Is SEO dying or is it already dead? The search engines seem to still be at the top of the list with regards to generating web traffic, but is their spot at the top starting to fade? As much as Google is still attempting to dominate the internet, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest continue to grow. And honestly it is my opinion that as much as Google fights it, search engine rankings are becoming less and less relevant.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that “SEO is Dead” as so many headline seakers might say. I am simply pointing out the power of social media. It is also important to note that it is unsafe to bank your entire business on search engine rankings. We all know (or have heard) of someone that woke up one morning after one of Google’s Zoo (Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird) got done adjusting the numbers and their business had falling off the first page, and their revenue was cut in half. As business owners we do not have a safety net to catch us if something like that happens.
The truth is there is indeed a benefit to focusing on Social Media Engagement rather than Search Engine Optimization. Engaging with your audience directly allows you to understand their needs and better serve them. Not only but in the case of Facebook Fan pages you always have eyeballs. If your fan page has 10,000 fans, then every time you post an update you could have 1,000 people see it. And you can repeat that often. And if you build an email list off that audience (and you should) even better. Between social media and email marketing you have guaranteed traffic, and you are no longer susceptible to the whims of Google.
Please don’t misunderstand, I am not suggesting that you ignore the Search Engines altogether, but focusing on them is a mistake. Social Media Engagement allows you to connect with your audience, and increase your traffic and sales. And as a side note, Facebook Ads are ridiculously cost effective. So please take that into consideration as you plan your business model. If you would like some professional assistance building your social media empire please contact us.
Don Johnson
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I hope the search engines will still go strong! My friend just started Lookseek.com.
It’s a no tracking search engine. I agree that Facebook ads are cheap and do help.