Paul Dunay of Buzz Marketing for Technology has a nice post on 5 Rules of Social Media Optimization (SMO). It is a great reminder for those already applying some of the Search Engine Marketing (SEM) magic, and a timely wake-up call for all of those still learning the ropes of their online presence. I predict we will hear much more about SMO in the near future as we have from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in the past.
Paul outlines SMO’s 5 Rules as follows:
"The concept behind SMO is simple: implement changes to optimize a site
so that it is more easily linked to, more visible in social media
searches on blog search engines such as Technorati, and more frequently
included in relevant posts on blogs, podcasts and vlogs."1. Increase your linkability
2. Make tagging and bookmarking easy
3. Reward inbound links
4. Help your content travel
5. Encourage the mashup
Not only is this a very interesting field for the marketers in general, but there is also a lot of stuff that could be used by anyone running for an office. Actually all of the 5 SEM Rules that Paul has laid out could be invaluable in creating viral message and some needed visibility for an up-and-coming politician with a limited campaign budget.
I have started to see many of the companies, which are generally any good at marketing, starting to employ SMO tactics, but unfortunately I have yet to see one politician in Europe to embrace all of the 5 Rules.
By looking at my own blog, evidently I should deploy many of the 5 SMO Rules myself.
5 Comments
Dunay’s 5 rules for SMO seem amazingly same as in Rohit Bhargava’s almost one year old blog posting http://rohitbhargava.typepad.com/weblog/2006/08/5_rules_of_soci.html
But what comes those five rules and your blog, aren’t they actually already deployed more or less?
At least blogs are already quite linkable because of the content, context and technical backgrounds. Also the content travels easily, other bloggers easily join the conversation and quote posts in their own blogs.
Anyways, SMO is maybe the most fascinating part of SEM, but so far I haven’t seen that many practical issues done by agencies to improve their client’s SMO. However its nice to see you blogging these interesting subjects!
Thanks for pointing to Rohit’s exact post Roope! I believe Paul Dunay mentioned Rohit’s blog in his post as a source for more comprehensive info on SMO, but failed to point readers to the exact post.
And yes, I have tried to live like I preach and deploy many of the tactics, but for the sake of self improvement I try to think that you’re never fully ready and learn from people smarter than me
Roope pointed out the still prevalent practical inactivity of agencies in the field. What is your take on the deployment, or I guess awareness (at this early stage) of SMO tactics between US and Europe (firms, agencies, politicians, etc)? Do you see one ahead of the other or could such a distinction be made at all?
I happen to found this morning an couple of days old blog posting by Loic Le Meur about the differences of social media between Europe and America. Nothing wow-special, but still nice thoughts: http://www.loiclemeur.com/english/2007/07/how-important-i.html
Thanks Roope! Good insight into the debate. I have seen similar articles before. There seems to be a tendency to position Europe against US or other way around. I am waiting for the first one exploring the amazing things that can come out of a abundance mentality -we are double as innovative together. Or am I just too idealistic with my reasoning?