Facebook Search Optimization
There’s a new name in search these days. While Facebook has long ruled the Web in the area of social media, founder Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that his infamous site is trying it’s luck with search engine management—an area where Google has reigned supreme for years. However, Facebook is not exactly going head to head with the search behemoth. The social network is using a different model, called graph search, that only applies to Facebook. The new Facebook search feature promises ample new marketing opportunities if you know how to use the system for your advantage. Enter Facebook search engine optimization.
Facebook SEO is a different animal than Google SEO, and Facebook has already set some guidelines to help businesses boost rankings. It’s now vital to make sure that your “About” section, page name, category and vanity URL all contain terms that people are likely to search for, sort of like keywords. You also need to include a physical address to allow customers to find you when they search for specific locations. It’s also more important than ever to build a fan base; people who use Facebook search will see the places that their friends have “liked.” The more “likes” you have, the greater your visibility. In fact, users will be able to search specifically for places that their friends have visited.
Facebook’s new graph search will provide local searches, which is terrific news for small businesses. This means that more people in your neighborhood will have access to your information, provided you observe smart SEO practices. Basically, a combination of accurate business information (address, description), “likes” and check-ins should get you noticed in your city.
It’s worth mentioning that your business page, not your personal profile, should be your main focus for optimization. You have more options with business pages, meaning more SEO opportunities.
Interestingly, your business may come up in searches even if you have not set up a Facebook page. You may be listed as a “place” if people have checked in to your establishment, even without your knowledge. However, creating your own page is highly recommended for SEO purposes.
Facebook is also cooperating with Bing to provide relevant information that extends beyond Facebook. For instance, when you perform a Facebook search for your favorite musician, you may see their Facebook page in the search results as well as Bing’s links to ticket outlets where you can reserve seats for their latest show.