Google’s recent social search changes have turned the online world upside down.
With the rollout of “Google Search Plus Your World” (SPYW) last week, you must have a dynamic Google+ page now if you want clients and prospects to find your company through Google.
We say must because SPYW now plucks material from Google+ for individual search results, enormously impacting relevancy. This means Google returns results with info based on who the searcher knows, as well as photos, posts, pages and profiles that person has posted on Google+ or Picasa.
Here’s an example:
This is what I get when I search “La Canada” when not logged into Google.
Here’s what I get when I am logged into Google:
The Real La Canada is a local news website that is very active on Google+. Now imagine the results for your business if you are not on Google+. (And if your competition is.)
Google users who are logged in now see personalized results. In order to keep a strong search presence, you need to adapt to these changes. Here’s how:
1. First and foremost, familiarize yourself with Google+. Do this from a personal and business standpoint. Even if you are against social media and have gotten by without developing a social presence until now, it’s time to get on the bandwagon. In the very least, create a Google+ business profile.
2. Develop a content marketing strategy. (Not sure what that is? Click here to our blog post) Use Google+ to share your content and interact with your audience. Developing great content, getting it in front of your prospects, engaging with them and allowing your content to be shared – that’s what’s going to help you dominate with Google’s Search Plus Your World.
For certain, this means massive change in the way companies manage social, with more to come. But businesses owners are good at adapting, especially when there are benefits. Any firm that has not yet started on Google+ should jump on board today.