Understanding Google +1
What Is All the Fuss About ?
By now, if you haven’t heard of Google+ (aka Google +1, Google Plus, The Facebook Assassin?) then you might want to consider paying close attention to this post. On June 1, 2011, Google reached into their deep pockets and pulled out another surprise, known as the Google +1 button. You’ve probably seen it in search results on the right hand side of the title. The button is grayed out until you hover over it and click on it – effectively “giving a plus one” to that particular website, blog, etc. Huh ? Plus One ? What is that and why do need, or not need, to be doing it ? Allow me to explain.
Google’s Attempt At Social Networking
To put it in easy to understand terms, the advent of the Google +1 option, is Google’s attempt at breaking into the social networking arena. Much like that of other social networks like Facebook and MySpace (does anyone even use that anymore?) Google +1 wants you to find friends and followers to join your “circle.” Your circle is your network and the idea is to invite people you know to your circle, so whenever you +1 something, they are notified about your activity. Whatever you +1 is then displayed in your personal Google profile and shared with all of your friends who are in your circle. +1 notifications even show up in the search results of your friends!
For example, let’s say you’re online reading about pet products and you come across an awesome article about a new dog collar that is made from organic materials and won’t choke your dog when you’re walking him. Wow! Amazing! You love it and you want to share it with your friends. So, you click the +1 button and now everybody within your circle will be notified that “Jane Doe +1′d this product.” Now, and here’s the cool part, if you have a friend in your circle named “Joe Shmo” and he goes on Google and searches for “dog collars”, if the product/website that you +1′d shows up in the search results, below the search listing will be a notification that “Jane Doe recommends this product/website.” The thought process, according to Google, is that someone is more likely to visit a website, read an article, visit a blog, etc., if it has been recommended to them by a friend. It’s a trust issue and a personalization tactic that Google has done quite well with thus far. Make sense ? Good.
Do You Need To Be +1-ing Everything ?
From a Search Engine perspective, every time you +1 something it helps it gain value and recognition as a trusted product. If it’s a website, you’re telling Google and your friends, “Hey, I really like this and you should too.” In turn, it helps that website establish authority and to a certain extent, relevancy – both of which are big factors in determining a websites rank. Our advice is to +1 as much as you like and to learn the functionality of the tool and it’s many parts. If you genuinely like a product, service, website, or company, then show them you support their ventures by clicking the +1 button. Show them some love.
Will Google +1 Replace Facebook ?
This is a big debate going on between SEO’s all over. While Google +1 has shown growth at a rapid pace (25 million users within the first 2 months), many believe that it still has to prove itself. There is a good possibility that Google +1 could be another major let down and fizzle out once the hype dies down, like Google Buzz did. In a recent survey, 35% of initial users say that used Google +1 in the beginning, but they’ve either lost interest or haven’t been active on it since it’s introduction. Others say they just don’t know how to use it.
What do we think ? Personally, this is not something I’m considering diving into just yet. With huge competition coming from established social networking sites, like Facebook with over 750 million users, I think it’s going to take a lot more than their current efforts to completely eliminate that competition. While there are many features supposedly coming out as additions, like the ability access games and play them on your computer, a lot remains to be seen about where Google +1 will end up. I wouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket just yet, but definitely keep an eye on Google +1. It may just be the “next big thing.”
