Twitter seems to be rolling out a new homepage that encourages users to "search their interests."

Twitter seems to be rolling out a new homepage that encourages users to “search their interests.” This is one of several recent updates from the company that reward search-optimized Tweets with greater exposure, and social marketers should take note.

Although Brafton isn't seeing the new Twitter homepage yet, multiple reports suggest that it is now available for some users. The new page has a cleaner look, and the search bar is highlighted toward the center.

Twitter's new tag line reads, “Instant updates from your friends, industry experts, celebrities, and what's happening around the world.” It places emphasis on being able to find relevant, query-specific Tweets from reliable users – and brands should take this as their cue to become the so-called “industry experts” Twitter promotes.

Industry-specific, search-optimized timely Tweets can help brands become discovered via the homepage, and businesses can also be found more easily thanks to the site's updated “People” search results tab. As Brafton has reported, this new search feature rewards brands for SEO-friendly usernames and bios.

These new developments should remind marketers to find the SEO opportunities offered by the microblogging site (the topic of a recent Brafton blog).

In addition to helping users become more visible within Twitter, optimized Twitter content may boost overall SEO. As Brafton has reported, Google's Matt Cutts say social media marketing should be an SEO priority for 2011.

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.