Google’s announcement of sweeping changes in the Google search algorithm promises to be a huge breakthrough for social search. The long standing status quo of link building, back links, and SEO tactics both honest and dishonest are about to be far less meaningful to ranking in Google than ever before. With this realization of a sea change in search comes a new world where compelling content along with our social connections will be the new driving force behind SEO. The first step in leveraging this new world is to understand how to curate and share content with your social network connections.
Step 1: Content
The best content is obviously your own published blog articles that showcase your expertise, provide value, and are compelling enough to keep your readers returning for more. But in many cases both companies and entrepreneurs do not author their own blog. In this scenario the next best thing is to move compelling articles from well respected sources that are related to your business niche. Help people first and they will help you in return. The following is an example list, my list for our digital business, of content providers we ReTweet, post on Facebook, update on LinkedIn, link to in our blog, and share with our social circle on Google+:
- Searchengineland.com
- SEWatch.com
- Searchenginepeople.com
- Techcrunch.com
- Mashable.com
- Venturebeat.com
- Gigaom.com
- Compete.com
- eMarketer.com
- comScore.com
- Webguild.org
- Engadget.com
- BrianSolis.com
- SethGodin.com
- BeingPeterKim.com
- Drudgereport.com
Step 2: Create a Google+ Business Page
If you don’t understand the relevance of Google+ to your ability to rank high in Google then you should consider reading Mike Brooks’ excellent post “Game Changer: Google Plus Changes Search and Social Media Marketing.” This post is your template and warning of where we are going and the importance of content and Google+.
Conclusion
Without writing your own blog content, you or your company can still take advantage of the new Google search algorithm. Begin to investigate reliable and influential blogs, websites, news agencies, and social networks. Make your master list, share content that matters, and engage with your social networking friends and connections. Just do it!
