Can Google+ replace Facebook? Maybe, Maybe not.
Ever since the launch of Google+, Facebook is asking this question with a little skepticism and Google is asking this tightly rubbing their fingernails. However our center of attraction here is how Google+ can affect in SEOs. Google, being the alpha-male when it comes to search engines, obviously believes there is a relation between a product’s popularity in its own social network and its rank in SERP (that’s search engine results page, for you non-geeks and geekettes).
Let’s review the prime features in Google+. Inspired from Facebook’s “Like” button, there is “+1” button which is the scale to measure social value and popularity of websites and commodities in Google+. Then there are “Sparks” resembling Twitter’s hashtags for user prescribed newsfeed. “Hangout” is the feature that can do the job of instant messenger and group video chat. In essence, Google took the well received features from Twitter and Facebook, gave it a Google touch and manifested in Google+. But the feature called “Circles” seems to be the most concerning for SEO experts.
Circles are somewhat similar to Facebook’s “Friends” but really they are more like Twitter “Followers.” Anyone can circle you, like they can follow you on Twitter. However, you do not need to reciprocate. This is different than Facebook where you need to have both parties agree to be friends. Circles let you choose, who can see the content you share. If members of these circles have +1’d a product or a service, it becomes more relevant in your search result.
The scenario mentioned above is in the case of logged in users. Apparently it is a bit previous to say how this can affect users not logged in. Having an acceptance rate of 20 million users in 2 months, it is a matter to wonder how +1’s can affect the ranking of businesses in non-logged in user search. Contemplating how “Likes” and “Tweets” can influence the place of a website in SERPs it is obvious that +1 can make a change also.
Tweets, Likes and +1’s taken into account for SEO ranking. When we have to choose between products or services, we look for their rating and reviews from former users. In a sense, it can be told that we are forced to believe those opinions of random people. What if these reviews are from your friends, co-workers and trusted colleagues? That tends to loosen up the selection process, right? Just as in real life where we ask our friends and co-workers, their opinion before choosing a product or service. This is the power within Google+ and the +1.
So how can we optimize via Google+? Well social media is attempting to kick out mere algorithms out of relevance and introducing real people’s choice into search engines. So obviously traditional SEO policies won’t perform well. Google+ is giving its users the ability to regulate the search results for others through +1. Businesses can enhance their customer experience and advocate for +1 wherever possible.
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