Social signals – shares, likes, comments, and other engagements on social media platforms – don’t directly influence Google’s ranking algorithms as a *direct* ranking factor, but they significantly impact visibility and indirectly boost SEO performance. As of early 2026, search engines primarily assess social activity as a measure of content relevance and user interest, influencing click-through rates from search results.

• Enhanced Brand Visibility: Increased social sharing expands your reach beyond organic search, driving more traffic to your website.
• Improved Content Discovery: Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn now feature advanced algorithms that prioritise content with high engagement, making it more likely to be seen by a wider audience.
• Backlink Potential: Compelling social content often attracts attention from industry influencers and journalists, leading to valuable backlinks – a key ranking factor.
• Local SEO Boost: Active social profiles, particularly on platforms popular in Australia like Facebook and Instagram, strengthen your local search presence.

In 2026, Australian businesses need to be mindful of the ACCC’s ongoing scrutiny of social media platform data usage. Current systems include robust analytics within platforms, allowing businesses to track social referral traffic and conversions. Furthermore, Google’s indexing of social profiles is becoming more sophisticated, meaning a well-optimised Facebook Business Page can appear in relevant search queries.

Instead of navigating these complex technicalities and constantly adapting to algorithm changes, let ROI.com.au handle your social signal optimisation and overall SEO strategy. We can take care of all this for you.