If you’re not using Twitter as part of your SEO efforts, you could be missing out on a golden opportunity. You see, your Twitter profile is searchable and it can help to boost your current website or blog up to the top of the search engine results – if you do it the right way.
Before you just jump onto Twitter and begin blasting links to your site everywhere, take a moment to think about some tactics you should use:
User Name and Real Name
When most people set up a Twitter account, they use their real name as their username. However, you don’t really have to do this. You do have the option of choosing your keywords or even your business name to become your username instead.
For example: if your business is all about ‘widgets’, be sure your keyword is in your username somewhere. This way your username will look something like this ‘@Blue Widgets’.
Once you’ve created your account, you can always enter your real name into your profile, so people will still know it’s you. You simply log into your Twitter account and find the ‘Settings’ tab. Go ahead and change your Name. Leave your username as the keyword-laden word or name you chose.
Avatar
The image you choose to use as your profile pic on Twitter can be used to further your SEO efforts if you do it the right way. Before you upload your image, save it as a name that matches your business name or your keywords.
While Twitter doesn’t allow you to add ‘alt’ tags to that image, the actual pic name will show in the URL, so this will help with the search engines.
To Follow or Be Followed?
Most people spend some time trying to figure out how to increase their Twitter following. They encourage others to follow them or even to subscribe to their RSS feeds to be updated on new tweets.
However, you’ll find that when you begin following others, they’ll often follow you in return. Respond occasionally to other people’s tweets, as it will get your username out there and noticed by some of your followers. The search engines are also far more likely to pick it up as well.
Submit It!
Once you’ve created your account and tweaked your username, profile, and bio, it’s time to submit your profile to some of the directories. Add your username to your blog posts and even your Facebook posts. You’ll bring more attention to your username, which will help to extend your reach.
These simple little tips don’t take much time, but you’ll notice the results for your SEO efforts in the long run.
