Google Social Results – SEO Impacts and what to do

Gary Eckstein Search Engine Optimization 2 , , , , , , , ,

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In the past few hours there has been all sorts of commentary on the Web about the new Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). As a very quick summary, Google SERPs will now by default show the Webpage results we are accustomed to as well as ‘social’ results in the form of content shared by people that we connect with on Google+. The new Search Results Pages are rolling out in the U.S.A. first and there doesn’t seem to be a definitive date for when we’ll see these changes in Australia.

What This Means for SEO

It’s clearly too early to know what effect this will have on rankings or changes to SEO strategy. There has recently been a move by Google to prioritize well known brands so the social aspect of the new SERPs may well benefits individual people. There are however probably a few things that should be done now.

What should you do about this

Here are a few things you should start to do now to (hopefully) benefit from the new Google Search:

  1. Create a Google+ account (if you don’t already have one)
  2. Use Google+ by sharing and commenting
  3. Follow people on Google+ (start by following me 8-)  )
  4. Create a link to your Google+ profile on your WordPress Website (or Joomla, Drupal or other Website)

What will be the effect on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin?

For those that haven’t used Google+, it’s actually very good and I think easier to use than Facebook. In my opinion this change of Google Search Results is a direct threat to Facebook. Facebook of course partnered a while back with Microsoft Bing and others to feature Facebook content in Bing and Yahoo SERPs. Only time will tell but Google+ is likely to be the biggest threat that Facebook have faced.

As for Linkedin and Twitter, Linkedin has a niche and large following but I don’t believe that Linkedin will be negatively affected. Twitter very good for quick short messaging and connecting and the Google Search changes shouldn’t affect Twitter too much.