Whether you’re new to Twitter or you’ve been on it for what seems like a decade, it’s easy to get stuck in who you’re following. You may even find that you don’t actively make searches for new people like you used to.

It’s time to break out of that. 

Since Twitter has become so filled with spam (or that’s what it feels like, at least), why not try finding valuable Tweeps in more unique ways?

People Search

Sure, you’ve used the Twitter Search function before, but that usually means you’ll have to spend hours and hours sorting through piles of bogus tweeps. Instead, look at the “People Search”. In the new version of Twitter, you can change the search to show just people. Typically, this group is sorted by the most relevant – and often, most popular – tweeps.

Friends of Friends

Pay close attention to those tweeps you hold in high regard and watch who they’re talking with. A lot of times, you’ll find relevant tweeps when your favorites ReTweet or reply to them!

Seminars & Webinars

If you’re attending a webinar or even a live seminar, be sure to follow the hashtag. You’ve already got one thing in common with these people: whatever it is that brought you to this conference/seminar/webinar. Start checking out some profiles; my guess is you’ll find a ton of interesting tweeps. Then, take it to the next level by tweeting out phrases and takeaways from the conference; this way, people will start following you, too!

What about you? What are your favorite ways to find new tweeps?

Nicki Hicks
Tweep finder

This will be my third year in a row creating a “best of the year” post; feel free to check out posts from 2010 and 2009, too.

This year, I’ve done the best at flyte: from our flyte blog, Maine SEO blog, and Florida SEO blog. Go ahead and browse the archives; enjoy!

flyte blog

1. 50 – Count ‘em, 50! – Creative Uses of QR Codes
2. Print Keynote Handouts Like PowerPoint
3. Post to your Facebook Business Page as you…and more!
4. What is a QR Code? What is QR Code Marketing?
5. What is a Facebook Landing Page and Why Do I Need One?

Maine SEO

1. What is a Good Bounce Rate in Google Analytics?
2. Facebook Fun | What Was Your Status Update On This Day Last Year?
3. Can I create a Facebook Business Account (or Fan Page) without a Personal Account?
4. How to Like a Facebook Fan Page…as a Fan Page
5. Allowing Pingbacks and Trackbacks on your blog: Is there any value back?

Florida SEO

1. Alt Tags vs. Title Tags for Images in WordPress: What’s the difference?
2. The Top 5 Most Liked Pages on Facebook and What We Can Learn From Them
3. How Long Will It Take to See Results from Search Engine Optimization?
4. How to Decrease Your Bounce Rate in Google Analytics
5. Welcome the Newest Member to flyte new media: Joan Woodbrey Crocker!

Photo credit: stockerre

A client asked me this recently and it’s a fantastic question! After we optimize a client’s website, I’ll always say that it’s important to keep up with SEO even after launch. Simply put, things change online so quickly that it’s imperative you – and your website, blog, social media presence, etc. – keep up.

So….how can you keep up with SEO without becoming overwhelmed?

Check your GA monthly.

Set up your Google Analytics so that you get monthly reports emailed to you directly. Pay specific attention to the keywords visitors use when they come to your website; are they the same ones you optimized for? Are you even seeing the keywords you optimized for in the list? If you’re still not seeing the keywords you optimized your website for 6 months after you did initial SEO, go back and rework things.

Do keyword research annually or even bi-annually.

Google and the search engines change, and so do what your visitors are searching for. By updating your keyword list at least once a year, you’ll be sure to optimize for all of the keywords your audience is using.

Blog and use social media regularly to drive traffic.

Pay close attention to “hot” keywords and phrases your audience will be searching for depending on the season or time of year and incorporate them in the content you create. Blogposts can be especially helpful, as you can create content quickly around a hot, new subject and almost instantly have a blogpost show up on Google.

How do you keep up with SEO?

Nicki Hicks
Keeping Up with SEO, a new reality series

The following is a recap from recent webinar from Social Media Examiner. Speakers included Mike Stelzner, Founder of Social Media Examiner; Andrea Vahl, social media consultant; Rich Brooks, president of flyte new media; and Kristi Hines, founder of Kikolani. See more of the conversation by searching for #10ways on Twitter. 

1. Google+ business page

Create your G+ business page here, but know there are limitations:

• you can only have one admin
• and you can only follow fans back

Get a G+ badge and you can get more recommendations on your site in Google search and grow your audience on G+. Having a business page and the badge has also been shown to increase your website’s visibility on Google.

2. Getting leads on Facebook

What’s a lead?

• Not just any like
• Interest
• Authority to purchase
• Move along sales cycle and have need for your product/service

Facebook sales pyramid: Like > Engage (know, like, trust) > Buy

Build a deeper relationship. How do you get individual email addresses? By adding a Facebook email capture.

• Offer a freebie – value report, discount, coupon
• Require an iFrame application for a custom tab
• Can be set as default landing tab (first people land when they come to your page)
• Design your own or hire someone

3. Facebook and webinars

• Promote your webinar to your audience
• Use webinar service to capture emails
• Promote a product or service at the end
• Offer valuable content
• Continue to connect with audience through email

About two weeks ago, the second to last Twilight movie (Breaking Dawn, Part I) came out.

Women of all ages (and any men who were dragged) came out to the theater for the unveiling of the film. Regardless of what you think about the series – or about this movie in particular – like many series throughout history (Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Matrix, just to name a few), Twilight has an incredible following. And why wouldn’t it? You like it, you love it, you want some more of it. (Don’t worry, I’m not taking credit for that line.) Social media is very similar, even now. It’s bright, it’s shiny, and we want more of it.

We may not fully understand Twilight or social media, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try. I’ve seen women of all ages attempt to sort through the complexities of the characters that Stephenie Meyer dreamed up. (It certainly doesn’t hurt that the movies’ cast is easy on the eyes.)

The funny thing is…the same thing goes for social media. I’ve seen business after business try to understand the complexities of the social media world and how they can fit into it. And the truth is: sometimes you can’t.

Some social platforms simply aren’t going to work for your business. It’s not that your business isn’t interesting enough; it’s just that your audience doesn’t spend their time there or they wouldn’t want to connect with you there. Just as Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner appeal to screaming estrogen-filled beings everywhere, Hollywood knew they probably wouldn’t attract many men.

So, if you’ve seen the movies or read the books, can you see any similarities between them and social media?