Google SERPS results testing

The format of these results seem to be changing almost daily at the moment. Today, the "meta-description" or content element is being expanded out to three, or even four lines in places using a smaller font.

Anyone else seeing these results?

So what is Google +1 then?

Its been an exciting few weeks if you are a follower, or a user of Google. Its launched both its Plus One (Google +1) button which allows registered users to both share and recommend websites, along with Google Plus (Google +) which is its brand new social networking offering. Of course this is a natural development in the path of Google as it both reacts to competitors and tries to offer users exactly what they want.

So what is Google +1 then?

The idea of Google + is to help you and friends remember which sites, places or products you may previously have visited. You know the scenario – you previously found a hotel and can’t remember which website you saw it on, well the +1 sign gives a strong signal as to which one it is (its basically a bookmark). The same goes for other people you may know though – again it may be that friends told you about a hotel they previously stayed in, well if they’ve +1’d it then you’ll see that in the Google search results.

Of course that is the theory, in practice it does mean that you need to be logged into your Google account to both see and post these markers – we’ll have to see what kind of update that gets. The nice thing is that you can keep your +1’s personal or public depending upon your approach to privacy and sharing on the internet.

And Google+  Is that any different?

In a word yes. It’s actually an amalgamation of several different Google services including the aforementioned Google +1. Its aim is to be the next big thing in social networking. It features several new buzzwords including Circles – these being the way you structure your relationships. This builds on the concept that actually you maintain different relationships with people in different areas of your life e.g. family, work, friends etc and it is intended to allow you to structure the way you communicate with them accordingly.

It also features Hangouts, which give the power to build an online area where groups (of any sort) can be organised and communicate online. Oh, and the official word from Google itself is that if you are a business or a brand you should wait a little while longer before applying for a Google+ for business account. So don’t go building your company hangout just yet.

Huddles emulate phone texting (txting) but allow conversations between multiple persons, rather than just two like a phone text conversation. Sparks suggests interesting things based upon a search you perform.  Instant Upload is the online photo sharing platform. There are also some signs of a skype like phone service, perhaps based upon the previous Google Chat.

At the moment Google+ is still officially in test mode although uptake has been exceptional this far. No doubt new services will be introduced in the coming weeks prior to a full public launch. Google have also applied to launch this in the Apple App store – something they previously have either not managed to get permission for, or have applied for – a sign of intention with this product no doubt.

What about SEO though?

Well for some time the search engine algorithums have been taking into account activity levels across a range of platforms including social media sites. So in the case of Google+ this is unlikely to be no different and any SEO strategy needs to reflect this. Of course it is likely that Google will place more emphasis on activity on this site than any of the other search engines will. So at this stage it would be very sensible to be planning some activity for your business on Google+ (note the guidance of constructing a business page above) and encouraging friends and family to start +1ing your website.

Google Plus One Hangout

After finally getting a trial invitation I couldn't wait to hangout - a bit underwhelming so far I'm afraid.

No, social media isn’t going to change your business

I read this article recently http://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-will-never-ever-hire-a-social-media-expert-2011-5?  and for a short period of time afterwards found myself gloating over the authors rant against the perils of over investing in social media.  You see social media is all the rage, whilst my beloved SEO suddenly seems so old fashioned in comparison.

But actually the author makes a very valid point in this piece, one which can just as easily be applied to SEO – the point being that in isolation these forms of marketing are not suddenly going to change your business. Not without hard work and measurement forming part of what used to be known as the marketing mix to help form a relationship with your customers. Social media (or SEO) are not wonder cures I’m afraid, if you don’t measure them you’ll never understand whether they work or not.

Before you engage in any marketing activity you need to measure it in order to establish an ROI (return on investment) for it.  Fortunately with SEO and PPC it is usually a straightforward process to track ecommerce activity, or enquiries via forms or phone.  Once the data is being collected all that is needed is regular reporting and sensible interpretation.

You also need to understand how social media fit into the marketing mix and be prepared to use good old fashioned methods where necessary. Remember also, a solid social media plan can help your SEO efforts!

The power of Search & Social Media - not convinced?

Read these jaw-dropping stats regarding online usage.Transform Your Marketing

Google Instant Preview is switched on for AdWords PPC Ads

In the last few days Google instant preview has finished being tested and switched on for AdWords PPC Ads. Its too early to say what effect this may have on account stats, but its fair to surmise that with searchers being offered a sneak preview of the landing page prior to clicking thru, this should increase the quality of traffic whilst also decreasing the volume of traffic.

No doubt Google see this as a win-win situation for both searcher and advertiser. More to follow.

Why SEO (Paid and Natural Search) Will Always be key to the Online Marketing Mix

It was reported in the Guardian this week http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/mar/29/facebook-online-advertising-social-media that display advertising in the UK had grown a full 27% in the UK last year. A large percentage of this was attrbuted to Facebook display advertising. The article reported that Facebook UK had made about £100m in ad revenue, whilist the paid for search market had grown by only 8% to £2.35bn

What can we learn from this?

Despite reports to the contrary, Google won’t be panicing too much about the growth of Facebook advertising looking at these figures.  Although this was described as companies jumping on the social media bandwagon, this is actually just display advertising - on a social media site.

Why won’t more advertisers move budget from Google to Facebook?

Search Engine Traffic from SEO is highly targeted - If someone is searching for a “House to Let in Cheltenham” then they are already in the purchase funnel and have expressed a fairly clear interest in your product or service (presuming you are a lettings agent and offer homes in the Cheltenham area). You don’t need to influence them towards it – they ARE ALREADY a potential customer.

Search Engine Traffic from SEO is highly measureable. Every click can be measured and analysed through to an on-site conversion point. To clarify – you can prescribe exactly the term which a customer types in to find your business and advertise on it. This is more exacting than prescribing a potential customer by gender, age or location.

Why advertise on Facebook.

You know your target audience extremelty well and can take advantage of Facebooks excellent geo-demographic targeting.

You are brand building and have allocated budget to brand awareness

Its cheaper per click than Google or Bing or Yahoo.