Post Inspired by @randfish latest WhiteBoard Friday on SEOMoz
One of the best things about working in the SEO field is it is an industry that is constantly changing. New theories are purposed, new methods are tested and new ideas are proven to be right or wrong. There is a constant need to continue to learn and stay up to date on the latest trends in the industry. This keeps me on my feet and attentive at all times.
For quite some time now many of us who work in SEO have felt that social media will play a part in more than just universal search. At some point it will affect the organic rankings in major search engines and affect the place you hold on SERPs. I for one am a big believer that the next big step for Google or Bing’s algorithm will incorporate social media.
Rand of SEOMoz addressed this is his most recent WhiteBoard Friday in the topic “How Search Is Changing” and stated he believes over the next few months/years social media will play a large role in the organic rankings.
Ten years ago SERPs consisted of 10 relevant websites that had content related to the search term. Now they consist of news articles, press releases, tweets, blogs and soon to include buzzes. So it is a different world then it was when Google started to include anchor text in its algorithm. It seems as the next logical step would be to factor in social results.
So with the industry thinking that social media is going to play a large role in where your website shows up in SERPs is this a service that should be offered by SEO companies?
Hardcore SEO’s may not think so. These old schoolers believe proper page structure, content and linkbuilding is their job. That is what they do best and that is what they offer. But if they are not encouraging or coaching their clients how to utilize social media effectively are they not providing their client with the best possible results?
My school of thought is if it shows up on a SERP and converts, then as an SEO it is my duty to help my client take up as much space and convert as many searchers as possible. So If I have to coach or teach my client to properly use social media to affect their organic results – then that is what I will do.
What do you think? Should SEO’s help their clients with social media? Or should that be left to another type of consultant?
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