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War of Titans: Search Engine Optimization Vs. Social Media Marketing – Which One Is Better?

Guest post by: Zeke Camusio

Article Overview: Search Engine Optimization vs. Social Media Marketing. Which One is Better? I Analyze Their Differences, Pros and Cons, and Reveal Which One is Better.

War of Titans: Search Engine Optimization Vs. Social Media Marketing – Which One Is Better?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to doing a number of things to rank high on the search engines for the search terms that people are using to find the kind of services and products that you offer. Social Media Marketing (SMM) is a way for businesses to network with potential clients and build a positive reputation and position themselves as experts in their fields.

Although there are literally hundreds of ways to promote a business online, these two are the main ones, which makes our new clients ask us this question all the time, "What is better, SEO or SMM?" I am sure that most of you want to know the answer too, but first let me explain the difference between both.

What I love about SEO is that in most cases people find you when they are ready to buy what you have to sell. If you have a computer repair shop in Baltimore, MD, how would you like to be found by people that search for "computer repair shop in Baltimore"? Think about it. Their computer breaks, they need it fixed, they perform an online search and they find you. How likely to get their business are you? "Very" I'd say, assuming that your website is decent and you give them good reasons to choose you over the other computer repair shops in Baltimore.

The only disadvantage that SEO has and I can think of is that it takes time. Unless the keywords you want to rank for are ridiculously easy, it will take you anywhere from a few months to a few years. Doing proper keyword research is the most important part of SEO. Otherwise, you will be working really hard to rank for keywords that are almost impossible or that don't have enough searches to make the whole process worthwhile.

Now, let's talk about SMM. The idea behind SMM is to network. Although it's a new concept, it works just like the old face-to-face networking. The same rules apply. You need to be generous, help others, and avoid self-promotion. Build trust first. Think about it. In real life you don't approach a group of strangers and the first thing you say is "my products are the best and my prices are awesome". If you don't do it in real life, don't do it in SMM.

SMM takes time, too. You don't build great relationships and trust overnight. The worst mistake you can make in SMM is to give it a shot for a month or two and if it doesn't make you money, you drop it. It's important that you start in SMM with realistic expectations. It might take you anywhere from 6 months to a couple of years to make it worthwhile. Remember that you are there to build relationships. When those people need your services –or their friends do, they will give you a call. But don't be pushy.

SMM is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get into it and spend six hours a day hoping to start making money from your efforts right away. Invest 15 minutes a day to build your network. Create a Facebook group, a LinkedIn group, open a Twitter account, start a blog, post to it a few times a week, contact two or three people a day and ask them how you can help them, and publish your articles on several sites related to your industry. I can guarantee that if you provide useful content and spend 15 minutes a day in SMM, in a year you will have a network of an amazing quality.

I know what you are thinking. "So? Which one is better? SEO or SMM?" My opinion is that, in most cases, SEO is by far the best way to promote a business online. We have over 60 clients and we have plenty of evidence to support my statement. There's nothing like being first on Google for the keywords people use to search for your kind of business. SMM is great for consultants and people that profit from the specialized knowledge they have. It is also great for B2B companies. If you own a B2C company, you might want to look into Facebook and MySpace instead of LinkedIn and the like.

Although nothing beats SEO, don't forget my advice. "Work on building your network 15 minutes a day."

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Article Tags: baltimore md, business online, computer repair shop, computer repair shops, hundreds of ways, keyword research, media marketing, old face, optimization seo, reputation, search engine optimization, search engines, search terms, self promotion, smm



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Re: Social Media Marketing - Corporate Vs. Small Business - There are various marketing techniques which are very closely related to social media marketing, such as Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, and Social Media Optimization. Social media sites provide a huge variety of subjects, topics, and discussions to choose from. A social media web site can be defined as a common ground, where individuals gather together to share their views and opinions. Social media has also adapted various mediums such as audio, video, and textual mediums. There are few guidelines in order to successfully implement social media marketing. Improve the ability of your website, so that it can be linked to other sites easily. All the incoming links are unique, so treat them properly by providing dedicated space for them. In order to be successful at social media, the following steps can also be very useful. First, create forums on your own web site. Provide interesting topics so that people would like to participate and interact with each other through your site. Keep updating information and news to attract your visitors. Compose podcasts and use the clips to promote your products.
What Do You Want To Be Taught? - Hi, My name is Jeff Foster, I will be moderating this new section. I want to get your opinion on topics you would like to discuss & be taught on. I see a great need for small business owners to learn how to perform basic Search Engine Marketing (SEM) which would include the basics about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). What do you want to be taught on? Jeff
Re: Let’s talk about the ways of marketing your products, servic - I agree with some of the others who responded it depends on what your selling... but to answer your questions here are some of the methods I use. Forum Marketing Yahoo Answers (I need to use more of) SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Bum Marketing or Article marketing P-P-C (Pay Per Click) Marketing Online Directories Hope this helps.
Re: SES Toronto Next Week - In that case, how about the following? Track: Get Me Up to Speed * State of Search Marketing in Canada Track: Practical & Actionable * Beyond Linkbait: Getting Authoritative Online Mentions Track: Advanced * User Search Behavior * Social Media Success * Web 2.0 & Search Engines * Giving Credit Where It’s Due: Which Campaign Sold What?
Re: Kevin needs "social glue" ideas - Hi, I like the idea of "10 items that could act as "social glue" because I am an internet marketer. But I agree with the rest that the 10 recent post is nice. Maybe we should open up a new section in the forums on Social Media...or Social Media Marketing. I will tell you that the world is about 1 1/2 behind when it comes to understanding social media. Building a section now will put EvanCarmichael.com is a great position a year down the road when people realize Social Media can produce more traffic than SEO. Jeff


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