What are the best ways to follow up with new contacts you meet at networking events for SEO?

In my opinion sending a personalized email within a few days of the event is very much beneficial. Mention specifics about the conversation or topics discussed to jog their memory. Express appreciation for meeting and express interest in potential collaboration or knowledge-sharing.

Quick Tips for a Short and Effective Personalized Email: Subject Line: Be specific and reference the event. Greeting: Use their name for a personal touch. Reference the Meeting: Mention where you met and a key point from your conversation. Express Gratitude: Thank them for their time and insights. Highlight Shared Interests: Reference a common interest or goal. Express Collaboration Interest: Clearly state your interest in potential collaborations. Offer Value: Briefly highlight how you can provide value. Propose a Next Step: Suggest a specific next step, like a brief call. Closing: End professionally with your contact information. Follow-Up Action: Mention any additional actions you'll take, like connecting on LinkedIn.

Crafting that initial email is like planting a seed for a future partnership. Mention a detail from your conversation that stood out to you, showcasing your attentiveness. For instance, if they mentioned a challenge they're facing, briefly suggest a unique strategy they could employ. This personal touch not only makes the email memorable but also demonstrates your expertise and willingness to help.

Engage with their social media posts related to SEO or industry topics. Comment thoughtfully, share relevant content, or tag them in posts that might interest them.

Quick Tips for Connecting on Social Media After Networking: Choose the Right Platform: Opt for LinkedIn or Twitter for professional connections. Personalize Connection Request: Include a personalized message referencing your meeting. Engage Thoughtfully: Like, comment, or share their posts to show ongoing interest. Share Relevant Content: Share SEO insights or industry content to add value. Direct Message for Follow-Up: Use direct messages to continue the conversation. Participate in Groups: Join relevant industry groups for additional engagement. Show Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone in all interactions. Express Appreciation: Publicly appreciate their insights or contributions. Acknowledge Milestones:

When engaging on social media, go beyond just following and liking. Post a thoughtful comment on something they've shared recently, adding your expert insight or a question that sparks a deeper conversation. This active engagement shows your interest in their work and helps establish your presence in their network as a knowledgeable and approachable SEO professional.

Quick Tips for Scheduling a Follow-Up Call or Meeting: Express Intent Clearly: Clearly communicate your desire for a follow-up. Propose a Specific Date and Time: Offer a concrete suggestion for the meeting time. Highlight Purpose: Briefly mention the purpose or agenda for the follow-up. Be Flexible: Express flexibility to accommodate their schedule. Provide Meeting Details: Include virtual meeting details or location. Confirm Reception: Request confirmation and express enthusiasm. Send Calendar Invite: Follow up with a calendar invite for clarity. Express Gratitude: Thank them for their time and express eagerness. Follow Up on Shared Interests: Reference shared topics to reinforce the connection. Professional Closing:

In your invitation for a follow-up call, mention a specific topic you'd like to discuss, potentially something they mentioned at the event. This shows you're not just looking for a sale but are genuinely interested in addressing their unique needs. Offer two to three time options, making it easier for them to say yes.

To consistently add value, periodically share exclusive insights or early access to your latest content. For instance, if you've written a new blog post or recorded a webinar, give them a sneak peek before it goes live. This exclusivity fosters a sense of VIP treatment and keeps you top of mind.

When asking for referrals, personalize your request. Share a short story of a successful project and how you believe your expertise could benefit others in their circle. This approach makes your request more relatable and less transactional, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Always go into these events with a gameplan. It's often easier to reach out to a new contact when you have a reason to and even easier if they expect it. Work into your conversations the reason, it could be simple as "I have a great article you should read, I'll send it to your afterwards" or you can go as complex as adding value such as offering a service or advice. Remember the purpose of many of these events is to network, so if you go in with a plan, your interactions with be smooth and even more fruitful.

Keep in mind that most people attending (not speaking or exhibiting) SEO events are there for the same reason you are: to gain knowledge to rank higher/drive more organic traffic/generate more search related revenue. SEO event attendees may even be your future competitors if they are not already (I have a funny story about an accidental encounter at a search engine optimization conference and by pure chance, picking a table for lunch with some nice people that was one of our biggest competitors). Main point here is do not feel odd if you have no urge or need to network after a convention for SEO, you may be better off than training your competitor for your next job or competition for your company.