Welcome back! We’re entering the final stretch in our seven-part blog series of the Link Building Guide. So far, we’ve discussed establishing relationships, maintaining your online reputation, obtaining the right help, and which types of content to utilize in order to attract audiences. While all of these factors are pivotal in creating an effective link building strategy, you still require a platform to distribute your content and show your stuff. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the era of social media.
Since the early 2000s, social media has exploded into a global phenomenon, changing the way we interact socially, deliver and receive news, and most importantly, distribute content. With a loyal following and engaging content, you can spread the news about your business almost instantaneously while allowing others to comment and share your post.
There’s no better way for someone to come across your content then by posting it to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page. This blog post is about, you guessed it, social media and how it can be used to your advantage when establishing a link building strategy.
Let’s not wait any longer
Garner a Loyal Following
This may sound like it’s easier said than done but every successful link building campaign has involved a strong following on social media. You may find this difficult at first but by actively promoting your social media channels you can draw in potential friends and followers. From there, it’s your high-quality content that going to keep them coming back.
Once your audience knows that they can turn to you for fun, relevant, and intriguing information, they will be happy to share their discovery with others. It may take some time and a little bit of scouting but once you have a loyal following under your wing, the friend and follow requests will start to pile up all by themselves.
Balance Scheduled Posts with Spontaneous Ones
Obtaining a strong social media presence requires you to be both calculated and spontaneous. Refusing to create a content schedule can cause to go days without posting and even forget that you have a Facebook or Twitter page in the first place. On the other hand, relying strictly on schedule can begin to make your content feel formulaic, which is only a bad thing for the audience.
Staying on top of your social media accounts is all about how well you can switch things up from time to time. While it is helpful to have some sort of schedule in place, it’s also ok to randomly post content as well. This breaks up the monotony and keeps your audience guessing. The second your followers begin to guess what you’re going to post next, it’s time to shake things up and return back to the drawing board.
Post Content with a Purpose
On the subject of being random and spontaneous, your content should always be the opposite. Everything your post should have a purpose and a goal in mind. Whether you’re looking to entertain, inform, be humorous, or enlightening, it must be accurately conveyed in whatever you’re posting.
Showing off random content can potentially confuse your audience and cause them to lose focus. No one should ever view your content and ask themselves, what was the point of that? From the smallest comment to the longest video, everything on social media must be posted with a purpose.
Understand the Uses for Each Social Media Platform
Anyone that assumes that every social media platform works the same is doomed to fail at it. In order to truly master social media, you must fully understand all of its platforms and their distinct purposes. Twitter makes for great quick-fire updates and news that can be stated in less than 140 characters. Meanwhile, Instagram allows you to show off your business’ more visual side with images and short videos.
Facebook, thanks to its long character limits, is great for posting writing pieces and long-form content. Using twitter to pour your heart out or attempting to use a visual storytelling campaign via LinkedIn might not work out as well as you want them to. Researching and understanding each social media platform’s strengths and weaknesses are the key to pulling off a well-executed strategy.
Actively Engage With Your Audience
If you want your followers and others to notice you, then you’re going to have to put yourself out there. Being a wallflower on social media will only lead to you being ignored while others around you interact. Don’t be afraid to comment on someone else’s post, congratulate them on their announcement, or “like” a picture of theirs.
Sometimes the only way to get people talking is by sparking up a conversation yourself. Post interesting topics that allow your audience to cast their own opinions. This allows them to join in on the action, in addition to receiving some much-needed insight. The more you can get people talking, the more likely people are to tune in on a regular basis.
Listen & Respond to Feedback
Social media gives you the luxury of communicating directly with your audience and allowing them to do the same. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to receive feedback and respond to customers’ questions and concerns. If someone comments on one of your social media post, answer them.
People like to feel like they truly have a voice and are capable of making a change; even if it’s a small one within your business. Once your audience knows that they have your undivided attention, they will not hesitate to tell others about your business and share your content.
Conclusion
One of the first things people look for when linking content to theirs is a strong social media presence. This shows them that you have the attention of the people and that your content is worth sharing in the first place. Social media also displays your ability to influence; another key factor in establishing a link building strategy. With you posting engaging content, reaching out to potential followers, and communicating to the ones you already have, you will see your presence on social media skyrocket in no time.
Also, remember to keep a look out for the seventh and final part in our seven-part series of the Link Building Guide. Best of luck on your link-building efforts and we’ll see you soon.
