{"id":5476,"date":"2016-07-20T09:54:49","date_gmt":"2016-07-20T14:54:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/?p=5476"},"modified":"2016-07-20T09:54:49","modified_gmt":"2016-07-20T14:54:49","slug":"local-search-made-easy-part-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/blog\/local-search-made-easy-part-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Search Made Easy: Enhancing a Business’ Online Presence with Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m back and wrapping up the series on Local Search Made Easy. The series began with a look at \u201cfive must-haves for local success<\/a>,\u201d then we moved into \u201cget listed, get optimized, get found<\/a>.\u201d Following that was \u201creputation management and reviews<\/a>,\u201d and we certainly couldn\u2019t forget \u201cwebsites that work<\/a>.\u201d Today we are exploring using social media, the great amplifier to enhance your online presence.<\/p>\n

There is often debate on whether or not social media contributes to search engine ranking and local search efforts. Each time an authoritative source studies it, there seems to be a correlation, although it\u2019s not officially called out by Google or Bing. Whether or not anyone makes a statement, the power of social media cannot be denied. It provides an opportunity to connect with consumers and to hear what they need; ideas for new products and services abound for those willing to listen to the consumer voice.<\/p>\n

Facebook\u2019s methods of doing business and the ripple effects they have are felt almost as strongly as changes within Google. According to Mary Meeker\u2019s Internet Trends report for 2016, ad spend for those two powerhouses account for a 76 percent share of internet advertising<\/a>. This is continuing to grow. Twitter is still trying to find its way when it comes to advertising but Snapchat is coming into its own.<\/p>\n

Having said that, however, engagement on these and other platforms which are right for your business can change everything for you.<\/p>\n

Amplify Your Local Search Efforts with Social Media<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the U.S. consumers spend approximately 19 percent of their digital time on social networks, meaning it is reasonable to expect to be able to reach them there. Following are three reasons to include social media in your local search strategy.<\/p>\n

1. Connecting with a New Audience<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Social media can take your message to thousands of prospective customers<\/a>. There is no denying the power of social media as a place for people to congregate. Millions of Facebook\u2019s members have volunteered tons of psychographic data to the network and left a digital trail through the pages, ads and other links they\u2019ve previously clicked. Facebook has the ability to target users, not just based on demographic data, but also by their interests<\/em>.<\/p>\n

2. Driving Site Traffic<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Social media provides a place to meet with and engage audiences, but businesses still need consumers visiting their websites.<\/p>\n