I promoted one site extensively on facebook and google + but I don't see any positive changes in searches. Not a single link from those sites showing or can be found. Is it true for most of you?
You probably don't understand how to use Social Media to increase traffic to your website. It's not meant to directly advertise. You build a brand and offer something of value and interest which over time will drive traffic to your site. Social Media is fantastic for name branding, reputation management, and to reach out to new potential visitors.
Yeah, I think this is the route I should take. Just building a strong base of people who came to appreciate our service.
Both are social media platforms and doesn't give you the effect in search engine rankings. However, you can get some help in getting rankings but not just from the social media. You need to concentrate directly effective ways (off-page).
Yes I agree with netstar, show people what you have to offer, let them know how you stand out in the crowd. Give them some helpful info about whatever the niche is about. Social media is about building relationships.
As others have noted, social media is for building trust and relationships. But it takes time to see results with social media -- yet it's still worth it to utilize these resources. So often, people get impatient when they don't see quick results through Social Media. It's not a quick answer by any means, but because your competitors are going to be on social media, you need to be there, too -- offering help and quality information that gains you trust
This will depend on your niche, but when you post photos and videos, more people will click through to your site when you share them.