Google+ Rolls Out Further Website Integration
Google’s social platform has been further integrated into websites across the internet, highlighting the relevance of the service even to those who don’t use it.
When Google+ launched publicly in September 2011 it was simply seen as the company’s attempt to rival Facebook in the sphere of social networking.
However, Google’s increased integration of the +1 button into its search results has now made the jump to onsite interaction, recommending content on any website that features the +1 button.
Clicking the button has always been a way of publicly recommending a page and has been used as a ranking factor in Google’s search algorithm – in other words the more people that recommend a page through the +1 button, the more chance that page has of seeing its rankings improve.
The latest change means that by hovering over the button, site users can see content from that site that has previously been recommended by other Google users.
Everyone who has a Google account is technically a Google+ user, although many don’t know it. If you fall into this bracket, simply sign into your Google account and notice the +You option in the top left. You may not have set up your account but there it is, quietly gathering information about your search preferences.
This latest innovation isn’t restricted to active Google+ users either, but this time users don’t even have to be signed in to see recommended content via the onsite buttons. While Google won’t necessarily be delighted that users spend a monthly average of just three minutes on the platform compared with over seven hours on Facebook, the added functionality of the +1 button shows that this isn’t their only concern.
Google+ is becoming more of an identity service, providing Google with a wealth of information on its users and their online behaviour. It is also a universal navigation tool, highlighting quality content and providing a better browsing experience for users.
All the above means that Google+ is becoming an increasingly powerful online marketing tool and if site owners want to increase traffic, they would be well advised to embrace Google Plus - and all starts by adding one little button.
Custard Media specialise in providing traffic through a full-service digital marketing strategy and can offer consultancy on website design and social media marketing. Contact them today with your Google+ questions.
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