Studio 42 Workspaces   •   July 12, 2019

Globally, there are estimated to be around 3.5 billion social media users - that’s almost half of the world’s entire population. In this post, we’re going to discuss how social media benefits your business - by bringing more visitors to your website and improving overall SEO.

Using social media to increase website traffic

Think of your website as your online storefront. It’s one of the best ways to promote your business online. But if nobody sees it, they won’t know it’s there and won't buy from your business. With the average person spending 142 minutes per day on social media, getting social is one of the most effective ways to increase your website traffic.

Here are two ways to do it:

1. Sharing links to high-quality blog content

People don’t like being sold to but they do like reading engaging, entertaining or useful content. Take some time to understand your target audience. What do they like? What are their biggest problems and challenges? How can you help them?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can build a content strategy that encourages social media users to click through to your website.

2. Social media advertising

In 2018, people spent a total of $74 billion on social media advertising. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to invest in your business and make your social media marketing profitable even if you don’t have a large following.

Use advertising to boost the useful, entertaining and engaging content you share. These adverts can be targeted according to your ideal customer profile, ensuring your investment is spent wisely.

Then experiment with retargeting ads. These are displayed to people who have already visited your website, reengaging them and turning them into repeat visitors.

How social media improves Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

It’s easy to dismiss the impact of social media on SEO. The majority of social media networks use 'nofollow' links for their content, meaning social media shares usually don’t contribute towards your page ranking.

But does that mean social media doesn’t influence SEO?

Absolutely not.

Here's how it does:

1. It increases brand awareness

Research has found brand awareness is associated with improved search engine rankings. While it may not affect the rankings directly, there are many factors associated with brand awareness that have an indirect influence. For example, direct website traffic increases the more people are aware of your brand.

2. It helps with link building

Link building is still one of the most important factors influencing SEO - but it’s harder than it used to be. It’s no longer enough to obtain low-quality links from directories.

Instead, you need links from quality, authoritative websites. Understandably, these are harder to obtain - and often require strong relationships with influencers in your field. Social media provides you with opportunities for networking and outreach with these people.

3. Social media profiles rank too

Although the end goal is always to improve the ranking of your own website, this may take a little time to achieve. Social media profiles also rank in search engine results, often placing higher than your own website. You should leverage this, especially in the early days, to get more traffic to your site.

Of course, getting more traffic to your website isn't going to generate more revenue unless your website is up to standard. Take time to invest in your website and bring a professional on board if you want to take it to the next level.

About the Author

Hi. I’m Prosper Taruvinga. I’m a father of 2 beautiful Girls (no kidding, one of them is a Kmart Model) and a husband to the most amazing wife, and I happen to be great at Digital Marketing, especially Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

For more than 4 years, I’ve been trying to help small businesses, inspire people and teach them how to level up, so they can earn more money with less struggle.

I do this through Digital Marketing and SEO with my team at Livelong Digital based in Melbourne.

One day, if we meet, I hope you’ll share with me your Journey.