With so many acronyms related to online companies who want your marketing dollars, how can anyone hope to keep up?
Understanding the difference between search engine optimization (SEO) and social media optimization (SMO) could change how you plan your budget. If you don’t know the essentials, you deserve a no-nonsense guide to get you started properly.
Do yourself a favor and take five minutes today to gain the knowledge you need to make intelligent decisions for your organization.
What Is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) refers to the strategies organizations use to improve their search engine ranking, along with the quantity and quality of visitors. The best practices necessary to achieve your goals are dynamic and changing constantly.
What Is SMO?
Social Media Optimization (SMO) refers to using strategies that increase awareness of products or services across multiple platforms. This effort requires a fluid and competent understanding of how users interact with each one.
Search Engine Optimization vs Social Media Optimization
Do you know the song Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes? You’ll often hear people chanting the chorus at sporting events to psych their team up for the next big play. You might be surprised to learn that the new anthem for hometown advantage was written and performed by a duet.
Can you imagine listening to that song without the simplicity of only having two musicians? SMO vs SEO isn’t a question or a competition, but two separate instruments that can make your web analytics sing.
While SEO and SMO have the same goal, the strategies are different. A consultant who knows how to improve your Google rankings won’t have the same level of expertise in gaining Twitter followers.
What Questions Should You Ask SEO Companies?
If you needed to understand SEO vs SMO, the chances are good that you’re ready to make calls. Before you begin your evaluation, consider adding the following questions to your list:
- What tools do you use?
- What do you need from us?
- What is your SEO philosophy?
- How do you define success using metrics?
- What type of keyword research do you do?
The answers to these inquiries should get you on the right path to hiring a company.
Finding an SEO company you trust usually begins with these types of questions.
What Questions Should You Ask SMO Companies?
Search engine optimization can feel more comfortable to evaluate because most people have to use Google. If you’re less comfortable with social media, start with these questions:
- What social media platforms are the most relevant for us?
- What do you think of our current social media presence?
- How do you measure success, and what metrics do you use?
This shortlist of questions usually gets the conversation started nicely. You can expect the topics to branch out widely from here.
What Can You Do Next?
Now that you understand search engine optimizations versus social media optimization, what’s next? Start asking questions and do your homework, of course!
Did you find this article helpful today? Don’t forget to check out more great content about SEO and SMO on our blog today.