The Benefits of Google+ for SEO

Published on May 1, 2014

SEO is an ever changing animal, and it certainly is different now than it was in the past (as we've previously written about).  Thankfully, there are ways we can tackle the new challenges of SEO with ease.  Optimizing your business for Google+, according to SteamFeed, is one of the best ways to get on top of the game.

A Quick Overview of Google+

Google+ is a mystery to many small business owners.  Is it a social media site, or something more?  How does it integrate with the rest of Google?  Is it really all that important?

While Google+ may appear on the surface to be a bit social-media esque, in reality it is so much more.  The social and networking aspect of Google+ comes with its integration on Google+ Communities and Hangouts.  The "so much more" aspect of Google+ comes with its direct integration with Google's other platforms (most importantly, Google's Search and Maps functions), and therefore is essential for the promotion of small businesses.

Don't forget: Google is the world's #1 search engine.  Using Google's social network, therefore, is social media and SEO all rolled into one.

Here are some more reason's getting active on Google+ will aid your small business SEO.

Personalized Searches Make Content Approachable

Google+ adds a personal touch to your business profile which translates directly into the way your business is represented on Google searches.  Google+ adds a real-world picture directly next to your link, like so:

As you can imagine, this is a more appealing link for searchers than one without an image.  It subconsciously adds a personal element to an otherwise stagnant text-link, making it appear more meaningful.

In a practical sense, this article will also be linked with your Google+ profile, providing more information about you and your business upon some further inspection.

Your Content Ranks Higher

The social element of Google+ blends into SEO based on interaction with your content.  If your content is "+1'd" and your profile gains a new follower, for example, that content will be higher ranked than other content with similar keywords.  Also, the user that +1'd you will automatically be giving you a little bit more publicity, as the +1'd content will appear to THEIR followers as well.

Greater "Author Rank" Equals Greater Visibility

In this same regard, a term called "author rank" is another element of improved ranking.  Google is moving farther away from actual SEO of content and keywords, and moving towards credibility of content posted by specific authors.  This connects directly to the popularity of your profile on Google+ and your specific interaction with those pages.  In other words, Google is focusing more towards the individual who maintains the content rather than the content itself.

Google+ in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages)

While your Google+ followers see other people's pages you've ranked higher than others in their SERPs, Google will also show YOUR pages.  This differentiates Google+ from Facebook or Twitter, as neither of these social media platforms have this kind of integration.

Google+ Profiles Show Up Alongside Searches

When you search for a topic that Google knows is directly linked to a Google+ profile, it will show up on the right-hand side of the search.  This is just another one of the many ways that Google+ is half social media platform, half SEO, and 100% useful and complementary in both regards.

Is SEO dead as we know it?

SEO hasn't completely gone by the wayside, but it is changing significantly as Google+ demonstrates.  It is still useful to optimize your website with keywords and do your keyword research, but expanding your skill knowledge base to the social element of SEO we believe will prove invaluable to your business.

Unsure where to start your Google+ development for your company?  Not seeing results?  Don't hesitate to send us an email or give us a call, and we'll be happy to help!