Some people see social media as fleeting, an overused platform that’s already on its way out. But the benefits of this type of networking can’t be undersold (and they’re not going away anytime soon!). However, to reap these benefits most effectively, certain practices must be utilized: one of these is link building.

So, exactly why is link building such an effective little trick? It has to do with the massive amounts of people who use the internet on any given day, all over the world. Mobile phones are a huge part of this – desktops, radios, and television are so last year. 😉 And anyone on the internet is a potential client – they can become your customers or clients when directed to your website.

There are several social media platforms ideal for marketing. These include:

Facebook

Facebook is a major player in the social media game, as you are probably aware. Pretty much everyone (and their mother) spends minutes and minutes each day updating their status and checking what their friends or family are up to. With all the time spent on this platform, conversions are plentiful.

LinkedIn

While most people don’t go around saying, “I can’t wait to update my LinkedIn status!” this is a platform worthy of use. It’s the most often used social media platform for professionals, making it an important part of networking. LinkedIn is especially important for B2B marketing.

Twitter

Twitter has grown in popularity for a few reasons. Its access to celebrities is helpful, but so is its minimalism. It’s a quick and easy way to interact with potential customers and reach your target audience.

Pinterest

Though not commonly thought of as a networking powerhouse (or one used for link building), Pinterest is known for its creative content – it’s the artsy platform sitting in the corner of the library reading Sylvia Plath. However, for companies that have a fashion, lifestyle, or crafty-bent, Pinterest is a valuable tool.

Google+

Google+ never replaced Facebook as some people predicted – many found it difficult to use, for one thing. But it has a distinct advantage over the platforms above: it’s in cahoots with Google+ Authorship, which makes it more accurate in searches. It also helps with organic SEO and is in cahoots with YouTube (another Google product).

Instagram

Instagram isn’t just the website everyone flocked to when their parents got on Facebook – it’s also a social media goldmine. This is especially true for content that has a visual bent. If your target audience is a millennial (or, really, any age group at this point…), it’s a must.

Now that you know where to go, how can you get yourself noticed? Provide unique content, don’t forget about meta tags, and start a blog – these give you direct link building potential. You should also choose relevant topics that engage your audience and offer them something they can use. Stay topical, practical, and entertaining.

Doing the above, on as many platforms as possible, will cast a wide net and give you a chance to reach an endless number of clients. Need help? We’re here – contact us.