Every business wants to be number one on Google for their most relevant search terms. Traditionally, you might develop an organic optimization strategy for your site, perhaps in conjunction with pay-per-click campaigns.  With the advent of real-time indexing of social media sites by search engines, you now have a low cost option for promoting your business, which you can control and develop – social media. Here are some tips to help you build your social media search engine presence:

1.  Be active in LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is the ideal tool for making connections with prospective clients and business partners, establishing yourself as a thought leader, showcasing your work, and promoting events you are hosting and attending.  Make sure that you set up a vanity URL.  Be sure that your business has a profile, as well.

2. Be active on Facebook.

Once you have set up a personal Facebook account, set up a Fan Page for your business.  Use this to provide information, such as special offers, new product information, and special events to your fans.

3. Be active on Twitter.

Use important keywords in your Twitter post, putting them in hash tags when appropriate.  Follow and interact with prospective clients and business partners.

4. Post videos to YouTube.

Be sure to title and tag your YouTube videos with important keywords.

5. Create and maintain a consistent presence on a blog.

Make sure that you make periodic entries and moderate comments promptly.

6. Read and post comments to blogs.

Be sure to include your primary URL with your comment.

7. Customize your Google Local Business Listing.

If your business has a physical address, find it on Google Maps.  Click “Edit” in the bubble on the map, verify your business ownership, list it in appropriate categories, and provide keyword-rich information about your business. Read “5 Steps to Get Immediate Results on Google” for detailed instructions on how to claim your Google business listing.

8. Set up a personal Google profile.

Set up your profile at http://www.google.com/profiles.  Be sure to include your important keywords.  Provide links to your web site, blog, and other social media accounts.

9. Set up Google Alerts.

Google Alerts, located at http://www.google.com/alerts, allows you to set alerts for your personal name, your business name, your Twitter name, your web site, and your blog, and even competitors.  This tool will allow you to track the indexing of your social media activity.

These simple steps, consistently applied, will reap almost  immediate results in your digital footprint.  When used in conjunction with traditional search engine optimization strategies, the chance of achieving the rankings you desire is increased exponentially.