Why we think Google Plus will increase your pagerank
October 11, 2013
The Social Shift in Search
Undoubtedly, the SEO landscape is shifting beneath our feet this year. As a matter of fact, the launch of Google’s own social network has fundamentally flipped the philosophy of how we view “authority.” First and foremost, we are moving away from a world where only backlinks matter. Today, we are exploring why Google Plus and PageRank are becoming inseparable partners in the quest for the top spot. Therefore, we are analyzing how your social activity on the “Big G’s” network directly influences your website’s visibility in search results.
How Google Plus and PageRank Work Together
To begin with, Google has a massive incentive to make its social network succeed. In fact, many SEO experts believe that +1s are the new “likes,” but with significantly more weight. Because Google owns the data on G+, they can crawl and index that information instantly. Initially, many businesses ignored the platform. Consequently, those who are early adopters are seeing their content indexed faster than ever. Furthermore, this integration is a key component of the Search Engine Optimization strategies we are implementing for our Kelowna clients this summer.
1. The Power of the +1 Button
Specifically, when a user clicks that +1 button on your site, it acts as a digital vote of confidence. Notably, in the context of Google Plus and PageRank, these votes are tied to real identities. Following this, Google can verify that your content is being shared by actual people, not bots. As a result, your “Social PageRank” begins to climb, lifting your organic positions along with it.
2. Google Authorship and Search Real Estate
Additionally, the link between Google Plus and PageRank is visible in the search results through Authorship. Notably, by linking your website to your G+ profile, your headshot now appears next to your articles. Ultimately, this increases your click-through rate (CTR) significantly. This professional look is just as important as a high-quality Custom Website Design for building immediate trust with potential customers.
The Future of Social Signals
Interestingly, the philosophy of Google Plus and PageRank suggests that “who” shares your content is becoming just as important as “what” they share. Instead of generic link building, we now focus on building circles. When we manage PPC Management campaigns, we often see that social proof from G+ lowers the barrier to conversion. Notably, a mobile-friendly Mobile Website Design with easy-to-find G+ sharing buttons is a mandatory requirement for any brand looking to stay ahead of the curve this year.
| Metric | Traditional SEO | Google Plus and PageRank 2013 |
| Primary Signal | Backlinks | +1s and Social Shares |
| Identity | Anonymous Domains | Verified Google Profiles |
| Index Speed | Days/Weeks | Real-time / Hours |
| Visual Impact | Plain Text Links | Rich Snippets & Author Photos |
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Generally speaking, yes. Specifically, it is the easiest way to tell Google exactly what your business is about. Because your G+ Local page is now tied directly to Maps and Search, it is a mandatory requirement for any local business. Therefore, neglecting G+ means you are leaving valuable PageRank on the table.
Undoubtedly, backlinks are still the foundation of search. However, in the era of Google Plus and PageRank, social signals are the “fast-acting” fuel that can push you past your competitors. Essentially, you need both to have a truly robust digital presence.
Initially, you must create content that is actually worth sharing. Following this, ensure your sharing buttons are visible and that you are active in G+ Communities. This focus on engagement is exactly how we help brands grow through a modern Digital Marketing Strategy.
Embracing the Social Search Era
In conclusion, the Google Plus and PageRank milestone marks a new age where social and search are one and the same. As we look toward the end of the year, the influence of Google+ is only expected to grow. At KWD Marketing, we stay at the forefront of these algorithm shifts to ensure your business stays visible. If you are ready to boost your authority and claim your spot at the top, we are here to lead the way. Contact us today to discuss a high-performance social and SEO strategy.
Disclaimer: Please note that Google+ was officially shut down for personal and business use in 2019. This article remains in our archives to document the history of SEO and the evolution of Google’s search algorithms during the 2013 period.
Tags: Google authorship, Google Plus and PageRank 2013, Google+ for business, KWD Marketing, search engine rankings, SEO Strategy, social signalsCategorized in: Business, Google, Graphic Design, Website Designs