Social media is now at the forefront of search site optimisation for many internet sites and Internet promoters. Platforms such as Twitter, Face Book and Google Plus are gaining momentum in building a following for many businesses little or big. Millions are being invested by the large companies of the world in realising their social media ambitions and furthering their SEO ambitions. Facebook now has higher than 700 million user accounts with nearly all users accessing their page on a daily basis. Twitter has uncountable millions of users many with a unsatisfiable thirst to engage with one another and with firms.

These socially interactive portals merit major consideration by corporations small or large. This short article explores one or two pearls of wisdom I have picked during my efforts to build a brand for a customer with an online presence selling scented Scented Candles candles and home fragrance products.

Firstly I guess which platform you need to target. The easy answer to this question is all of them. Set up accounts on Twitter and pages on Google + and on Face Book. They’re free and you can get a feel for which is the right one for you after you’ve been using them for some time.

Second, how you need to connect to your audience. Simply arriving, setting up an account and expecting a complete wave of fans and interaction will never occur. You need to engage your audience (and do not forget, they are an audience). Competitions are strongly recommended. They give a justification for your audience to follow you as you dangle a prize. Does not need to be a huge prize, just something engaging. My client in the scented candle business offers their soy candles. Works very well, especially on Google Plus.

Thirdly and lastly, be charming. This is not easy for some but keep it in mind. Lists of products tweeted or posted to Face Book or Google + will only leave your followers thinking “so what”! They don’t hurt once in a while but unceasing product promotion is a taboo. Throw in an occasional joke (but be very careful, what sort of joke), never swear (you are representing a company after all) and possibly most vitally, portray a picture of confidence and ease utilizing the media. Reply to comments, use the channel to publicize promotions and sales, comment on other folks and corporations posts. It’s really about being seen and building trust.

Welcome the new social media. Use it and you never can say where it’ll get you! Invest some time and further your SEO efforts in this wonderful and interactive media.

Written by James Mann, a web and social media marketer. Have a look at a few of James ‘ client web sites and particularly this fantastic Scented Candles & Wholesale Candles site.