Social Media Optimization (or SMO) has been an area that I have been looking to explore for quite some time now. We’ve discussed about Twitter recently; both the negative side of Twitter and also 7 ways you can effectively market it.
However, I want to shift our focus to the more conventional social media networks such as Digg, Sphinn and StumbleUpon by exploring 6 solid tips to help you rake in the benefits of Social Media.
We have never really looked into SMO, except perhaps the general post that was including the in “Blog Optimization Series“, so this shall be a first in-depth post for Blogussion
Let’s get straight into 
1. Build a network.
I’ve explored this tip in the Blog Optimization Series, but it’s a major part of making it big on social media networks. Social Media Networks are exactly as their name suggests; it’s about being SOCIAL. Which means, in order to even make your presence felt by others – you need to add an avatar (not necessarily a picture of yourself, but something memorable.), make connections with fellow Diggers or Stumblers and invite them to join your network. This one tip alone will influence the lion’s share of your success.
2. Write a List-Post.
Social Media-activists absolutely love list-posts! Just like this one. Darren Rowse from ProBlogger also covered this quite some time back, but what he said still applies today – strong as ever. It’s not only social-media networks that love list posts, but almost anywhere in general. Just take a look at our “Popular Posts” on to the right; majority are list posts. In fact our most popular post is a list on the best lists on the blogosphere! Just goes to prove a point…
3. Write something controversial.
Just like list-posts; Diggers, Stumblers and others alike love reading about something that cause a bit of a commotion. My post on “Did Google’s FeedBurner Crash and Burn?” is probably our most controversial post on Blogussion. Being controversial, it’s something Alex and I have subconsciously avoided given our status (especially our age) in this blogosphere, but if you can pull it off correctly – there are plenty of rewards to be reaped!
4. Adjust to the readers’ needs.
Reaching your targeted audience is the key, but before you do – you must adapt to their needs. I’ve realized that writing my blog-posts here at Blogussion don’t get noticed on networks such as Digg or Sphinn because of perhaps the type or style of writing that I use. This doesn’t worry me for Blogussion, but in my experimental blogs – I’ve found that short and concise posts + image-dominant posts are the most successful on these networks.
PS: This is a debatable pointer because altering your writing techniques can bring blow a a major blow to your blog. Your readers will definitely re-act to it, so keep in mind that your current readers are your first priority.
5. Titles, Titles, everything is in the Titles!
Users on such networks such as Digg, Stumble, Sphinn and many others don’t really spend time reading every single submission. So, it’s in your best interest to convince them that your news article is worth their precious time. The only weapon you have to achieve this is to create an appealing title. It’s the first thing they see, and perhaps the last thing they see from you. Make it catchy, make it interesting – just get them to click it!
6. You must give, to receive.
Don’t expect to do all of the above and make it to the front-pages. It’s not enough because these networks are a two-way relationship. Get out there and get active! Start digging or stumbling your friend’s stories that genuinely interest you (and perhaps articles of people you don’t know either, they all count). The more you get involved in that social network’s community; the more likely you are to achieve your goals.
Care to add the 7th?
Those were just 6 tips that most of us do probably know, but just don’t implement it. There’s many more too – so perhaps you would like to add to this list in the comments below and share with us your opinion? There’s no definite set of rules to follow that will drive you traffic, it’s about experimenting and finding the solution that works best for you.
Having said that; these tips will definitely set the foundation to begin your social media campaign. Good luck!
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?i really love the last one. there are just so many people so obssessed with themselves especially on using social media. as my blogger buddy jan of writingtoexhale.com said, to become a prince of tweet, one needs to focus on being generous to other bloggers and for sure, you will receive more in return. give…give…give.. and you will receive many folds.
.-= elmot´s last blog ..Chanting a Blogging Mantra for Rockstar Domains =-.
I couldn’t agree more. Social media is about giving and people appreciate it when you share their content. If you help them enough, it’s easy for them to return the favor.
.-= Nick Tart | JuniorBiz´s last blog ..How to Network as a Young Entrepreneur: Online =-.
I will put number 7 as “Getting The Latest News Where Everyone Is Talking About”
I recently posted a great headline that really suck lots of people clicking and directing them back to my blog using Social Media such as Mixx, Dropjack, Digg and also Blogengage, just 4 social media site I submit in just 24 hours I hit 1000 views.
But of course, the most important is still the headline that plays the big part of it which I title “Did Michael Jackson Faked His Death ?”
.-= The Bad Blogger´s last blog ..How To Hook-In Every New Commentator Who Is Ever Likely To Become One Of Your Potential Reader Or Even Customer ! =-.
That’s pretty impressive man!
So you’re saying writing about what everyone else is writing about is a good method? Can you confirm that?
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only =-.
Yep. I would put the latest news in too. Burning hot topics gets most of the attention so be suire to write about something REALLY fresh.
Phew. To be honest, social networking tires me so much. I prefer to go directly to blogs and get in touch through commenting. Social networking to say, is something you have to least take care of is you’re really so busy. In the end, I still love to hang with my online buddies
I think that after a while those “hot topics” get talked about so much that by the time we report on it hours or days later after everyone has seen it, it is just looked at as something we threw together because we couldn’t think up anything to write! As long as you add a unique point of view to the topic, you should be alright I suppose.
I really dislike marketing on social networking sites (except Twitter), but they’re a very good source of traffic so it has to be done!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only =-.
Thank you very much, I was looking for this!
Great post. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips with us.
.-= HAVOC MARKETING´s last blog ..Twixplode – Explode Your Twitter Following =-.
I like this article, I must say that giving is seriously the way to be successful with social media marketing. When you love to help others, others will help you.
.-= Deneil Merritt´s last blog ..New Logo And eBook =-.
I have been experimenting with this concept at my other blog giving a sh** load away for free. I plan to write a reflection on it soon.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only =-.
It’s interesting that I read your post today because I was just thinking about this. I guess the key is brevity, catchy title, and a lot of loyal friends.
Glad to see you posting more Janith!
.-= Jake | Web Journey´s last blog ..Logo’s Are More Important Than You Think ( And You can a Free logo) =-.
If you have those three things then you should be all set for success!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Let Me Critique Your Thesis Customization – 30 Days Only =-.
Great post Jnaith.
I think you’re right, now that I look back and think about my past posts, I really don’t talk about many controversial topics. As a matter of fact, neither of us do! I don’t know if it’s so much our age that is preventing us though…but I’m not sure what’s stopping me!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Big Changes Coming to Asnio + My Week Long Absence =-.
If one keeps the social in SMO, one is definitely on the right path to success. This post itself contains several of those tips–use a list, catchy title. Good info!
thx for this article, its fun
People on social networks tend to prefer posts that are humorous and “wow” in nature. Internet Marketing posts do not do really well, so to increase your standing on these networks, try to submit stories that are fun, weird and “magical” in nature.
.-= Richael | Domain Marvelous´s last blog ..Domain Name Promo Codes for August =-.
Wow ! Really provided very nice tips.Thanks for sharing.
Great points, a few I haven’t really put to the test yet, your absolutely right about writing list posts, they just seem to be the easiest types of articles to take in.
.-= Keith B´s last blog ..10 Ways To Save Time While Blogging =-.
Title, title, and title.. this is what I am working on! I even invent some new catchy words to use them in my titles!
.-= Hesham @ FamousBloggers´s last blog ..Top 7 Celebrity Plugins, How to turn Wordpress into a Hollywood Blog =-.
Its funny that I stumbledupon this post because I have been here before. #6 is a big issue with me because I see a lot of people just using social networks to market, and they don’t use them properly to network. What results is their marketing is nothing more than spam without creating relationships and being active in the network.
.-= Brandon Connell´s last blog ..“Dropped by to say hi” marketing and other cool tricks =-.
Interesting article, good to read. From a bigger picture’s perspective, it seems to me like SMO is a trend that is not going away real soon.
thank you, i was looking for information on social media!
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Nice sharing, i learn more things on how improve my marketing in social media.
Choosing the right word in titles is very difficult. To make the title catchy “adjectives” like kick-ass, superb etc etc can be attractive to readers but is very poor in terms of search engine optimization. Now I am using keywords in my titles which is most searched in search engine, I will apply adjectives in my titles when my blog will reach the goals.
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