- Apr 1, 2012
- 144
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- First Name
- Cody
Any proof that this this applies to our space?
Right at the bottom of the Searchmetrics study: "This content is an overview of our detailed Ranking Factors – Rank Correlation 2013 study. The results are based on correlation and are not proof of any causal effects." So, while it is known that social metrics impact search results, they are not the be-all-end-all of ranking factors.
SEO Ranking Factors - Rank Correlation 2013 for Google USA 2013
Moz has partnered with several studies, and hasn't been able to narrow down the true impact, saying that "While we still don’t know the true impact of social signals (which, admittedly, is probably a moving target depending on many factors), we do know that social signals are increasing in importance with regard to the ranking algorithm, and will continue to do so."
Your Guide to Social Signals for SEO - Moz
Website Magazine just released an article talking about how social signals are going to be over hyped in the coming months because of the Searchmetrics results: Stop the Social Media, SEO Madness - 'Net Features - Website Magazine
For both social metrics and links great content is the driving factor. You need great content to build up your social presence in order to get your posts in front of people who may link to you. You also need great content in order to rank organically, especially with the Panda updates being continually rolled out 10 out of every 30 days.
Google's Panda Dance: Matt Cutts Confirms Panda Rolls Out Monthly Over 10 Of 30 Days