Although Google + is still new, the power that Google now possess as both a social media platform and a search engine is causing a great deal of intrigue and even a little concern. Google’s + Program, which is based around the ability for Google users to “+1” their favorite sites and see what their friends are doing, much the same as Facebook’s “like” button, is definitely changing the way that search and social interact. However, the question that seems to be on everyone’s mind is whether or not Google+ may have an effect on Google’s search result rankings.
Though there is no guarantee of the extent that Google+ will have on your website’s rankings or your CTR, where your traffic is coming from and what sort of traffic your site gets may all be changing.
Here are some of the ways that Google+ seems to be influencing Google’s search rankings and effecting websites just like yours.
• Higher quality and more accurate rankings on search results pages
With the Google + button becoming a feature on more and more sites, Google can now see how different sites are appealing to different social circles and can alter their rankings accordingly. The information that Google+ offers means that Google will be able to improve its intelligence, giving Google more information on the trends that certain types of traffic are following, their interests and which sites are meeting their standards. When promoting a certain site or making a recommendation, Google has a new understanding of which of your friend’s opinions matters most and which sites may be the most helpful for you.
What all this really means is that the quality of search results will be improving, meaning that you will have to take advantage of Google + now in order to ensure that you are getting the most out of their emphasis on accuracy and their knowledge of which sites are being preferred above others. With all your +1 rankings being separated for each of your websites pages, you must also make sure that each landing page has a strong +1 count.
• New sources of traffic for your site and higher click through rates
Not only can +1 rankings factor into your overall Google results rankings, but they can affect the way that traffic interacts with your site as well. More +1’s reveal that more people enjoy your site, like your company, or trust in your product and this can have a major effect on the way that future traffic views your site and ultimately, whether or not they click onto, and through, your website.
