Social media has become an SEO tool in its own right. In addition to ‘standard’ SEO, Google (and other search engines) are fast placing strong emphasis on the likes, shares and comments you get in your social media profiles when determining where a page ranks in search engine results.
This is called social signals.
In other words, the signals search engines receive from the interaction and engagement on your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram pages.
The more popular your content is, the more likely you’ll get likes, shares and comments.
And because of all these social signals pinging their way to Google influencing the authority you hold, the higher your page will rank.
Of course where you rank in the search engines is not all down to social signals. But this is absolutely an additional factor today.
So what does this mean for you and your holiday let business?
Well, many holiday let owners aren’t yet sure of the benefit of using social media. It can feel like a lot of effort for very little return.
After all, it’s rare that you’ll get a booking via your Facebook page.
But having a social media presence isn’t all about getting direct bookings. Having a social media presence provides you with free platforms to help market your holiday rental online, and now has the added benefit of helping your SEO through those social signals.
How can you benefit from social signals?
First, if you haven’t already got a Facebook page, or a Twitter profile or a Pinterest or Instagram account, get one.
At least one.
But remember, no account is better than a dormant account. So choose those that you’ll want to persevere with – don’t be over-ambitious!
Then start sharing and publishing good content. Regularly. Always keep it relevant whilst injecting your own personality into the mix.
Think of your main objective – to widen your marketing reach in order to get more bookings.
Never lose sight of that.
Ask questions. Give recommendations. Share latest events. Upload videos and photos. Blog about your own experiences, plus suggestions and facts.
The more value you give, the more likely they’ll like, comment and share your content. And when they do, don’t just ignore them! Encourage them to stay involved through lively discussions.
By building up a strong profile on your social media channel of choice, not only do you help your business directly through the possibility of more enquiries, but you boost your chances of appearing higher in search engine results through the social signals you’re creating.
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