What is 'Social Media Optimization (SMO)'
Social media optimization (SMO) is the use of social media networks to manage and grow an organization’s message and online presence. As a digital strategy, social media optimization can be used to increase awareness of new products and services, connect with customers, and ameliorate potential damaging news.
For many years search engine marketing was the standard for digital marketing efforts. But social media marketing has come to the fore, and is either converging with search engine marketing or supplanting it in some regards. Studies show that companies that do not succeed with social media optimization are neglecting social media optimization, which offers the benefits of strengthening a brand, lead generation, increased visibility in the online space, and better connections with a company's audience.
Various types of social media can be used to disseminate information, including social network websites such as Facebook and Twitter, RSS feeds and news aggregators, blogs, and video websites, such as YouTube.
Social media optimization often directs the public from social websites to the company website, where more information can be provided. For example, a campaign to raise awareness of a new automobile may direct the visitor to a company webpage providing information on where local dealerships are located and how to schedule a test drive.
