Social Media Effects Google Search

I really enjoyed this article. Very easy read and really covers the basics on how Social Media is effecting online search engines - which ultimately effects you! How YOU drive traffic to your site. How YOU can get top placement in Google search results and other search engines.

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When people talk about the ways social media has changed the business world, the most common response is the way it has changed marketing and advertising campaigns. No longer is it 'enough' to have TV and print advertisements. 


**To be effective, being part of the social media environment is becoming almost mandatory.

Still, one area that social media is slowly becoming more and more relevant in are search results.

Gone are the days of simplicity and in are 'social circles.' If someone within your social circle has written something about what you are searching for, it will most likely show up as one of your results on Google.

What The Future Holds In Social Media

While Google 'results from people within your social circle' are still in BETA, it's only a matter of time before social circles become a permanent part of search results. To some, this is an amazing integration between social media and search engine's, but the signs were there that it was inevitable that the two would eventually cross.

One of the aspects of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook that scares search engines like Bing and Google is the amount of content that is generated on these platforms.

The advantage of these social media platforms lies in the fresh content that is constantly being updated and added, all of which search engines are trying to get a piece of.

Why Your Social Circle Is On The First Page Of Google Results

For companies and organizations that spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on search engine optimization [SEO], being on the first page for relevant keywords is as good as it gets. By being on the first page, you significantly increase your traffic opportunities. But what does it mean to be on the first page of results?

Google for example doesn't put just any website on their first page of results. They put websites that are relevant and also ones that are trustworthy.

In the same regards, your social circle now shows up on the first page of results because of the trust factor. Even though I may not have more traffic than ESPN, if I wrote an article about the Lakers and my friend is searching for them, I will show up on the first page along side ESPN. Yes, I am relevant to what he is searching, but more importantly he trusts me.

While Google and other search engines have their own secret algorithm to determine how you appear on search results, social media is changing that. How they take into account your social circle will change the way that companies not only approach search engine optimization, but also change the way they become part of your 'social circle.'

Joseph is the Director of Marketing at Viralogy.com & works in social media & sports consulting. Read more about him at http://JosephAYi.com

Tips To Promote Your New Release

You've worked for months on your new single or new album. Now what? Unless you have a major label, experienced management or a generous amount of investor money behind you, the ability to promote your own album is crucial. Besides the talent to make great music, promotional skills are some of the most important skills you can have as an indie artist.

When you don't have the means to hire a PR firm to push the album for you, try these five steps and cover your bases.

Keep in mind that these actions are crucial to your success and the process takes the 3 Ps: planning, persistence, and patience.

1. Target the Right Audience - It is very important to know and understand who your audience is in every aspect. What age group are they? Where do most of them live? What kind of music do they like? Write out lists and target each relevant group.

2. Create a Press Kit and Promo Package. Think about what you need to include so that the media gets to see everything they need to know about you in a concise, yet detailed manner. For example, a press kit could include:

a. A press release about the new album
b. A succinct (one page) bio about the artist and release
c. The Song - have it availabe to listen to (even if just a sample)
d. Quotes pulled from press coverage and/or fellow industry musicians 
e. Contact information
f. Artwork for your new release - in color
g. Links to your websites (Myspace, Facebook, etc.)

Some people can get more creative, but the basics are all you really need at the end of the day.

3. Compile a Media List - Getting all your personal and profession contact lists together is one of the most important things to do. Compile a press list and send them a copy of your new release (with or without press kits, but do at least send a bio with contact information noted) to every contact.

4. Plan an Album Release Party to promote the new album. Find a cool venue that you're comfortable at, plan a set, have the release vailable for sale and invite everyone you can-fans, media, family and friends. The bigger the crowd, the better. Invite the media to meet and greet and get a free copy of the release to publish a review.

5. Newsletter Mailings -  Identify all the newsletter lists that you can promote your new release through. Reach out through your network and ask your contacts to promote your new release to their lists. Make sure to have the email creatives ready for them so they do not need to do much work. Target these lists with a newsletter creatives all about your new release.

6. Promote through your social networks - put together a strategy to promote the new release through your social networks like MySpace, Facebook, iLike, Imeem and other music sites that you have identified as your target market. Create promotional campaigns and/or contests to get others to viral the release for you.

Abridged:  Mona L. Loring