Google+ is the latest social media / SEO craze these days. With over 90 million users (as of January 2012), it is shaping up to be one of the biggest wins in Google history.
What makes Google Plus unique is that it integrates social and SEO with your identity into the Search Engine Results page.
But what?
Yes.
SEO as You Once New It Is No Longer – It’s All About Real Relationships
Did you hear that?
Relationships.
If you’ve been blogging for at least a year, you know the importance of:
- keyword research
- making sure your site architecture is sound
- making sure your content reflects the keyword you are aiming to rank in Google for
- making sure you build links and yada, yada
Not that the above are no longer important because they are. However, links are no longer as important as they once were. Now your relationships to other Google Plus users will determine your Google rankings in the near future. Google is still the 800 pound guerilla of search marketing, so you need to be aware of what’s going on and jump in.
If you’ve been blogging a while you’ve heard about Google Page Rank. This is Google’s way of determining the importance, authority, and trustworthiness of a website via a link algorithm. Over time PageRank has been diluted as spammers have figured out ways to game the Page Rank algorithm. Google+ is one way for Google to weed out spammy SEO tactics that have gotten in the way of good, useful, and trustworthy search results.
A Little History on G+
Google knows the importance of social recommendation (Facebook). So in mid 2011, Google introduced the Plus One Button. With each +1, Google began tracking your interests to make sure it kept note of the content you liked so it could serve you Search Engine Results that reflect your interests and are relevant to you. The more you plus one the more Google will get to know your overall interests, wants, and desires. Not to make it sound overly creepy, but Google wants to provide search results that are highly relevant to you. How else will they keep us happy and coming back to them for more information?
Shortly after Google introduced the Plus One Button came the launch of Google+, Google’s social network. This continued with the addition of personalized social shares from your network in your Google search results AKA Google Search Plus Your World.
If you frequently use Google as your search engine of choice, you now see the “Plus One” Button in your search engine results when you Google something. In fact, you might be noticing your social peers’ mugs in the search engine results. How’d they do that? The enabled authorship.
This is where the importance of identity comes in calculating your search engine results…
Are You Building Your Author Rank?
With the emergence of Google Plus came the rel=author tag, which verifies you are the author of content you write. If you’ve noticed photos of people in your Google Plus networks and were wondering how they got their headshot in the Search Engine Results Pages, that is why. They’ve linked their Google Plus profile to their content and have told Google they are the author of that content. Check out the snapshot below.
You will see my personalized results, since I am logged in to my Google account. The lady in the Search Engine Results page below is moi. When my peers are logged in and the keywords they type reflect content I’ve either created OR shared (not necessarily my content), my photograph is displayed as having been the person in their network that shared that material.
Top of Mind Search Marketing
The more they see YOU, the more they associate you as an authority in your field. For me, that is the industry of SEO, Social and Analytics (inbound marketing). I’ve received comments that I am everywhere, which boosts my brand, authority and authorship.
If you’re just starting out and learning SEO, this levels the playing field for you.
It provides you with added visibility in the search engine results pages.
Personalized Google Results - Google Search Plus Your World
What’s more Google has a patent on a technology that would create a new kind of way to monitor the validity of content called AgentRank or AuthorRank. The more you publish, share, +1 and build relationships, and the more others share your content, the more you build your authority and trust (AuthorRank).
It’s a whole new world out there.
Even SEO’s have been griping about things like the loss of data, which is partly due to Google’s changes.
Your Keywords in Google Analytics Will Be Disappearing
For you super geeks out there who access Google Analytics to see what keywords your visitors are typing in the search engines (Google) to find you, you will see less of that data in the months to come.
In October of 2011, Google began encrypting keyword searches that normally would appear in your Google Analytics reports as “(not provided).” Google spoke of doing this in the name of “privacy.” Well, if you are logged into Google Plus or any Google service, your Google searches are encrypted. The number of “not provided” keywords has increased over time since last October and will continue to do so.
This data will be drying up the more your visitors use Google+ and are logged in to Google’s services when they search. While it will take months to develop, you want to adjust your strategy now.
Google Analytics is Coming for Google Plus Pages!
You know Google+ is serious business if you will be able set up analytics for your Google Plus Page. There are even rumors that Google Places will be transitions to Google+ Business Pages. Google has more in store, so keep up with the changes.
I’m sure you see the game changer Google+ is turning out to be, so embrace the change and adapt your SEO strategy accordingly! Feel free to ask questions about these changes and circle me on Google+.
About Dali
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Twitter: brittanyciara
says:
So, SO much info! More than half of this I didn’t know, so thanks so much for sharing! Great post!
Simply Brittany recently posted..I Made the Move
Twitter: MommieDaze
says:
Great info! So how do you link your content to your Google + profile? Are there certain steps you need to take?
MommieDaze recently posted..When I Grow Up I Want to Major in Scandinavian Studies with a Minor in Latin
Twitter: BoonieSooze
says:
Dali, this is just an awesome article. You have RE-convinced me that I need to be sharing my stuff on Google+.
Susan in the Boonies recently posted..Spaghetti al Vino Bianco: Spaghetti Cooked in White Wine
Twitter: martinisandmini
says:
Wow. I’m officially feeling old and I’m only 37. Social media blows my clueless mind away. I thought I was hip when I joined twitter.
Martinis and Minivans recently posted..Loving your children but maybe not liking them
Google plus scares me personally since I have two google accounts – one for my blog and one for the real me. I’m afraid, as big brother as google is, that somehow they will be connected and there goes my almost anonymity.
Karen@WaistingTime recently posted..My Mother Wears Army Boots
Twitter: daliburgado
says:
@brittanyciara, yeah!
@MommieDaze, To link your content to your Google + profile, you add links on your profile in the “Links” section. Also, if you guest post on any blogs, you can add those in “Contributor To” section. This sounds like a nice follow up post.
@BoonieSooze, awesome!
@martinisandmini – There will always be something new; you just have to stay aware of what’s out there and what could make a big difference in your branding and online presence overall.
@Karen – Valid concern if you are wanting to remain anonymous. Though, I don’t know the details. Find me online and I’m glad to chat.
Dali Burgado recently posted..Presentation: 10 Ways to Make Google Love You from #BBCSTL
Twitter: SinnerEllaDeVil
says:
I’m a bit iffy on the G+ thing. Google’s gone a bit lax in their privacy and security recently and I haven’t decided that I’m ready for all of that, just yet. I may be in the future, but there’s a lot going on that I’m not quite sure I’m comfortable with just yet. I’m still over on Blogger and haven’t decided if I have the patience or time to switch to WordPress and whether the purchase of a domain name is right for me. I am still really new at the whole blogging thing and jumped in head first, as I do with most things.
SinnerElla recently posted..Making lists. Remaking lists. Editing lists. More lists. LISTS!
Twitter: jesterqueen
says:
Thanks for the tip about adding my blog to my links. I had it in my ‘contributor to’ section. Does this make my content import to my G+ page? Or do I have to do something else to do that? Or do I have to do it manually?
Jester Queen recently posted..Communication Gap
Thanks for this post. I guess I need to look at this and see whether it is a fit for me. I have been ignoring it, but I guess I shouldn’t any longer. I just don’t know if I want another social network to keep up with!
I have a question about the rel=author tag? Where exactly would you install that on a WordPress blog?
Jennifer recently posted..We hold these truths to be self evident…
Twitter: chaoticcrafty
says:
I’m still very unsure of the whole G+ thing. I have a personal account. But with all the talk about Google invading privacy I’m nervous. Is it wise to create a separate Google account for blogging now then?
Twitter: behindthelashes
says:
I just deleted my G+ account because my gmail kept getting hacked, here it all came from the G+…craziness but girls be careful! <3
Behind the Lashes recently posted..Shopping: Mother’s Day Edition
Twitter: thegabels
says:
I keep reading in marketing and social media magazines, blogs, etc that Google + will be obsolete sooner or later. I get no traffic from it despite trying to build up an audience. I finally decided to just let this one go. It was a nice try, Google!
Camille recently posted..Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I just signed up for google + with my blog email, and it immediately asked if I wanted to be friends with all my IRL friends and family. Um. NO! I’ve always been SUPER careful to keep these ID’s separate. I even have a blog browser and a family browser. Google obviously did some sort of search of my computer.
Off to clean up this fun social disaster!
HDOD.
I should have known better.
Dead Cow Girl recently posted..Humpday News
Twitter: JoynessSparkles
says:
Seriously…ANOTHER thing? I cannot afford to pay someone to do my social media marketing yet…where will I find time to sleep?
Joyness Sparkles recently posted..What’s In A Name? Simply Divine!
Twitter: Modern_Gypsy
says:
I blog anonymously, so I’m not sure how “private” my blog will remain on Google +.
Modern Gypsy recently posted..5 tried and tested strategies to deal with stress
Twitter: jmroubinek
says:
Such great info, Dali!! Love it!
Jamie @ Roubinek Reality recently posted..28 Weeks
Great information. Thank you! I’m going to need to digest this one again when I’m focused.
Leigh Powell Hines (@Hinessightblog) recently posted..How Hard is It for Kids to Learn to Wait?
Twitter: homejobsbymom
says:
I didn’t know a lot of this. Thank you so much for sharing!
krystle recently posted..Growing Up With an Alcoholic Mother
Twitter: jbthetinylibrarian
says:
Thanks for providing detailed information about Google + and its benefits for relationship building. I was unsure of the benefits but hope that I see results from using it! Those are some great OYSTER PEARLS OF WISDOM!
Julie, the tiny librarian recently posted..Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Twitter: jbthetinylibrarian
says:
Thanks for providing such detailed information on Google +. It really brought to light the benefits, especially for relationship building. What great OYSTER PEARLS OF WISDOM. Thanks!
Julie, the tiny librarian recently posted..Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Twitter: pinkasaurus
says:
I am still confused about Google plus… but the one thing I do know is this; I posted one of my articles on my Google + page and one of the words was “Beauty”. A couple of weeks ago, I searched the word “Beauty” on google. My article post on my Google + page ended up on the first page of google search. That’s how powerful that account is.
I try my best to post any link to my posts onto my google plus page because of one of my articles ending up on the first page of a google search.
So confused or not, I am using it.
Carla Kennedy recently posted..5 Reasons Why You Should Wear Make-Up
@Carla – so isn’t that the point? – Google is feeding YOU pages that they think YOU will like. But other random people are not seeing you on the first page. Maybe @Dali can clarify for us …
jeanne @ Inspiring Ideas recently posted..Happy May Day!
Twitter: MommaFushigi
says:
Personally, G+ isn’t a good fit for me. I have an account but don’t use it. Mainly because I just forget about it — it’s not special or memorable to me.
This might be the next big thing, but right now I don’t have an interest in it. GFC (Google Friend Connect) on Blogger is basically already obsolete. Who knows, I might jump on the bandwagon eventually like I did with Pinterest, but I’m still trying to get into Twitter.
If they come out with a feature that automatically posts my Facebook statuses to G+ (like I have set up with Twitter, my FB statuses automatically post on Twitter) I MIGHT start to utilize it more. As of right now, though, I’ll just stick with Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I don’t use anything of Google’s other than the search engine and Docs (not analytics, GFC, G+, etc…)
Caitlin Nicole recently posted..It seems like only yesterday…
Twitter: kidsemail
says:
How are we finding and supporting each other on google + – maybe I missed that part?
If you want to find me on google +, please do. You can find it here: https://plus.google.com/112369875076902375218/posts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Reviewer11
says:
Wow, so much information, I’m overwhelmed! :O
Hilda recently posted..Publishing postponed
Twitter: JennyAJohnson
says:
I certainly have to learn more. Just today I was reading about using hashtags in my Google Plus posts. It certainly looks like it is building momentum, so all of us who start now…have a great head start!
Jennifer Johnson recently posted..Homeopathy Treatments For Headaches
Thank you for explaining this. SEO always has intimidated me. Maybe this will make things a little easier.
Twitter: daliburgado
says:
@JesterQueen and @Jennifer I think you are both referring to adding authorship to your content via rel=author. That is another process. Google rel=author or google authorship and you will find some tips on enabling that. What it is is interlinking your profile with your about page and your about page with your profile on a single author blog. There is a way to do it for multi-author blogs as well. I may attempt to do a rel=author for non-techies…. hmm great idea! Thank you
@Lynda Schrader – Definitely a feeling most have – wanting to dive into yet another social network. If you are concerned with your brand and boosting visibility in search, then this one is definitely one to join.
@Amber, if you don’t want your personal profile attached to your blog, then you can create a separate. Although, I did not, as I want people to recognize “Dali Burgado” as the SEO queen.
@behindthelashes Sorry to hear about that craziness. Maybe you should write a post (if you haven’t yet) on that experience.
@Camille @MommaFushigi – Yes, however, Google+, is not for everyone.
@JoynessSparkles – Sleep? Of course. Though some would as you what that is.
@Modern Gypsy – It may be the case you don’t want to associate your blog with an actual Google Profile. That is ok if you want to remain anonymous. Another reason that G+ may not be for everyone.
@pinkasaurus – That’s the spirit. You most likely saw your results incorporated in Search Plus Your World, which are the personalize results when you log in. Your contacts in your circles would see you in the search engines as having authored that, and YES more visibility! Great work! Keep it up!
@kidsemail – I think you meant to go here: http://www.thesitsgirls.com/community/google-plus-followers/
@Hilda – Reviewing usually helps me; and so does coffee! LOL
@JennyAJohnson – Yes, great start, indeed.
@jmroubinek and @Hinessightblog @homejobsbymom @jbthetinylibrarian @Tanya and all- You are so welcome!
Dali
Whoops…. I realized that tonight
YES! A post on the rel=author thing would be awesome. I did the part on Google+, but now I need to know how to set the tag up on my blog.
Jennifer recently posted..We hold these truths to be self evident…
Twitter: FFPMaMMa
says:
I really like Google+, however I have not been consistent with using it as I am frustrated with the limited opportunity with the pages which is where I have my blog profile/info. Just like on facebook I prefer to operate off the page, however Google doesn’t allow sharing very easily there. Am wondering about the purpose of the page and if I should abandon it and only operate off my profile.
Leah aka FFPMaMMa recently posted..The FFPMaMMa’s Day, Perfected
OK. Private and Secret Bloggers!
Just talked to a techy friend and he said that the only way you can have two facebook or google + accounts and not risk outing yourself is to have them on two different machines. He actually has two ipads. One for work and one for play persona. If you ever log in on the same machine, facebook/google+ reads the cookies and figures out who you are and cross pollinates your friends.
Dead Cow Girl recently posted..Sex Toy Review: The Share
Twitter: princesspruning
says:
So much to learn…. so little time.
Laura recently posted..Fake robbers
Twitter: alefbetjewelry
says:
The main obstacle to google plus is that I never know how to login! It shounds stupid, but facebook you just type and go. So not so with google plus. I guess I should start remembering the address and see how it works to build up the google plus association with my company website http://www.alefbet.com. Oh, just another thing to do!
Twitter: RealMomReviewer
says:
Oh, this is all so confusing to my small brain!!! Maybe I need to sleep on it & read again tomorrow!
Jean Lynd recently posted..Dark Circles? Can Vita-K Professional Help?
Twitter: justkooki1
says:
Love the comments on this post. It’s necessary to hear the good, the bad, the beautiful and ugly. Helps me make a decision on whether or not Google+ is for me. As a reader I want to know what specific goal Google+ will help me reach and how. I also want to know what success and what issues other users have had with it so I can make my own decision based on my needs. Thanks SITS!
Christine recently posted..Mommy But Still Me
Twitter: CarloAtYourServ
says:
So much for the Black Hatter’s… I’ve often said, by the time I would figure out how to “run a scam” of some sort (trying to get over on a search engine), I could have written God knows how many content quality blog posts.
Yes, Google is cleaning up the Internet ecosystem and I’m happy about it. Just tonight I was searching for Google+ information, when in the #1 or #2 spot on the first page of Google search was a link that I clicked on that REAAALLY had information on it’s page from a Canadian Pharmacy selling Viagra. That kind of stuff is so annoying. And to think, it was displayed as a link to something Google+ related. The nerve.
Carlo/Carlo At Your Service Productions recently posted..Google Inc.: What It’s Like To Feed The Smartest People In The World
Twitter: daliburgado
says:
Leah (@FFPMaMMa) – I am the same way; I prefer to use the profile vs. the page on Facebook and Google+. I find that because I am branding my name and not so much my company (I roll solo now) I prefer using the personal profiles. Google Brand Pages are for companies… I’m more a sole proprieter at the moment. If you are working on branding your company or business, than build your Brand Page presence. If you’re not, then continue on the profile.
@Dead Cow Girl – Thank you for the tech tip. It’s appreciated.
@alefbetjewelry – So long as you are logged in to Google, you are logged into Google Plus. http://plus.google.com
@justkooki1 – If you want to increase your visibility (and traffic) from the search engines, then it is worth it. If you already have tons of traffic from other sources, then Google+ may be an extra and not necessary for you.
@CarloAtYourServ – Google has been working on cleaning it up over time. Yes, it is not always the best stuff that comes up on there. Follow Matt Cutts and the Google Blog. They have been on a transparency kick this year informing us of their efforts.
Dali,
This is a great post. It is like I am having to learn SEO all over again. And to be honest with you I am enjoying using Google+. Thanks for the great information.
Chad
Twitter: TheTechnoMAG
says:
Dali, you must know the interesting fact that Google plus is now getting famous among webmasters as fast as it was neglected when it was launched.
Google plus is definitely a promising platform for bloggers to get good ranking in search engine.
Joe Clark recently posted..Google plus: heaven of SEO for webmasters in 2013
Thank you for this explanation about Google plus. I felt intimidated but I hooked up with my blog this morning. Let’s see what happens
Radishgirl Thymes recently posted..Chicken Cacciatore