New Social Media Tool - Google +1 and Search Engine Rankings

New Social Media Tool - Google +1 and Search Engine Rankings

Google has launched the new application called Google +1 very recently. If you have seen carefully, there is a +1 sign next to each search result in Google search results page. In this article, let’s take a look at this new tool on how it works, what are its effects on PageRank, are Google+1 and Search Engine Rankings related to each other, and how you can use it on your website.


Basically +1 is acts same as that of “Like” button on FaceBook or “Follow” on Twitter. But the effects of +1 are different from other two, as Google is basically a search engine as well as social media and blogging platform too. With +1 launched, Google is trying to strengthen its position in social media sector. As far its working is concerned, it will add one vote to the search result, website or blogpost, if a user presses on +1 sign next to it. When more number of people press +1, means vote for your website, it will be more trustworthy for Google.


Adding the Google+1 button to your own website is very easy. You have to copy-paste the following code on your website’s homepage and it will start working instantaneously. You need to place inside the or just above the tag of the webpage.









Now comes the important question. Are Google +1 and Search Engine Rankings connected to each other in any way? Whether +1 also affects the Google PageRank of a website, is still not very clear. Some people say that it affects not directly but indirectly somewhere down the line. Whereas others claim that the PageRank is not at all affected by this new tool. However, there is good news for PPC marketers as +1 is going to be a permanent addiction in the Google AdWords. The anti-spam mechanism is already in place and if someone tries to vote more times to his or her own website to improve score, the website can be penalized.


According to some experts Google +1 is going to work in phases. During the first phase, Google will collect all the information for analysis and then during next phase, it will try to provide more personalized experience for searching and ranking operations

Content Optimization

Good copy equals conversions.

This is probably the hardest selling point to get across to a client when seo speak begins. Sure people know they need to get ranked in Google, and they know you need to build an online presence, and of course, they all know that they need to get traffic to their site.

But site copy? Anytime that topic is brought up, most clients proudly boast that they have already posted their brochure's information on their site and that works just fine.

Well, it doesn't. Content optimization is a skill that few people possess. Words sell, images don't. You need to get the user to take action! So, in that spirit, here is a list of things to do and ones to avoid:

Things to do:

1. Use the main keyphrase you are targeting on every page, except for the home page.
2. Use keyphrases in your hyperlinks.
3. Create a page title that is intriguing and eye catching. Remember words sell, graphics don't.
4. Limit your keyword usage to 2 or 3 keywords per page. Otherwise, you may get tagged for keyword spamming.
5. Create supplemental content like FAQ pages, how-to pages, industry glossary and related articles about the product.
6. Use the description meta tag. Google refers to this when it can't find content or a listing in DMOZ.
7. Always keep an eye on competitors and how they rank for the same keywords.
8. Focus on the the pages that have your best conversion rates.
9. Think like a reporter, asking the five W questions (who, what, when, where, why).
10. Display your location. Studies indicate that people look for local vendors, even when online.
    

Things to avoid:

1. Inserting keywords into copyrighted material.
2. Forgetting what your audience is looking for.
3. Leaving the title of your page as "Untitled".
4. Using too many graphics.

Waiting to implement copy changes for expected seasonal sales. You need 6-months when optimizing seasonal content to give the engines time to adjust to your alterations.

Content optimization is a continual process of monitoring and updating. By staying true to this course, you'll see the results in your sales.