The term “social media” encompasses several different types of sites, and it’s important to use all of them properly in order to really be effective at social media optimization (SMO).

I love Tom’s categorization of social media sites (although I have some different opinions about the “better” ones) and he does a slam-dunk explanation about the benefits (visibility and credibility) of using and monopolizing the search engine rankings when you use social media strategically.

Read the full article to learn about forums, wiki’s, bookmarking, networking and more!

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A great question came through my last survey asking for a TOP 10 LIST for social networking—kind of a check-off list to see if you are doing it right or not. So I created one. Let me know what you think!

1. Set up your profile with information about you as a person! Let your personality shine!
2. Include work/education/experience as it directly relates to your expertise. ALSO include experience that relates to who you are as a person. Include information about your activities and interests when you are NOT working.
3. Manage your virtual “noise” level on your profile! Don’t add too many extras and make sure the applications/widgets you do add are reflective of who you are (do you see a common them here?). (more…)

Are you ever caught by the catch phrases: Make more money! Have more Time! Have a better life!?? Well, let’s talk about the first one: MAKE MORE MONEY! While money doesn’t bring us happiness, it can sure put us in a better place to create opportunities that make us happy. So how can social networking help me make more money?

I have three simple answers to this question that you can start using now. First off, however, let’s be clear these are not the ONLY benefits of using social networking as a strategy for your marketing plan. But these three reasons will start making you money! (more…)