Helping Google Find Your Social Media Profile
Let’s face it, Google is still the king. If you want your Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or other social media accounts to show up in Google’s search results, you need to help Google figure out what they’re all about. Use these tips to provide Google with important clues.
- Fill out your profile completely. You may have rushed through the About Us and Description sections when you first set up your account. While you were logically anxious to get started, going back to edit these sections may have slipped your mind. Go in and edit your profile. Make sure to choose the most appropriate category for your page and use keywords that are relevant to your business. Include your address and phone number as this information will give you an edge in local search results. It may also boost your credibility in Google’s eyes as it may deem your business more “serious” than those that do not list contact information.
- Post shareable content, and post it often. While it’s easy to click “share” on someone else’s Facebook page, it’s better to create your own shareable content and prompt others to share it with their followers. Periodically share your blog posts on your Facebook or Twitter pages. Periodically embed your social posts into your blog posts. These links will help Google to understand the relationship between the various pages.
- Cozy up to Google’s own offerings. If you don’t have a Google+ account or a Google+ local listing, get one. The same is true of YouTube. By joining some of Google’s own offerings, you’ll be more likely to catch Google’s eye.
- Make sure your business pages are set to public. Google can’t possibly list your private posts in its search results pages – and you wouldn’t want it to. However, you do want it to find your public posts. Thus, make sure your business’s social media pages are public.
- Use Pinterest strategically. Did you know that you can set up pinned images with links back to your website? You can also include keywords in each image’s description. Again, make sure to complete your Pinterest profile, pin regularly, and make your Pinterest boards public.
The more you can help Google figure out what your business is all about, the more likely it will be able to associate your business with the most relevant keywords. You don’t need to flood your sites with keywords, but you should take every opportunity to provide Google with clues. Plan on creating and sharing content on a regular basis and you will have even more opportunities.