In 2015, Google and Twitter (now renamed "X") formed a partnership in which Google gained full access to Twitter's news feed (called "Firehose"). Twitter CEO Dick Costolo explained that the main idea behind the deal was to more effectively convert people who aren't already logged into Twitter. And it's fair to say, the results are in: Twitter increased the number of logged-out users coming to its site tenfold, taking it from 7.5 million visitors per month to 75 million. You've probably seen tweets or Twitter accounts appear in the SERPs when you search for something specific. So, how do you get your company's tweets to appear on Google? Twitter SEO Decryption.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) on social network X increases your visibility both on the platform and in search engine results. This is a great way to increase your chances of being seen, read, and converted online. Here are 8 key tips to adopt now.
1. Use keywords in tweets
As website owners, We all know the importance of keywords in SEO. It's the same for Twitter SEO. Use all the 280 characters to your advantage and try to incorporate keywords from your website, if it goes with what you are tweeting. This can help your tweet appear in your prospects' search results. Think like the customer when using key expressions and favor the long tail keywords to place you more easily in the SERPs.
Note: Don't skip hashtags, choose strategic keywords.
2. Optimize your account information
Most users of social network X will search for your business by typing in its business name. If you choose a completely different username, they won't find you. Try using your trade name as your username (or an easily recognizable variation). Don't use too many numbers because Google, and even other users, may think it looks spammy. Your username must be the official business name and the photo must be your logo. Update your bio to include relevant information about your services, and don't forget to include keywords. Last tip: always use a link from your website or your blog as a link from your profile, to increase traffic.
3. Think about content curation
Avoid talking only about yourself! Google (and users) may consider you a spammy account. Then, you will never appear in search engine results (Google, Bing, etc.). Remember to help your customers and prospects by retweeting content from reliable sources (leading media, influencers, experts, etc.). This technique allows you to obtain more diverse content and generates more retweets. As a result, you have a better chance of seeing your tweets referenced on Google. Which brings us to our next tip…
4. Make sure your tweets are shareable
Try to keep your tweets around 180 characters to maximize sharing. This allows users to
to retweet and add their comments. Also, don't just tweet a link and say nothing: add a description, the points covered, or a compelling title. This is what will make your followers want to click or share your message.
5. Add your Twitter handle to your website
This is perhaps obvious, as most reputable brands routinely add their social media to their
websites. The easiest and cleanest way to do this is to add a Twitter follow button on the home page and/or in the sidebar. Under your items, place a share button which automatically composes a tweet by adding your username. These two techniques will give your visitors an easy and visual way to access your Twitter.
6. Insert videos and images
Images and videos play a significant role in SEO on Twitter. They are more likely to be shared and generate interactions, which sends a positive signal to the platform. Consider filling the alternative text (ALT) of your images with relevant queries. Say keywords in your videos and enable subtitles to offer a better user experience. Given the increasingly fierce competition on the social network, learn to really differentiate yourself with quality visuals to reach your target audience.
7. Focus on the thread trend
A thread, often referred to as a "thread," refers to a series of tweets that appear as a conversation. The goal behind threads is to connect several coherent and impactful ideas. Social network X highlights discussion threads to improve content quality, boost engagement, and offer users a unique space to exchange ideas, information, and authentic stories. The secret to a successful thread? Responding to your target audience's search intent on the platform. A single thread has the power to increase your visibility tenfold.
8. Interact with your followers
The more you interact with your followers, the more likely your tweets are to be seen. increase engagement on the X platform you can:
- respond to questions and comments from your subscribers;
- launch contests and promotions;
- organize online events (webinars, etc.).
How does Twitter influence your website's SEO?
Social SEO is the secret to increasing your online visibility. By using social media effectively, you'll boost your search engine rankings. Social networks, like Twitter, are key to attracting more visitors to your website.
You get backlinks
When you share links to pages from your site on Twitter, you create “nofollow” backlinks to your website. The same goes for influential users or brands that share your content. Social media links help build your site's credibility in the eyes of search engines.
Note: Content on this platform can go viral within minutes.
You promote the indexing of your tweets
If your profile is public, then your tweets can be found on Google. Search engines index tweets that are relevant, especially when you already have a well-established follower base and a positive influence on the platform.
You are sending the right social signals
It's no longer a matter of proof: there is indeed a correlation between social signals (such as social media sharing) and a site's ranking in search engines. In 2023, SEO requires the relevant use of social media.
You get better visibility
If your content is shared and retweeted by other users on Twitter, then you will reach a wider audience. You will increase traffic to your website, which makes it an excellent factor for SEO.
You strengthen your reputation
An active presence on the platform strengthens your brand awareness, which can, in the long run, lead to an increase in direct searches for your brand on search engines.
After implementing these best practices to optimize your SEO on Twitter (now renamed X), regularly check the statistics offered by the social network. You'll get an overview of the most liked and retweeted tweets. You'll also know the number of clicks on your links. This data will help you refine your strategy to create SEO-friendly tweets that will boost traffic to your website. Ultimately, Twitter is an integral part of your overall organic SEO strategy.
