Social Media, Social Networking, "versus" SEO?

I have been hearing this a lot lately: "SEO is dead. Social Media / Networking is the way to go.

That's kind of like saying: "Gasoline powered automobiles are no longer a safe or convenient way to get from point "A" to point "B", you must have an electric scooter, or at least a hybrid." (If you truly agree with this, then you should probably go find a different blog now)

Not exactly, but "kind of."

Certainly if you are not looking at social networking as a way to market your business you might be missing some opportunities, but it does not mean that it is a better strategy for your business than SEO or PPC for that matter.

The truth is that you have to understand what your current online presence is if you have one at all, and then spend time figuring out what strategies may be right for your business needs and budget.

I am considered by some to be an "Internet marketing expert", although I do not ever pretend to know everything. After all the space changes every day so much that it is even more of a challenge to keep up with the Internet marketing world than many other spaces.


At any rate-I will often get a question like: "Do you think I should invest in SEO, PPC or social networking? How much should I spend on a website? How much should I spend on Internet marketing?"


Unless I have already spent time learning about their business, their goals and their competitive landscape, my answer is always-"It depends."

If someone says to you "always" do this, "never" do that, or you HAVE to sign up for this new Internet thing, without fully understanding you, your business, your budget, your goals, etc, then I would I would run away from them.

There are great opportunities for many businesses to drive leads, sales and meet other needs online and offline, but it takes an intelligent, strategic and educated approach. Any other approach is probably a waste of too much time and too much money.

In fact, a good "Internet Marketing Consultant" needs to be more of a "business consultant" to fully help you take advantage of your online marketing needs.

As the lead consultant for Integrity Internet Consulting, I can help you develop and/or implement the right Internet marketing strategy for you and your business. Call me anytime at 720-985-7945.