SMO is similar to search engine optimization (SEO) in that the goal is to generate web traffic and increase awareness for a website. SMO's focal point is on gaining organic links to social media content. In contrast, SEO's core is about reaching the top of the search engine hierarchy.

SMO, or social media optimization, is the process of creating and sharing content that attracts and engages users on social media platforms. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of improving the quality and quantity of organic traffic from search engines.