Social Media

[imageworks-261290]

Hello,

How much weight do links from social media carry for seo?

We are trying to develop a social media package for a client and we are unclear as to how much time to dedicate to SM every month and we would like some opinions.

Thanks!

[EGOL]

Links from social media sites are very often nofollowed so participating there for the "links" is probably not a good use of your time.

However, Google is probably using the social media profile of websites and their content to influence rankings.  In last week's Whiteboard Friday Rand looked at the correlation between social media activity and rankings (correlation is not always cause and effect).  Check it out... http://www.seomoz.org/blog/correlation-data-for-seo-and-social-media-analysis-part-1-whiteboard-friday

The real value of social media is something that you didn't ask about.  That is the ability to rapidly spread the word about content, people and services.  To make that happen powerfully you need kickass content, people or services that are worthy of people's "like" or "tweet" or "recommend" or whatever.

Success at social media is not something that can be achieved mechanically.  It is achieved by having value or interest that merits the social share.

[AaronSchinke]

EGOL is right. I think its only a matter of time before thinks built on/thru social media begin to have a greater effect on SEO, but for now it's a terrific way to share content and gain natural links. Google sees all.