Using Social Media To Distribute The Content Of Your Website
While working with a client I was asked about social media yet again: "I don't use this social network stuff so why should I offer it on my website?" At the core of this is an educational opportunity that I took and will now share with you.
Social media - for those that may not know its definition - is online content created by people and shared using various methods. Social networks, photo sharing, microblogging and even email are all part of the social media realm. Currently popular applications including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr all fit the definition of social media.
Using social media to distribute the content of your website is a proven formula for success. Always remember that social media is not the heart of the matter - the content of your website is. Your website and its high quality content is the asset to be distributed and social media helps you do that.
Let me give you a real-life example. We recently launched a website for another client, JT. Most websites sit quietly until someone discovers it (often by chance) and then it goes back to sitting quietly again. What this website had going for it was an owner who had built up a social media arsenal that was used to draw attention and traffic to the website asset immediately.
To demonstrate this, let me use some real numbers. Over the past year, JT had built up quite a few friends on Facebook (1653) and Followers on Twitter (656). When the website was ready for prime time, JT posted a message on Facebook (including a link to the new website) and Tweeted another message (also including a link). Within minutes, the traffic started pouring in and within the first week, the site had 847 visits - 52% (441) of them from Facebook and Twitter.
JT continued to post more quality content while adding corresponding messages on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week - a total of 3 each. The resulting traffic was a testament to the quality of JT's content in combination with the wise usage of the distribution channel the social media presents.
Few opportunities have as much power to build a website's reach quickly as social media. We advise our clients to continue building the asset - your website - with high quality content. Simultaneously, continue to build your social media connections. Knowing when and how to use them wisely will help make your online marketing plans successful.
- Paul





