO and SMO both have the same goals. They just work differently in several ways.

SEO vs. SMO

Search Engine Optimization

SEO makes up various methods to increase your website’s search engine ranking on the page results. The techniques you’d use to help rank your website include:

  • Keyword Optimization:This involves identifying a list of keywords and incorporating them on each page of your website. This step helps to attract both searchers and engines.Each page should have its own purpose and keywords woven throughout the content. By doing so, you avoid using a keyword strategy that’s narrow and limited in search results.
  • Title and Meta Description:

    Each webpage should have a descriptive title and detailed meta description telling users and Google about the topic’s discussion. The meta description is a snippet that will appear under the title in the search results. This is a valuable tool that you can use for SEO and draw readers in from the SERP (search engine results pages). For best results, keep titles under 60 characters and meta descriptions between 70-155 characters.
  • Compelling Content and Copy:You should have optimized copy that includes specific keywords for each website page. It helps to embed each keyword naturally into the content. Additionally, it needs to be easily readable and comprehendible. In fact, copy that’s written in a more natural tone is precisely what Google is looking for these days. Plus, it prevents keyword stuffing and using terms in unnatural places.
  • Link building:

    Links are part of your SEO strategy, which helps you get linked to other websites. If you can get links from other credible sources, Google will take notice and rank your website higher.
  • Good Website User Experience:Your website must be easy to navigate to have great SEO. Issues – such as slow loading times, difficulty navigating, and unresponsiveness – are surefire ways to decrease your ranking on Google.

Social Media Optimization

SMO is a part of your digital marketing efforts that helps social media platforms rank in popularity and engagement. Once you have an engaged audience, this can drive traffic to your website. Some tactics to help optimize your social media accounts include:

  • Provide valuable content:Content that offers value to audiences will help with SEO and building a loyal following. Google’s algorithm will see it as a resource and rank it at the top of SERPs when sharing useful content. You should also include outbound links within your content to other vetted and authoritative websites to share in their “web of trust.”In addition to providing valuable content, people will find it insightful and often share. When creating content like this, make sure your website or blog is linked so you can drive traffic.
  • Engagement:Getting your followers to respond to your content doesn’t stop there. Returning the favor by responding, following, and offering prizes helps with SMO. Users want to interact with you, so it helps to show that there’s a human on the other side.
  • Add a call-to-action:What is the purpose of each piece of published content? What do you want your followers to do after they read it? Ask your following to click on links, share content, comment, or save your content. This will ensure your audience is engaging with you.
  • Create share buttons on your website:Adding social links to your website makes it easy for users to share your content.

SEO and SMO Work Simultaneously

Although SEO and SMO work in different ways, they both intend to drive traffic to your website.

For instance: suppose you search for content through Google. A popular brand might come up and you’ll see their Facebook page or Twitter account on the SERP. So, if their website doesn’t show in the SERP, their social media pages will. That is how SEO and SMO work together in driving traffic to your website.

To put it simply, you need both high engagement on your social media pages AND great website copy for content to rank in search engines. Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, though. It is becoming more sophisticated than ever, so there are no shortcuts around it.

That’s why SEO should be part of your digital marketing strategies for your website and SMO. Consistency is also key to getting results quickly. You have to keep sharing your content on your website and social media pages – to gain popularity on Google and with your following.

You can use social media tools like Meet Edgar, Hootsuite, Semrush, or Buffer to help with automation.

Finally, take note of SEO’s long-term strategies. It is an ongoing process that involves thinking ahead and making a constant effort. To gain website traffic, create content through your blog so it’s constantly updated. You should always aim to consistently create content that will convert traffic.

Putting Your Digital Marketing Efforts to Work

Both SEO and SMO take time, patience, and effort. However, you should always ensure they work simultaneously in your digital marketing strategies.

At Charley Grey, we help you think long-term about the process. Along with managing your website, we also offer other great digital marketing services include strategy building, blogging, social media management, and so much more! We understand how SEO and SMO work together – It’s kind of what we do. So, let’s talk about your current marketing efforts and how we can capitalize on something better! Contact us today by calling (317) 991-1982.

Photo by Myriam Jessier on Unsplash