Blog

Facebook Likes & Search Engine Ranking-Myth and Reality

A question that has been haunting the SEO industry for quite some time now is whether or not the “Facebook Likes” affect the ranking of a website? To give you a short and precise answer, it’s yes; the Facebook “likes” do have an effect. However, if you try and find the extent to which the Facebook “Likes” influence the search engine ranking, the answer would be a bit different. In this post, we will explain the influence of Facebook “Likes” on search engine rankings and find out whether search engines consider each “Like” as a new “link”.

The Facebook “Likes” are not as substantial as the back-links, but then, they play prominent role in influencing the SERPs. Two of the most popular search engines, Google and Bing have agreed that the ‘social signals’ have an impact on their search results. Under its labs tools, Google has a Beta test version of social search which signals the social media outlet from where it has pulled results.

Facebook is a giant social networking platform where the web users share their choicest piece of stuff, post content, upload videos and images and the search engines do not ignore such popular social signals. A Facebook page that has become popular through interactive comments and posts wins better credibility from Google.

WILL MY FACEBOOK PAGE IMPROVE ORGANIC SEARCH RESULTS?

No, being proactive in your Facebook page does not improve your search results. Instead, you should seek to promote your brand in the Facebook. Do put in interesting updates, share engaging content (blogs or articles) or syndicate your company blog with your Facebook page. All these will enhance the brand visibility.

In Facebook, it’s important to strategize and push your content to make it more shareable and this is when your effort will pay off. The search engines consider the factors which actually populate your Facebook page. Getting spammy “Likes” is not the right way to go, but, the rule of thumb is to make the page popular by updating it with content that is engaging and thought-provoking. It’s Simple- the more you make your content shareable, the more credibility you get!

It is also necessary to stay proactive in your niche industry. For instance, “Like” the pages within your own industry, comment on their posts and updates and share your unique views. This will help you explore new Facebook fans. Link your page to other popular social media pages like YouTube or Twitter as this will foster the constant loop of activity and keep your fans engaged with new content. The knockout effect is to have a list of real fans with whom you can communicate.

Facebook Likes might be creeping into Google algorithm but a blended approach to search marketing is something that matters. This doesn’t mean you should bid a goodbye to all other tools and put in all efforts on Facebook page. Unique content and strong link profile can boost the ranking. Sole focus on Facebook “Likes” will not yield anything raher, the branding campaigns should run parallel to traditional SEO practices.

As we wrap up, we can infer that Facebook ‘Likes’ are the social proof of the uniqueness of your content and can effectively increase your viewership. When your update is “liked” or “shared”, its viewership automatically increases. But, this will not improve your site’s rank in the SERPs, but can definitely give you a commendable presence among a large section of web audience.

KaciBrandt: @KailLowry chiropractic will fixed headaches!
in 5 hours from Twitter for Android

reply | follow KaciBrandt

TerrellKMercer: @Natalie_Brown @jobberjoe99 @cendrinemedia @tavissmiley please check out my video on domestic violence @FlavaNews http://t.co/PxXUFpYirX
in 5 hours from web

reply | follow TerrellKMercer

jenna_viv: @andreaaaaac I've been going to crossfit newtown at makefield chiropractic... I really like them!
in 5 hours from Twitter for iPhone

reply | follow jenna_viv

savagecurls: Chiropractic wasn't for me, ppl wasting time and money
in 5 hours from Twitter for Android

reply | follow savagecurls

More Story Tag Tweets... »

About The Author

Janet Milano is a Search Engine Marketing geek who works for one of the leading SEO companies in California. Through her blog posts, she provides varying insights on the latest trends of Orange County SEO.

Website: http://www.searchoptimal.com