Linkbait, Social Networking, and Hardcore SEO - Know the How and Why of Social Media
(Page 2 of 4 )
Considering Martinez's point, there are two things worth noting about social media web sites. First, social web sites are constantly changing; what's hip today is passé next week. Second, the social rules are always in flux; it's very easy to offend if you don't know the territory, and online social surfers are ruthless when it comes to letting loose the flames. Most of them love to flame anyone who is being even remotely self-promotional; you'd be surprised how fast they can pick up on that. The point is that you can't depend on social media as your only link juice builder, so you need to learn other tricks.
This doesn't mean that you don't participate in social media; you just do it a little differently. Take Martinez's sixth tip: "Find 3 SEO forums that accept site review requests and write 20 reviews in each forum before you ever ask a question." There are actually two reasons to do this. The more important one is that it's a good education. Taking a serious look at someone else's site and providing constructive criticism will improve your analysis skills. That will serve you in good stead when you're ready to turn those skills loose on your own web site.
But Martinez wants you to "Keep your ideas and opinions to yourself;" you should simply provide "your honest, gut-level reactions" to the sites you review. It's much more educational than attacking forum members whose ideas you disagree with, or adding to a potential flame war. What's more - and this is the second reason to write the reviews - you'll look more professional. Forum members will respect you and value your opinion.
While you're writing those reviews, you should also try to avoid being self-promotional. Let who you are and how you behave speak for you. If you get schlocky in user forums, it will do you far more harm than good. You'll leave a bad impression in forum members' minds, and that impression will attach itself to whatever you were trying to promote. Quietly writing those reviews before asking any questions will also give you time to read threads, lurk in the forums, and learn the rules of conduct by observation. (It goes without saying that if there are any stickies posted in the forum that contain forum rules, you should read them).
Next: Forum Etiquette >>
More Website Promotion Articles
More By Terri Wells
/ 8 
