Social Media Optimization is associated with search engine marketing SEM, but it is very much differs in that the main focus is on driving traffic from sources other than search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, though improved search ranking is also a benefit of successful Social Media Optimization that is called SMO and SMM.

Social Media Optimization (SMO) and Social Media Marketing (SMO) strategies are employed by expertise in Search Engine Optimization to promote the site through the use of networking in social bookmarking websites, social networks sites, video sharing sites and photo sharing sites. Social media optimization is a set of methods for generating publicity through social media sites, online communities, and community websites to grow the business.

Social media optimization is a method of generating publicity through online processes, communities, and websites. There are number of  websites that act as a social media optimization platform. The videos uploaded on sites like ‘you tube’ & photo sharing websites like picasaweb, orkut, facebook and the various sites offering blogging facilities, forums and discussion panels further enhance the effect of social media optimization.