I have seen 2 posts recently sharing Mike Parker's (negative) view on social media. Here's a link to an article of his on the BrokerAgentSocial network. (Note the irony of posting this article on a social networking site - Hmm??)
Let's check out whether he is qualified to state his opinions as facts on the subject of social media: First of all, Mike Parker is the Principal for Compass Internet Systems, an SEO Company that charges mega bucks to optimize agents websites and get them on the first page of Google. Part of Compasses pitch is to assure you that you will get leads from your optimized website. I'd suggest he has zero interest in you getting your leads for FREE on twitter or Facebook - Reason enough to slam the "competition" I'd say...
Okay, so now lets look at the attack itself: Does Mr Parker know what he's talking about? Probably not. As far as I can tell he has no actual proof that social media doesn't work, he's just stating an opinion. Has he tried using either Facebook or twitter for business purposes? I think not. I'd say what he's basically doing is telling us that the Chinese restaurant down the street sucks, although he's never actually been to that restaurant... A reliable source? Again, I think not!
Let me just say that SEO, (search engine optimization) and social media are BOTH important when it comes to creating a strong online presence. I believe we need to embrace the different technologies and platforms to achieve our goals.
What I think is the strength of social media is that we have an opportunity to show our authentic selves. People can "get to know us" before they call or email. You need to "get" social media to know what I'm talking about here. If you do get it you'll know that twitter and Facebook offer the perfect opportunity to "connect" with the buying and selling public in a way that was not possible before these platforms came to be.
Having said that, SEO has not become redundant through the arrival of social media. We still need to optimize our websites and our blogs. They work in tandem with one another. Anyone who can't see that is short sighted and missing out on the huge opportunities the different technologies and platforms give us.
Now in case you're wondering, I have no first hand proof that social media works yet. I have been an ActiveRain member for just over 4 months. A couple of weeks later I started a Facebook Fan Page and became active on twitter. AR is a great community where you learn A LOT. Through professionals I have come to trust on this network I know that blogging and social media is a marathon not a sprint. Just like any other form of marketing, this will take time too.
And by the way, getting back to Mr Parker at Compass. That's what they told me too. SEO is not an overnight sensation, it takes time to optimize a website, that's why they only do annual subscriptions (!) One year later I was $3500 lighter and NOT on the front page of Google... I think I'll take my chances with social media.... It's not a sinkhole, or a magic bullet - And it may be time consuming, but it is FREE.
Peggy Chirico wrote one of the posts I mention in the first paragraph. It's a members only post, which is why I haven't linked to it directly.
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