Social Media & SEO: How They Work Together for Online Visibility

If you’re running a riding school, tack shop, physio service or coaching business, you probably already know you need social media and should think about SEO.

But did you know they aren’t separate strategies?

When done right, social media and SEO actually fuel each other, helping you get found faster and grow stronger online.

Here’s how it works — and how you can start using both without feeling overwhelmed.

Grow your engagement and website traffic!

What is Social Media Marketing?

Social media is your fast-paced, day-to-day visibility tool. It is where you:

• Build relationships with your audience

• Showcase your services

• Stay top of mind

• Share real-time updates, offers, events

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok help you connect with people, build trust, and show your personality.

But here’s the catch: posts are fleeting.

The average post might only “live” for 24–48 hours before it's buried under new content.

What is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?

SEO is your long game. It’s how you make sure when someone Googles:

• "riding lessons near me"

• "best saddle fitting service in Kent"

• "equine physiotherapist Southeast"

  • ...your name pops up!

SEO is about:

• Having a website that's easy to find and use

• Showing up in Google Maps and local listings

• Creating helpful blog posts that answer common questions

• Using the right keywords naturally in your content

• 
  

While SEO takes longer to build momentum, it brings in steady, organic traffic for months or even years.

How Social Media and SEO Work Together

Rather than thinking either/or, you want both working as a team:

1. Social Media Drives Traffic to Your Website

When you share blog posts, service pages, or online shop links on Facebook and Instagram, you send signals to Google that your site is active and relevant.

• More clicks = better SEO rankings over time.

2. Content Sharing Builds Authority

The more your posts, articles, and videos are shared, the more you’re seen as an expert by your audience and by Google.

• Authority = Higher chances of ranking in search results.

3. Keywords Work Across Both

The phrases you want to rank for (like "horse massage Norfolk" or "pony club summer camp") should appear:

• In your website copy

• In your social media bios

• In your captions and hashtags

  • Consistent messaging strengthens your online presence everywhere.

4. Google Now Indexes Social Profiles

Especially for local businesses, your Facebook page, Instagram posts, and Google My Business listing can appear in search results.

• Optimising your social profiles = more ways for people to find you.

Easy Ways to Combine Social Media + SEO

• Create blogs that answer rider questions, then promote them on social media.

(Example: "How Often Should My Horse Have a Physio Check?" → blog → Instagram Story)

• Use location keywords in your posts and bios.

(Example: "Offering riding lessons in Shropshire and North Wales.")

• Link back to your website from your profiles and posts.

Always have a CTA: “Book your lesson here!” “Shop online now!” etc.

• Encourage reviews on Facebook and Google Business.

Reviews massively boost your local SEO ranking!

Spend time doing what you love by working with me!

My Final Thoughts

You don’t have to choose between being visible on social media and being found on Google. The smartest equine businesses are doing both — and letting them boost each other.

Need help making it happen?

At Thunderhooves Digital, we specialise in building easy-to-manage marketing systems that combine fast visibility and long-term search results — tailored for horse businesses.

Message me today to find out how we can make your brand unmissable online!