Companies big and small are embracing social media and quickly diving head-first into the (deep, unfathomable) ocean of search engine optimization. Unfortunately in their haste to become digitally optimized these companies often neglect to create a cohesive strategy and fail to integrate optimally for maximum synergy. Early adopters of integrated social media and search strategies are seeing improved results in both areas, results that are greater than the sum! Here are some tips on creating synergy. MORE >>

Several retailers have told me their customers do not use social media. Based upon my work with mainstream small businesses, I would estimate only about 20% of them are using social media themselves. Furthermore, Google has made the process of using Google Adwords even easier for local businesses to compete against national chains. This is why emerging technology companies often create a position known as the community manager. Managing traditional and social media communications. What is the primary goal of a local retailer? MORE >>

SEMRush Geo displays Google AdWords advertisers on a Google Maps background, enabling users to identify the businesses within any geographic area who are running AdWords campaigns. Clicking the SEMRush icon within the pop-out or sidebar opens a new window displaying the keywords bid on by that company, and for each keyword the average cost per click, destination URL, percentage of AdWords traffic driven, percentage of AdWords costs and more. For SEM agencies and consultants, the SEMRush Geo tool is a prospecting goldmine. MORE >>

With 92% of companies now incorporating social media into their marketing efforts, it’s no longer sufficient to just “be there” on social networks. Today’s most effective marketers are optimizing content across channels, coordinating search and social marketing activities with traditional PR, and measuring their web presence and performance with sophistication. What do buyers really want from social media marketers? What is the source of the largest share of social traffic to websites? Social CRM is still confusing. MORE >>

“The problem with brands in social media is that they act like 19 year old dudes&#. His point was that there is a tendency to approach every interaction with a single goal – sex for the dudes, sales for companies. The premise of his book is that the greatest, most profitable companies achieve success as a result of focussing on higher ideals than cash generation. However I do think he has coined a super phrase and one with a distinct social media relevance. Obliquity – why social media goals are best pursued indirectly. MORE >>