SEO vs SMM, What works Better?

Internet marketing is the new age marketing tool. More and more companies are connecting with their consumers with the help of this marketing strategy. Further, to gain popularity on the web, two most central tools for Internet marketing are Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media marketing. Both the above strategies involve a depth of expertise and can be perfected over time. As SEO professionals, we have listed out the aspects of both the tools to show a comparison.

Search Engine Optimization is the technique by which a Search Engine can lead users to your website by ranking it higher than others in response of the user query.

On the other hand, Social Media Marketing involves the use of social networking websites, communities and/or blogs to reach out to potential customers or users online. It is a relatively newer tool as compared to SEO, but is fueled by the immense growth in popularity of Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Digg, Foursquare, Youtube, Flickr and many others.

SEO and Social Media Marketing

SEO enables users who are looking for specific information to locate your website easily. This can increase chances of targeting the right audience as per your marketing goal. The benefits of doing SEO are vast but they require time and dedication, and often need the assistance of a SEO professional.  As a business owner, you may like to concentrate on other business processes instead.

The use of social media gives you a chance to expose yourself to a wide audience. Your business can gain popularity if it becomes a ‘trending’ topic on various websites. Users show their loyalty/appreciation for a brand by ‘Liking’ on Facebook, ‘Retweeting’ on Twitter, ‘Sharing’ on Youtube and other such actions on various networking sites. One follower can lead to many more as friends and friends of friends get updates of a persons likes and preferences. You also can build a community that would comprise the target audience of your product/service. You can follow it up with providing updates and information. Social Media Marketing does not have any cost unless you want to opt for the paid promotions. The biggest upside of Social Media Marketing is that people trust what their friends and acquaintances recommend.

Current Trends

There are benefits involved in both and as a business owner; the right mix is what works best.  As SEO professionals, we have listed the ongoing trends in the world of Internet Marketing below.

1. The popularity of Search Engines cannot be doubted. Google remains the number one search engine and it is said that 80% users are more like to use Search Engines while looking for specific information.
2. Year 2010 and beginning of year 2011 has seen a huge leap in the use of Social Networking websites. More and more businesses have formed online profiles and communities to reach out to consumers.
3. There has been a significant increase in use of Smartphones which enable users to have constant connectivity with the happenings and trends around them
4. A portion of consumers is ready to pay for exclusive information and reports that can hap them make decisions. Although in most cases users are spending a meager amount, there is vast potential for providing paid services like music, news, whitepapers, expert opinions, software and applications for mobile and other such services.

While you understand the importance of the above marketing tools, you must be ready to provide such content that is relevant, simple and concise. Once the process starts, it is an ongoing commitment, which must be carried on as long as the business functions. It should be given utmost importance on a regular basis and not just when you are launching a new product or service. We suggest you to make use of measuring tools like Google Analytics and Bit.ly as we did for SEO Vancouver, it will surely help you to monitor and focus on your marketing goals.

New age marketing involves the use of Search Engine Optimization and Social Media. Both are cost effective measures and have their own benefits. The use of these tools can help you expand your consumer base and build relationships with existing and new customers.