Content Marketing IS The New SEO For Online Marketers http://ping.fm/EYBvV

Content Marketing IS The New SEO For Online Marketers

Given Google and Bing’s recent revelation that social media is now a factor in determining website rankings, content marketing should be considered the number one search engine optimization strategy.  For inbound marketers this totally makes sense, because frequently publishing high quality content and distributing it via social media is the best way to take advantage of this new algorithm.  If your search engine optimization strategy focuses on content marketing here are a few of the SEO benefits you can expect.
1.  Fresh Content – It has long been known that the more frequently content is posted to a website the more often that website will be crawled by the search engines.  This will definitely help a website in the SERPs.
2.  Competitive on New Keyword Phrases – Posting on a blog at least three times per week will allow the website to focus on new long tail keyword phrases.  This is especially powerful if the keyword ranking “wish list” is over 100 keyword phrases.  Simply include the phrase in the title, body copy and alt text of the post’s image.  Also include a tag for that keyword phrase.  This will create an RSS feed for that phrase and all subsequent posts that you tag with that phrase will be included in the feed.  This will maximize a website’s chances to rank for that particular keyword phrase.
3.  Increased Website Traffic – The process of frequently publishing quality content will increase the number of unique visitors to a website and the frequency to which they visit.  Search engines reward websites with lots of traffic in the SERPs.
4.  Backlink Magnetism – Constantly publishing quality content to a website will undoubtedly drive others to link to that content.  This is considered the first rule of link building and the core of content marketing – publish quality content.
5.  Social Media Distribution & Profile Building – Distributing quality content via social media will not only increase that content’s visibility to the users of those social media platforms, but it will increase the content’s visibility to the search engines.  This will also lead to increased followers or fans for the social media profile doing the distribution.  Overtime, this process will raise the “clout” of the social media profile to users and search engines.  The result of this is better SERP rankings in the search engines.
The benefits of content marketing won’t be obvious overnight.  Content marketing is an ongoing process that typically takes six months to see measurable benefits.  Overtime, content marketing will bestow upon its practitioner the status of “thought-leader” while creating lots of brand advocates.  The search engine optimization benefits are icing on the cake.

5 Ways to Aggravate Your Twitter Followers http://ping.fm/aJRCN

5 Ways to Aggravate Your Twitter Followers

As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, I find Twitter to be one of the best social media tools around. The fact that it only allows you 140 characters to get a message across usually means that there’s no waffle.
People genuinely think about what they want to say, and it’s a great way to connect with people you share interests with, personal and professional.
Yet lately I’ve been getting a little frustrated with Twitter – not the service itself (although the fail whale is never a pretty site). No, my frustrations lie with the way many users are spoiling what Twitter has to offer – at least for me.
I know that people use Twitter for different reasons and I have no qualms with that at all. I just feel that some use it less effectively and far more selfishly than others. So here, in no particular order, are my Top 5 peeves when it comes to Twitter use. (These are just my peeves – it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right – Twitter should be used how you want to use it).

• Shameless self-promotion. Yes, we’re only human and that means we like to talk about ourselves. Yet social media is all about the conversation and interacting – sharing others as well as yourself. There’s nothing more annoying to me than a Twitter stream from someone that is nothing but a plug for their latest blog post or product. To me, that doesn’t offer anything to the community – sorry.

• Selfish shouts. One of the reasons I love using Twitter is the way I find great new content, thanks to users I’m following recommending new blogs to check out. This has introduced some great opinions to me that I would never have been aware of otherwise. However, only recommending blog posts where you’re mentioned? Just as bad as shameless self-promotion (and possibly a little egotistical).

• Twitter DM spam. So I’ve just agreed to follow your Twitter updates, and BAM! All of a sudden you feel it’s acceptable to send me direct messages telling me to sign up to your newsletter or join this group or that forum. Sorry, no – show me that you’re offering something selflessly and I’ll find that information anyway. Bombarding me with DM’s is akin to email spam and I instantly delete that.

• Open conversations. This might be a bit contentious and I apologize if it comes across wrong – that’s not my intent. But if you feel that you’re going to have a long conversation with a particular user, can you use the DM option? Seeing half a conversation taking up every other Tweet isn’t particularly conducive to community spirit. You wouldn’t like me listening in on your phone conversation, would you?

• Competition Tweets. While it’s nice to have the chance to win something at any time, Tweeting about it every other minute is not a great way to go about it. Instead of blasting everyone in your Twitter stream, why not have the competition URL and short spiel about it in your bio?

I’m not saying that Twitter is becoming annoying per se – just some of the ways that it’s being used.

Twitter Tips for Business and Brand Building

When it comes to social media, no one “gets it” as well as Twitter. According to Econsultancy, as of Jan 2010, Twitter has 75 million user accounts, with about 15 million of that total being active users. See http://tinyurl.com/yetgcru . That’s a lot of people sending a lot of Tweets. This micro-blogging service makes it easy for small businesses and entrepreneurs to stay in touch with those who choose to follow them, and stay updated on new products, services, special offers, industry news and more. It’s a win-win for both the Tweeter, and their followers.

 When it comes to using Twitter, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. Your messages must be kept short, under 140 characters, and they need to be helpful or informative. Don’t carry on about what you ate for breakfast, or the fact that you just brushed your teeth. People will unfollow you faster than they can hit the button, even if you do have good oral habits.
I’ve been using Twitter for a long time now and here’s what I’ve found works best when participating in this close knit community of few words.

1. Regular Postings: Now I’m not saying you need to post every day, although that would be nice. You do need to make an appearance on a regular basis. It’s like school – you need to show up to pass. Be a contributor that your followers get to really know and look forward to your Tweets. If you’re the type of person who needs to plan ahead, you can always use a service that allows you to schedule tweets in advance, such as http://www.socialoomph.com/
   
2. Retweet: If you see Tweets posted by other users that you think your followers would like, then retweet them. It only takes one click, and you’ll also be creating goodwill with other Twitter users at the same time. If you’d like, you can add a personal thought or comment before sending it. Also, make it easy for others to retweet your posts by adding RT buttons to your website or blog. It’s easy with http://tweetmeme.com/about/retweet_button
   
3. Be Helpful: Keep in mind Twitter is a form of social Media, so social interaction is key. It’s not all about you. Whenever an opportunity arises to answer a question, participate in a survey, or help solve a problem, do so. In this way you’re participating in the community. This also will help your brand and image when others know they can count on you for support or feedback.
   
4. Don’t Be A Follow CopyCat: Don’t follow everyone who follows you. This is probably my biggest pet peeve when it comes to Twitter. So many people turn this feature on to auto follow those who follow them. Why would you want to do this? I’d prefer that those I follow are people and topics I’ve hand-selected that interest me, and not a mish-mash of followers who may be ranting about things I have no interest in. Be selective in who you follow or your Twitter stream could quickly fill up with junk or spam. For quality people to follow, see-http://followontwitterlists.com/
   
5. What to Tweet: Make sure that the tweets you post are helpful and/or informative. Late breaking news pertaining to your industry, as well as any specials or sales you may have going on are always good topics. If you find something you think your followers would like, especially if it’s free or a bargain, share the love. Plus, if your tweets are good, it will encourage others to retweet them. For ideas see- http://www.artbizblog.com/2009/07/what-to-tweet.html
   
6. Comment: Particpate in the community by commenting on other people’s tweets. If you can answer a question, do so. It never hurts and people really will appreciate it when you take the time to comment on what they have to say. It lets them know that others are actually listening to what they have to say in the “Twitterverse”.
   
7. Say Thank You: When someone takes the time to retweet one of your tweets, make sure to reply to them with a “thank you”. Manners rule online as well as off, and they’ll like the fact that you noticed the retweet and took the time to show some gratitude. It may even inspire them to retweet more of your tweets in the future.
   
8. Be Personal: Again, I don’t need to know what you ate for dinner, but every now and then you should show your human side with a creative thought, quote, or other statement. Let people know you’re “real” and not just a lean mean business machine. You want to tread lightly in this area. Too personal is overkill, but a little can help in establishing a connection with your followers.
   
9. Post Pictures/Video: Remember, Twitter is not just for text. It’s easy to post short videos, and pictures too. It’s nice to mix it up a little and share content in other formats as well. Here are some resources http://freenuts.com/video-sharing-websites-for-twitter/
   
10. Talk About More Than Yourself: It’s not all about you, so please don’t make all your tweets one big marketing message, such as only tweeting about your latest press release, blog posting, or article that was published. No one will want to follow you if you’re one big commercial. Yes, some of this is fine in moderation, but you need to walk a fine line and mix it up with other helpful, interesting topics.
    

Now it’s time to start putting these tips into action. Social media is all about participating and listening to what others have to say. It’s all about creating and sharing information and becoming part of the community. If you approach Twitter in this fashion, you’ll not only have a lot more fun, but your followers will like and respect you -and if that doesn’t strengthen your brand, nothing will.

Twitter Tips for Business and Brand Building http://ping.fm/bvKA6

Social Media and Investor Relations in the Dodd-Frank Era http://ping.fm/XJjn9