6 Beginner SMO Tips for Social Media Marketers

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.

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