Facebook & Twitter Links May Help SEO

POSTED BY SCOTT VAN ACHTE http://www.stepforth.com

This news is a little dated now as Matt Cutts reported on it in mid-December, but I felt it was worth sharing for those who have not yet seen it.

It seems that now, it is official that Google does use Twitter and Facebook links as a ranking signal for organic results.

Google takes into consideration the reputation of the author on twitter and Facebook to help determine if the link posted is relevant and of value. If it is, it can contribute to your organic search rankings.

This does not mean you should go out and create dozens of phoney Twitter and Facebook accounts – those spam accounts won’t help you much as they will have no history, and no real followers or authority.

It is also important to note that these links are used very lightly and do not play a significant role, however, you never know what the future will bring.

Here is the Video.

Does Google use data from social sites in ranking?

Still asking ‘Why Twitter?’

1. Trends. On Twitter, you can keep on track of the trends to know what everyone is talking about. You can then use that knowledge to contribute to the conversation or start your own trend.
2. Twitter improved my ability to be brief. Its not easy summarizing your thoughts into 140 characters, but at least I know it helped me to be brief and to state my point. If you want to drone on, use  the Facebook Page account (320 characters) or use a blog.
3. I know it hard to believe, but everyone doesn’t want to connect on Facebook, (or gasp!) have a Facebook. I know I don’t want to connect to everyone on Facebook. If I know them professionally, I rather have them connect on Twitter or better yet, LinkedIn.
4. Demonstrate that you can communicate with different audiences. Audiences have different things they want to see. Some things are  appropriate for different platforms.
5. Lastly its important to claim your handle and brand your and/or company name. Please make sure you have proper permissions (Trademarks, etc.) from jump. Sure its easy to say, not now, but you’ll regret it later when someone else is tweeting with your name.