13 Ways to Use Twitter for SEO and Drive More Traffic

Twitter’s (yes, X’s) fleeting trends, controversial undertones, and algorithm changes might have you thinking that this is all just a massive waste of time.

Here’s the truth, though: if you play it smart, X can totally drive traffic and boost rankings.

Here are 13 ways to make your posts pop and pull traffic. 👇

1. Optimize Your Twitter Profile for Maximum Reach

Your X profile is the first thing people see, and it’s your chance to grab them… or lose them. Hit that “Edit profile” button, and let’s start optimizing:

Switch to Professional Profile (If You Haven’t Already)

Switching to a professional profile lets you display your profession in your bio, showcasing expertise and connecting with your audience.

• Go to your profile, hit “Edit Profile,” and look for the option to switch to a creator account or business account.
• Pick your profession or niche from the category list. If there’s no exact match for your niche, like “SEO Content Writer”, stick with a broad but relevant category, like “Content Creator.”

  

Fill Out Every Field

To really make an impression, fill out every single part of your bio. An unfilled field is a missed opportunity:

• Bio: You’ve got 160 characters. Use them to say who you are and what you do, with keywords baked in. Example: “Content Creator | SEO junkie driving traffic & rankings”
• Website: Drop your main link here (more on that below). Add a UTM tag (e.g., YourSite.com?utm_source=twitter) to track clicks in Google Analytics.
• Location: Optional, but if it ties to your audience (e.g., “NYC”), add it.
• Contact Info: Toss in an email or site contact link for collabs or gigs.

Show Off Your Work

If you’d like to show off some of your best work or tell the world more about yourself, hit “Create expanded bio” and get to work.

Keep It Fresh

Update your bio or linked content regularly. Swap in new projects or tweak keywords based on what’s trending in your niche. Freshness keeps you relevant to X’s algorithm and your audience.

2. Research Keywords to Fuel Your Twitter Strategy

X leans hard into keyword matching, just like Google. Search “AI,” and you’ll get posts spitting out about, would you look at that, AI. Nail the right keywords, and your stuff lands in front of people who give a damn about your expertise.

X also ties your posts to what’s trending, so if you’re sharp enough to ride a hot hashtag or buzzword, your reach can blow up when the crowd’s buzzing.

Here’s your playbook for digging up X-ready keywords that drive results:

• Use Keyword Tools: Keyword tools allow you to tap into the data and unearth the words and phrases your audience is searching for.
  • Buzzsumo: Search your niche (e.g., “content marketing”) and filter for X results. Look at high-engagement tweets to spot keywords or hashtags driving likes and retweets.
  • Google Trends: Compare terms like “Twitter strategy” or “local SEO” to see what’s spiking. Rising trends here often translate to X buzz, which is perfect for timely tweets.
  • Keyword Tool: Punch in a seed term like “SEO” to pull up trending X hashtags and keywords users are searching. It’s a quick way to spot what’s hot and jump on conversations that drive clicks and shares.
• Monitor Twitter’s “Trends” for Real-Time Topics: X’s Explore section is your live pulse on what’s hot.
  • Select “Explore” from the navigation bar on the left-hand side of your feed, click “Show more.” Cycle through the “For you,” “Trending,” “News,” etc., tabs to find trending hashtags and phrases in your niche.

    
    

• Study Top-Performing Tweets in Your Industry: Learn from what’s already working.
  • Search your niche’s keywords (e.g., “SEO”) and sort by “Top” to see high-engagement tweets.
  • Look for patterns: Are they using #ContentMarketing? Asking questions like “Need link-building ideas?” Reverse engineer their success for your own tweets.

    
    

3. Add Hashtags to Expand Your Reach

Used smartly, hashtags don’t just get your content seen; they get it shared, clicked, and working harder for your SEO goals. Here’s how to make them count:

• • Stick to 1-2 Relevant Hashtags: Less is more. Pile on too many, and you look like a bot begging for attention. X’s algorithm doesn’t reward that. Focus on hashtags tied to your niche, like #SEO or #ContentStrategy for SEO pros, or #B2BMarketing for business marketers. Relevance beats volume every time.
  • Research Trending Hashtags via X’s Explore Feature: As I showed you in the last section, use the platform’s Explore feature to uncover relevant and trending hashtags.
  • Lean on Third-Part Tools: Tools like ContentStudio’s X hashtag generator can help you pinpoint what’s trending in your niche. Simply enter a broad seed keyword, like SEO, and sit back as the tool does its magic, bringing you hashtags you might not think of on your own.

• Ask Your Favourite AI Tool: While AI tools are prone to hallucinations and aren’t always grounded in live-time data, they are good for brainstorming. In the example below, I’ve asked Grok 3 to analyze popular posts and report back on the hashtags they’ve used. It’s a handy list, but I still don’t trust that it’s not hallucinated part or the entire list.

  
  

Here’s my prompt: “Analyze popular posts related to the SEO niche. What hashtags do these posts use? Using what you find, list 10 SEO-related hashtags that are currently trending on X. Only list the hashtags, nothing else.”

4. Create SEO-Friendly Tweets That Pop

You’ve dug up niche-relevant keywords and hashtags. Now, let’s put them to work in your posts:

How to Do It: Step-by-Step

1. Amplify with Hashtags
   As I just pointed out, use hashtags to connect your post to trending conversations and niche audiences. Remember, use only 1–2 relevant, high-impact hashtags. More than that, you risk looking spammy.
2. Weave Keywords Naturally into Punchy Tweets
   Slip your keywords into tweets where they flow. Think conversational, not forced. Instead of “SEO is important,” try: “Struggling with SEO? Boost your rankings with these five hacks: [link] #SEOTips.” The keyword “SEO” fits seamlessly, and the value shines through.
3. Seal the Deal with a Killer Call-to-Action (CTA)
   A post without a CTA is a missed shot. Don’t just hint; tell your audience what to do next. “Read now” works, but punch it up: “Unlock your SEO potential today” or “Discover ranking secrets here: [link].” A strong CTA sparks curiosity or urgency, driving clicks.

Here’s an example that I’ve pulled from our X page:

And here’s why it works:

• Keywords: “B2B marketing is naturally woven into the tweet, making it searchable for anyone looking for B2B strategies.
• Hashtags: #B2BMarketing, #MarketingTips, #BusinessGrowth are niche-specific and relevant, connecting the post to trending conversations in the marketing space.
• CTA: “Wanna spice up your B2B marketing game?” is a punchy, curiosity-driven call-to-action that invites the audience to click and explore.

5. Boost Tweets with Images and Videos

X users are a single swipe away from someone else’s content. How do you stop them in their tracks? Simple: visuals. Posts with images and videos attract more eyeballs and more clicks, and that’s more chances to funnel traffic to your website.

Here’s the play:

• Add Graphs, Screenshots, or Quick Videos: Don’t slap on any old image. Make it count. Bold colors, clear text, and a tight tie-in to your post’s message are non-negotiable.
  • Graphs: Turn your data into a visual punch. A chart showing a traffic spike (like “X drove this—here’s how: [link]”) screams proof over promises.
  • Screenshots: Flash a rankings jump or a blog snippet. Tease the goods without giving it all away.
  • Videos: Short and sharp. 15–30 seconds max. Think teasers or quick tips that leave them wanting more. Blurry garbage or stock photo fluff? Trash it.

@glenngabe is a master at using visuals.

One scan through his profile, and you’ll notice that every post has a visual attachment. Glenn knows what’s up.

6. Engage with Replies and Mentions

X’s algorithm prioritizes posts with likes, retweets, and replies, meaning your responses keep your content in circulation longer. More visibility equals more chances for people to see—and click—your links.

Beyond the numbers, replying thoughtfully turns followers into a community. They’re more likely to trust you, visit your site, and share your stuff when you show you’re listening.

Here’s what to do:

• Speed matters. If someone drops a question or comment, answer fast to keep the momentum. Be quick but also helpful, and pull them to your site.
• Hit up relevant folks with an @—it’s like a backlink on Twitter, linking your post to their crowd for a visibility boost. Think “@username, your SEO tip rocks.” Strategic, not spammy, and drives impressions, followers, and clicks.
• When someone mentions you or asks something juicy, quote-tweet their post with your take. It boosts the original tweet’s reach, adds your insight, and drives users back to you.

7. Participate in X Spaces for Niche Exposure

X Spaces (previously Twitter Chats) are your ticket to the conversations that matter. Participating in or hosting these discussions puts you in front of people who care about your expertise, making it a direct line to visibility and traffic.

Here’s how to use them to build your audience:

Oftentimes, live Spaces (those currently underway) will appear on the right-hand side of your Home screen. If they aren’t there or you don’t see any Spaces that suit your niche, use X’s search to find Spaces by topic or follow industry leaders who host or join discussions.

You can filter for spaces in the search bar by using the operator “filter:spaces,” followed by a space and a word that describes your niche. For example: “filter:spaces SEO.”

Once you’ve found a Space, don’t lurk. Request to speak by hitting the microphone icon, wait your turn, and add valuable insights or solutions. Prepare a few key points or stories that showcase your expertise. Be concise and memorable. It’s about leaving an impression, not dominating the mic.

After the Space, post a summary or key takeaway, tagging participants or the host. It’s a subtle way to keep the conversation going and drive traffic to your content. For example:

“Takeaways from #XGrowthHacks: Optimize bios, see why (link).”

8. Share Blog Content to Drive Traffic

Every post is a chance to hook someone new, drive them to your site, and turn them into a reader or, better yet, a customer. Plus, the social signals from shares, likes, and reposts can indirectly support your SEO by signaling to search engines that your content is valuable and engaging.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Your post is your headline—make it count. Tease a key insight, ask a question, or drop a bold claim to grab attention. For example: “Just dropped: Breaking SEO news you cannot miss (link).” It’s short, punchy, and makes them want to click.

  
  

• Don’t let your best stuff gather dust. Reshare it with a new angle. Tie it to a trending topic or a recent update. If you wrote about link-building strategies last year, post it again when a new Google algorithm drops: “Link-building still matters: here’s how to do it right in 2025 (link).”

  
  

• Threads are perfect for complex topics. Break down your blog post into bite-sized posts, each with a nugget of value. End the thread with a CTA to read the full post. For example, a thread on “How to recover from a Google penalty” with each post covering a step, and the last one linking to your detailed guide.

9. Curate Industry News to Build Authority

Your followers don’t need more headlines; they need someone to cut the crap and deliver what counts. You can fill that demand with TLDRs (too long; didn’t read). How? Offer short, sharp takes that jump on trends and breaking news, proving you’re dialed into your niche.

It’s the perfect way to establish authority and trust with your intended audience.

Here’s how:

• Google drops an update? Some study hits? Get in quick, but add your edge. A tip, a rant, a breakdown. Make it yours. Something like: “Google’s pumping their AI Overviews: studies how site traffic is suffering: [link].” Punchy, direct, and lures them to engage.
• Don’t just yap; show the goods. Tie your take to a study or report. Example: “Semrush says backlinks still kill it. Here’s why: [link].” Hard evidence turns heads.
• Sharing something from SparkToro or Ahrefs? Hit ‘em with a tag (@SparkToro, @Ahrefs). It’s respect, a retweet shot, and a way to ride their wave. Try: “@ahrefs dropped this gem. Here’s my take: [link].” More eyes equal more wins.

  
  

Once you’ve collected your subjects, offer your take and curate them like we do in your “This Week in Search” posts.

10. Connect with Influencers for Reach

Influencers are blessed with loyal followings. A shoutout or retweet from an SEO heavyweight like @neilpatel or @aleyda can put your content in front of thousands who’d never find you otherwise. That exposure is a chance to pull traffic to your site and signal to Google that your stuff’s worth a damn.

Plus, influencers can open doors to backlinks or collabs that juice your rankings.

Here are some action steps you can follow:

• Don’t just @ them; add value. Quote their posts with your take or comment on one of their popular posts, linking to some insightful research or opinion piece that you’ve just published. You should be looking to start conversations, not shoot out a sales pitch.
• Tag influencers when your content aligns with theirs. If you write about local SEO and that happens to be an interest of theirs, try: “@username, your local SEO insight inspired this—check it: [link].” Keep it natural.
• Pitch a guest post, a Space chat, or a joint thread. Offer value, like exclusive data or a fresh angle, and suggest a collab.

11. Build Backlinks via Twitter

X is crawling with site owners, journalists, and influencers who could link to your content. That is, if you get on their radar. Get a site’s content seen, and maybe, just maybe, someone links to it from their site.

Give these tactics a try:

• Share your latest post with a punchy hook and a hashtag. If it’s good enough, someone might pick it up and link from their site. Don’t hold your breath, though; it’s a crapshoot.
• As we explored in the last section, hit up influencers with a relevant mention. Example: “@randfishkin, your link-building rant inspired this: [link]. Thoughts?” A repost could get eyes on it, and maybe a backlink follows. Slim odds, but it’s a play.
• Use the filter:spaces trick again and find relevant conversations to contribute to. Add value, then slide in. It’s less about begging for links and more about starting conversations that’ll pay off with links in the long run.

Not gonna lie: X is a slow burn for backlinks. You might post 100 times and snag one measly link—if you’re lucky. If you’re struggling, head over to our link-building services page.

12. Monitor Brand Mentions for Opportunities

When someone posts about a brand, it’s a spotlight, whether it’s praise or a jab. Engaging turns that moment into a connection, boosting your visibility and driving clicks to your site.

You should aim to make the most of every brand mention to build relationships and amplify your SEO game. X’s algorithm loves active conversations, so every reply keeps your content alive.

Here’s the play:

• Don’t guess. Use tools to catch every mention. Hootsuite’s Streams let you monitor your brand name or hashtags in real time while Brand24 scans social media and beyond for mentions. Set up alerts so you’re never caught flat-footed.
• Did someone say something nice? Strike while it’s hot. Be genuine, thank them for their take, and return the favor by engaging with their posts.
• Bad vibes? Don’t panic—fix it. If someone gripes, “Loganix service was slow,” reply with, “Sorry about that! Sending you a DM. Offer a fix or resource, keeping it cool and turning a frown into a smile, even if it is slightly disgruntled.

13. Analyze Competitors’ Twitter Moves

Your rivals aren’t just sitting there. Nope, they’re outsmarting you on X, and you’d better learn from their tactics or get left behind. Competitors’ posts reveal what’s killing it or crashing hard, giving you a playbook to steal wins and dodge their flops.

Stop guessing and start spying. Here’s how to turn their moves into your growth:

• Using the platform’s List feature, keep a tab on key competitors. Check their most-liked or reposted content from the last month. Look for patterns: what hooks, what flops? It’s free intel.
• Plug their profiles into BuzzSumo to see which posts rack up the most shares or clicks. It’s raw data on what’s working, no BS. Dig into the last 30 days for the freshest insights.
• If a competitor’s SEO thread explodes, test your own version with a unique spin. Make it yours, then watch the results roll in.

  
  

Studying their hits sharpens your game, while dodging their misses saves you time. Adapt smart, and you’ll see faster traffic gains and a strategy that leaves them eating dust.

Conclusion and Next Steps

You’ve got the arsenal: 14 battle-hardened steps from profile tweaks to competitor analysis that turn Twitter into an SEO and traffic beast.

Ready to dominate more than just Twitter?

👉 Hit up our SEO services, and let’s replicate the same successes on the SERPs. 👈