Best way to SEO crowdsourcing site

[StreetwiseReports]

What is the best way to SEO a crowdsourcing site?

The websites content is entirely propagated by the user

[Mark_Jay_Apsey_Jr.]

Great question.

A good portion of the SEO value will be created by the format and structure of what the site requires for input and data and the url / sitemap structure. If it is done correctly and the site generates a fair amount of activity and content, then it can be VERY POWERFUL. I have helped several people in the crowdsourcing area and have been amazed at the results. Remember, crowdsourcing by nature is viral, unlike traditional ecommerce, and is providing perceived value for the user so make sure you require participation and content the way you want it to happen.

Here is what you need to focus on:

• Once you target the specific keywords you want to focus on, then you can start to set up the data input/categories that the users have to follow. For example if you are focused on "start up capital" or "investment capital" then make sure you have a section that asks them "Explain what you need start up capital for?" and make sure that the URL structure of that entry (which should become its own page in the crowd sourcing listing uses that keyword when you create it.
• If you want to generate more SEO value, ask several keyword questions in the same entry which auto populate the listing when it is published. For example the first question might be "How much start up capital do you need?" then auto enter "The start up capital I need is....." Then the follow up leading statement would be "I will use the start up capital for the following items....."  And again, you will auto publish the leading statements as well as the users entry, which assures that the keywords are being published and indexed.
• Make sure that you require a minimum number of words for the answers so that you force them to generate content. Remember, you are getting the content for free, so make sure you maximize the opportunity.
• Require them to link the crowdsourcing site to their main URL or to post a link on their main site in their footer, in order to publish the crowdsourcing entry.
• Require them to tweet or pin or publish on their facebook page.
• Encourage comments and participation by the authors/users and the people downloading information that will be indexed by google.

Lots of opportunity. Hope this helps..

Mark

[StreetwiseReports]

great answer! More feedback from others is appreciated, but this answer is thorough and well thought out. Thanks!