By now you've probably heard about Google+, the latest social networking craze and most recent effort by Google to take on Facebook and Twitter. But did you know that it could affect how your business's website gets found on Google's search engine?
In addition to building a social networking powerhouse, Google's aim with its "+1" button -- the equivalent of Facebook's "Like" button -- is to determine the social value of websites, or, in other words, they want consumers to add personalized recommendations to Web content and business sites. At present, it actually looks like Google may just pull it off. Since its June 28 release, more than 20 million people have already jumped onboard Google+. With such an unbelievable early adoption rate, many internet marketing professionals are beginning to wonder if those "+1"s will also start affecting how businesses use search-engine optimization, or SEO.
Google+ combines many popular features of Facebook and Twitter into a centralized social hub. There's a group video chat feature called "Hangouts," and a user-defined topical news feed (like Twitter's hashtag) called "Sparks." But maybe the most unique feature -- and SEO-relevant -- is "Google Circles," which gives users the ability to share content with specified groups, or "circles" of people. As users build these circles, they'll be able to see the sites that members of their circles have +1'd in Google's search engine results pages, or SERPs.
While "+1"s are currently appearing in the search pages for users that are logged in to their Google accounts, it's too early to say exactly how "+1"s will affect users who aren't logged in. Looking at how Facebook and Twitter "Likes" and "retweets" currently affect where a site appears within search pages, one has to assume these +1's will be as influential, if not more.
As search engines evolve to make searching more social, the main value added of "Likes" and "tweets" showing in SERPs is the concept of something I like to call, "trusted endorsements." If someone searches for a product or service, there's a good chance that customer reviews and recommendations will play some role in their decision making process. When looking at these reviews, users trust the opinions of strangers. They assume that these reviews are honest, but there's always a hint of lingering skepticism.
Now imagine the same user is searching for the same product or service, but instead of having to rely on the opinions of strangers, they see recommendations from friends, co-workers or family members. Just like in real life, the opinions of people in their "circles" influence the decisions they make. That's the potential Google+ holds.
So how do you optimize for recommendations?
Google has built upon some of the best features of existing social media sites in an attempt to make search less about computer algorithms and more about real people. Google+ and the +1 button are empowering users to influence other peoples' online activity.
This isn't SEO in the traditional sense, optimizing for these trusted endorsements is an entirely new strategy altogether. Now more than ever, marketers must focus on providing the best customer experience possible, and encourage +1 recommendations everywhere they can.
Mike Spadier is the online marketing manager for InMotion Hosting, a Los Angeles based Web hosting provider specializing in small- and medium-sized businesses.
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Comments:
I've read several posts regarding G+ and SEO now, and to be honest i'm still none the wiser. I understand a G+ presence is beneficial but i'm yet to see conclusive evidence as to how beneficial it really is.
We have just signed up to Google+, it seems like another great way to show content to our customers.
Hugely in my opinion. Every post i read regarding Google+ at the moment seems to emphasize the importance of a Google+ presence for SEO purposes, whether it be a page or a profile.
Well with Googles 'Search Your World' it seems Google + is fast becoming a must from an SEO point of view.
Google AdWords is a free tool that anyone can use; but using it properly in order to determine the best keywords to use to better a website's ranking is an art.
Ha! Don't even think of 'bl.....'. A guy called Panda will come in all barrels firing.
You have posted an excellent article, as SEO's are being used for increasing the market value of every company, this blog would definitely become useful for them. Increasing demand for SEO's can lead to use of such “+1s” would really be helpful.
As the owner of an SEO Services company I can say with certainty that Google + will have an impact on SEO. As the Google algorithm takes into account Social Factors. Google wants to put forth legitimate sites to its users. When it associates your business with the number of people who have decided to +1 your site and that number is lower than your competitors it will affect your rankings.
I don't Google+ will affect SEO because it will same as like facebook and it will be a good platform for social media to things viral.
SEO is effected by Google+ simply because of the Authorship Markup to give content writers their credit. They have to have the markup code on the website that its published on as well as on having hat site linked to their google+ account. Its actually a great improvement and promotes great content. Dallas SEO
some google is controlloing all seo techniques but still oither sites like facebook and twitter will make diffrenece to this.....techzole.com
Search engine optimization will remain the same but more black hat techniques will come out after this!
Hai !!!!!! I am smith linda. I am new user of this site. But I like this ssite so much.Then again you never know if Google will take the +1 further and actually use it as a deciding factor in their every changing algorithm. I trust upon this site. Thank you. Seo Agency
Google Plus has wanted to become more of a social network that listens to its viewers and it has become one. Not only does the user have a saying in everything they do but they also have a say in the information and webpages that they want to see as well. In the end the Google Plus and Google Plus One programs can help a webpage with meaningful and useful information to rise to the top of the search engines instead of the spam filled counter websites. vancouver search engine optimization
Google is indeed the number search engine across the globe as known to many ... it means totally different when it comes to the SEO Industry since all.
I asked my SEO company a few weeks ago about Google +1's showing up in search results, and what potential benefit it might have on our overall search engine positioning, and they pretty much concurred with what you have said in this post. They encouraged us to get our registered users to +1 our website if they liked their experience. I guess we will find out in the next few months if this positively affects our search engine rankings!
Search engine optimization will remain the same but more black hat techniques will come out to get ranked high on these personalized searches made. seo uk
Like so many others I used Google + the very first week it seemed to hit the shores. However, as the days gone by I lost interest. It is sad to say but it seems like it was a big hype. Sincerely, Ilya Bodner Small Business Owner
Google + is a new feature, its result are not clear directly, but after some time it may show drastic difference. I think google want to be free from the burden of algorithm and want to see what people like.
Google + is already introduced but its effects are not quite clear but it is clear that google want to be independent from previous algorithm and hence concentrating on client's response it has introduced these type of features.
Another revolution is underway. Google is knocking and the web has no choice but to open. Pretty soon the word internet is going to be a synonem to Google
I think Google will have a positive impact SEO. Like many people use social networks to increase business SEO online. Google, as providing many features that look at the site and the keywords and many terms. Therefore, it is beneficial for SEO. search engine optimization company
Then again you never know if Google will take the +1 further and actually use it as a deciding factor in their every changing algorithm.
I think that google plus will affect SEO positively. As in SEO many people use social sites for increase their business online. As google plus have provide many features for observation of site ranking and keyword and many terms. So it will be more beneficial to SEO. seo link building
I agree, it is the next advertising edge
Well written post - thanks for sharing Christopher
If Google Plus affects search rankings, then get ready for SEOers to start selling plus one packages. It's inevitable. Mark
My take on is Google +1will can bring lot of shift towards customer centric strategies in future. SEO's now don't only have to look at site optimization aspects & metrics but they do need to get into shoes of customer's. What factor's motivate them to share content, I think Google + has all positive for every one, if we online marketer are successful in a effort which makes a reader comfortable sharing stories in their circle's...it can turn out to be a great channel at SERP's too.
Do interesting things, promote good business and engage with customers to get profitable feedback, social media is just making it easier for people to provide an instant and a more personable response
This varies from the average billion dollar company how? Jeez man! just stop bitching and deal with reality already!
Google + will definitely influence the search results.
As of now Google has mentioned that this is one of many signals they use to determine a page’s relevance and ranking, and we’re constantly tweaking and improving our algorithm to improve overall search quality (http://www.google.com/webmasters/+1/button/). There is no confirmation that Google would be using the +1 parameter in organic ranking. We can predict that Google would give an option to a user to check suggestions from their friends similarly like "Any Time" & "All Results". We can predict that the organic ranking algorithm would not be impacted by the +1s, instead they would be displayed as option for logged in users to check recommendations from their friends. Google+ is still in Beta phase & has not been completely rolled out. They also have to come with lot of services in their networking platform like pages for business etc, thus it would be too early to decide the impact of +1s on search results.
What evidence is there to show that Facebook likes affect the Google search results? I haven't seen any and Google say they can't even see Facebook likes.
Interesting one to keep an eye on!
Liking google more and more. :-)
How is it fair if we have to keep on learning new unnecessary things that affect our business,I love change but not at this pace they are keeping.
They do not care about anyone else but themselves,how the consumers feel is none of their worries.
The missing link is that the +1 button isn't available on my most visited page and on my bookmarks. For these I don't use the search page.
life is becoming more online and off-office!
Really good article and a must read for anyone in marketind and social networking.
As a marketer and consultant...I see the value already. In time is will have a great impact!
Strategized use of Google+ as Social Marketing Tools, endorsement , advertisement and marketing will definitely leverage new methodology in Social Marketing sphere.
note to self..file under .."more data mining algorithms that will eventually place you in a class for life via Google+" To Do 1. sharpen pitchfork 2. place Google on class warfare algorithm rootkit target list 3. recommend Google CEO to Moral Crimes against Humanity investigations 4, prosecute with extreme prejudice 5. recommend public execution of guilty to Tribunal committee god it feels great to have fun with Google -(minus)
their goal is to satisfy their users, not please seo's
I've read another article it already has been.
I don't know how much Google + will affect SEO when hardly anyone but hardcore users will be using the service in a year.
Interesting article, does this mean that tweets are not as important in affecting the future of social search?
Looks like Social Media and SEO will start overlapping even more. Time to spend more time studying new social media trends.
Love the information in this article. I think what will really determine the outcome is time!
It seem to me that +1 can be to easily manipulated I hope that's is not the case. Merchant Services Dallas SEO
Cry a little louder next time maybe someone will pay attention...
This is great news! We included the Google +1 button on our website the day it came out anticipating it affecting SEO. This could be huge for your business so now is the time to start placing it in your websites if you haven't already!
pagerank will be replace with socialrank
Actually, anything you post on your G+ public profile will give better SEO results to any links or text. The +1 lets google know that you and others like the articles/blogs/postings/etc. G+ is also not allowing alias' and the members must be 18 years of age, so its trying to attract a more mature membership. Posting corporate blogs/articles/press-releases on G+ will only help to increase your SEO.
Great article! I'm sure it will have an effect on the SEO results within Google. Lots to stay on top of these days...Thanks!
There is a chance for spammers to spam social networking sites as well if friends and families do count in search engine ranking page. One can buy a lot of people to like or +1 a website.
Google is SEO king, and G+ will really makes it mark
to play devil's advocate...wouldn't you rather have those who utilize Google services determining what's relevant rather than eliminating net neutrality and having businesses determine what's relevant based on the highest bidder?
Whatever changes Google will implement, SEO people will always have a way of figuring them out. This is a battle of the marketing geniuses. Via
No, it's fair to everyone else.
its becoming pretty essential for blogger especially. nice read.. Robin.
I'm sure +1 will have an impact on search traffic. There is no doubt in my mind that they have already started to apply +1 data into their algorithms.
It will have a huge impact, but they need to get out the Google + for Business ASAP.
Very informative, "change is the only constant". Thanks for sharing
I completely agree any thing which is not evolving is equivalent to the person resting in grave
everything changes by time so google's algorithm. once the google stops changing or say improving, it will be outdated too.
I hate the way Google change its algorithms so often,it is not fair to SEO experts and the business owners.