Well today, I noticed our Google search engine results pages looked slightly different to the normal results pages we see everyday. Introducing the Google +1 button and also results based on social sharing within your network.
I did a search in Google for ‘top tweeters in the UK’ and I got the following results page:
Notice the additional information within the search listing showing me who has shared this web page within my network? Notice the Google +1 icon next to the Pauley Creative blog post about the tCn top 100 PeerIndex list? It’s highlighted which means someone within my network has already given it a thumbs up.
If you don’t know what ‘Google +1’ is then let me tell you in short: its Google’s version of the Facebook ‘Like’ button. Will this influence what listings people will click on? Will being ranked #1 matter if the 5th listing has been recommended by someone you know? We will wait to find out.
“Google has added a new social element to its search with the launch of “+1”. The new button will appear next to search results and adverts. Clicking on it will allow users’ friends to see what they liked and add to anonymised public data” Source: Telegraph
Now lets do a search for a specific product:
These results were displayed on the 1st page of Google and yet neither of these two product pages were actually ranked on the 1st page of Google. What does this mean? It means that if you can get more people within your network to share your articles via social networking sites then you have a better chance at appearing on the 1st page of Google under the ‘Results from people in your social circle’ listings. Again, will this influence click through rates?
And finally, a simple search for ‘QR codes in construction’ bring up the following search results page:
Can you see my boss (@Nick_Pauley) who has shared an article produced by @fairsnape? So, if I am connected to both via social sites like Twitter, am I influenced by what I should click on and which pages are authentic, trustworthy and genuine? We shall wait to find out.
Note: All of this is still in BETA stage and is not available to everyone. I personally think this will launch soon(ish) and have a massive impact on click through rates and search engine marketing activities. What do you think? Leave us a comment below.
Hi, thanks for the excellent post!
I’m glad Google’s not being complacent and that they’re looking at improving connectivity, it’s what people need and expect.
Social Media eats time, all Social Media professionals know this and therefore anything that can help us save time is very welcome. This idea helps a lot for research and gives us an immediate idea of what links relate to, good stuff!
I recently wrote about Helpme Helpcard which highlights people’s Social Media connectivity, much as Klout and Peerindex do, but more so and I’m surprised Google doesn’t buy up this kind of technology and develop it even further.
Thanks for keeping us ahead of what happening, it certainly has been a great year for Social Media so far!
The construction sector seems to very gradually be catching on to that fact that Social Media is not to be feared, but it’s a continued challenge!
Best regards, Peter
Thanks for the comment Peter.
More recently I performed a search for some wall fixing ties, looking for a particular brand. When I did a search I found that a well known structural engineer on Twitter had previously shared one doc via Twitter. Of course this showed up in the search results and happened to be just the kind of document/information I was looking for. Where was the listing? 2nd from top on page 2. Usually I would not have clicked on it, but because it was shared by someone I knew I did clicked on it.
This will be powerful I think. On the other hand, I also now know which brand that structural engineer recommends and some may try to push their product to him also. Dangerous.