Should I Share Content on Social for SEO?

Let’s skip the suspense: yes, you should share each piece of blog content on social media as part of your SEO plan. But before you sprint off to schedule 47 LinkedIn posts and accidentally tweet your lunch order, let’s break down why this matters, how it actually works, and what the experts (and the data) have to say.
Social Sharing & SEO: The Not-So-Secret Relationship
First, a little myth-busting: Google has said that social signals (likes, shares, retweets, and the occasional “fire” emoji) are not direct ranking factors. So, if you’re hoping that your blog post will leap to page one just because your aunt shared it on Facebook, you might want to temper those expectations.
But here’s where it gets interesting: there’s a strong correlation between highly shared content and higher search rankings. Why? Because sharing content on social media increases visibility, which leads to more engagement, more eyeballs, and — crucially — more opportunities for backlinks. And backlinks are the SEO equivalent of a golden ticket.
“A social media SEO strategy can help your business build deeper relationships with customers, optimize your content to appear higher in search engine results, and drive more organic traffic to your site.” — HubSpot
The Real Benefits When You Share Content on Social for SEO
1. Content Visibility: The More, the Merrier
Sharing your blog posts on social media exposes them to a broader audience. It’s like throwing a party and actually inviting people, instead of hoping they’ll just show up. The more people see your content, the more likely it is to be read, shared, and — if you’re lucky — linked to by others.
2. Backlink Generation: The SEO Jackpot
Social media is a powerful channel for content discovery. When your content gets shared, it’s more likely to catch the eye of bloggers, journalists, and webmasters who might link to it in their own articles. And those backlinks? They’re a direct ranking factor for SEO.
3. User Engagement & Dwell Time: Stick Around a While
Social sharing can lead to increased user engagement and longer dwell times on your site. If people are clicking through from social media and actually sticking around to read your post (instead of bouncing faster than a caffeinated squirrel), that’s a positive signal for search engines.
4. Content Testing: Find Out What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Social media is the perfect testing ground. Try out different headlines, formats, and topics to see what resonates. If a post flops on Twitter but soars on LinkedIn, you’ve learned something valuable — without needing a focus group or a crystal ball.
Best Practices: How to Share Content on Social for SEO (Without Annoying Everyone)
- Share every new blog post across your main social channels: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or wherever your audience hangs out. (No, your MySpace page doesn’t count.)
- Tailor your message and visuals for each platform. What works on Instagram might not fly on LinkedIn.
- Use relevant hashtags and tag influencers or brands when appropriate. Just don’t overdo it — nobody likes a hashtag abuser.
- Encourage sharing by making it easy for readers to share your content directly from your blog. (Hint: we make this effortless at bloggingmachine.io.)
- Monitor performance metrics like clicks, shares, and comments. Refine your approach based on what actually works.
- Reshare evergreen content periodically. Good content deserves a second (or third) chance at the spotlight.
The Drawbacks: Because Nothing’s Perfect
- Diminishing Returns: If you share the same post 12 times a day, people will notice — and not in a good way. Audience fatigue is real.
- Resource Intensive: Creating unique, platform-specific posts and engaging with your audience takes time. (Unless you’re using an AI-powered platform like, say, us.)
- No Guaranteed SEO Boost: Social sharing alone won’t save mediocre content. Quality and a solid SEO foundation are still non-negotiable.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
- Pages with more social shares tend to rank higher in search results, according to multiple studies. Is it causation? No. But it’s a strong correlation you can’t ignore. (Search Engine Journal)
- Social media is increasingly used as a discovery engine, especially among younger audiences. If you’re not sharing your content, you’re missing out on a massive pool of potential readers. (Pew Research Center)
- Brands that consistently share valuable content on social media often see increased brand searches and direct traffic — both of which can positively influence SEO.
Real-World Example: The Viral Effect
Imagine you publish a blog post that gets picked up on Twitter. Suddenly, it’s being shared by industry influencers, discussed in LinkedIn groups, and maybe even referenced in a few newsletters. Next thing you know, reputable sites are linking back to your post, and your organic search traffic gets a nice little bump. All because you hit “share.”
Why We Make Social Sharing Effortless
At bloggingmachine.io, we know that creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content is only half the battle. Getting that content in front of the right audience is just as important. That’s why our AI-powered platform doesn’t just churn out blog posts — it also helps you optimize for sharing and engagement, so you can focus on running your business (or, you know, finally taking a lunch break).
FAQ: Sharing Content on Social for SEO
Q: Does sharing content on social media directly improve SEO rankings? A: Not directly. Social signals aren’t a ranking factor, but sharing increases visibility, engagement, and the chance of earning backlinks — which do impact SEO.
Q: How often should I share my blog posts on social media? A: Share each new post when it’s published, and consider resharing evergreen content periodically. Just avoid spamming your followers.
Q: Which platforms are best for sharing blog content? A: It depends on your audience. LinkedIn is great for B2B, Instagram and Facebook for B2C, and Twitter for just about everything (including hot takes).
Q: Should I customize my message for each platform? A: Absolutely. Tailor your visuals, tone, and hashtags to fit each platform’s vibe and audience.
Q: Can AI help automate social sharing? A: Yes! Platforms like bloggingmachine.io can streamline content creation and sharing, saving you time and boosting your reach.
Final Thoughts: Share Smart, Not Hard
Sharing each piece of blog content on social media is a no-brainer for anyone serious about SEO and organic traffic. It’s not about chasing likes for vanity’s sake — it’s about amplifying your reach, building authority, and giving your content the best shot at success. And if you’re looking for a way to make the whole process easier (and maybe even a little fun), you know where to find us.
Further Reading:
- Moz: Social Media & SEO
- Search Engine Journal: Social Media’s Impact on SEO
- HubSpot: Social Media SEO Strategy
- Pew Research Center: Social Media Use
Check out how we can help you automate your content creation and sharing at bloggingmachine.io.