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The Search landscape is poised for another shift with the rollout of Google+. Internet users around the world are now helping other internet users by recommending content through the Google+ network.

Over 25 Million Users Already!
In less than 2 months since its launch Google+ has 25 million members, making it the fastest growing website ever (according to comScore). This is before Google has even rolled it out globally.

Where Will I Find The +1 Icon?
Firstly, searchers that are logged in to their Google Account will start to notice a small ‘+1’ icon next to each search result.

By clicking on the iconsearchers are endorsing or ‘liking’ the content of that web page.

Secondly, a +1 icon can be added to each page of a website. Many popular websites already have this in place. See www.PositionMEonline.com for an example.

Over time it is anticipated that Google will start ranking search results based on how many people +1 different web pages. It makes sense that Google is trying to further improve the quality of its search results based on social interaction with content.

Similar to Facebook
Google has taken the very clever concept of the Facebook ‘Like’ button and has adapted it to its search results, enabling people to ‘Like’, or in their terms ‘+1’, search results based on their level of interest. Websites owners around the world are now adding a small ‘+1’ button to their website, much along the lines of the ‘Like’ button from Facebook.

Key Information Website Owners Should Know

Google already ranks businesses based on their social media profiles (i.e. Facebook, Twitter and Google Places). It is almost inevitable that Google+ will become a ranking factor.
A ‘+1’ icon needs to be added to all pages of your website, such that Google+ account holders can ‘+1’ your web pages, much like a Facebook ‘Like’ button.
In order to ‘+1’ a page the visitor must have a Google Account.
Get as many of your customers, suppliers, friends, & family to ‘+1’ your web pages as possible.

We can assist you with adding a +1 icon to your website for a nominal fee. Our clients that use the MySuperWeb platform can have this added in 30 minutes or less across all pages. Other platforms may take longer.
Contact us if you would like us to add the +1 button to your web pages.

Every business owner should be aware of a recent change in Google’s search results.

Over the past few weeks many businesses have noticed a change in their search engine rankings. Google is now using a mode of advertising called ‘Google Places’ to influence the way searchers find information about local businesses.

What has changed?
You will notice the following 6 major changes on Google when you search for something by location (e.g. ‘mechanic Perth’)

The organic search results and the Google Places listings are now combined, displaying the phone number and street address of businesses beneath their organic listings.
Businesses that once ranked well in the organic search results but did not have a Google Places listing are now positioned towards the bottom of the page, and will generate minimal traffic.
The map that once appeared on the left hand side of the screen above the organic search results is now often on the right hand side, just above the paid ads – this makes the organic search results appear higher on the page and gives increased prominence to the paid ads.
Businesses that once had multiple keyword focused Google Map listings are now confined to just one ‘Google Places’ listing for their business – this makes it harder (but not impossible) to rank in the map section for a broad variety of keywords.
A preview of each website in the organic search results can be seen by clicking the magnifying glass – this means searchers may make decisions to access websites based on a snapshot of your Home page, hence the importance of an aesthetically pleasing website.
Directories of local businesses are being out-muscled by the individual businesses themselves, as Google is giving more power to the individual business to control its information on Google.

What are the major ranking factors for Google Places?
You need to ensure the following factors are addressed to maximise the probability of your Google Places listing ranking well –

Completeness – bulking out your listing with opening hours, payment methods, photos, videos, an accurate description, and coupons, will help give your listing more weight.
Accuracy – Google will verify the accuracy of your listing against other sources on the web (e.g. White Pages), so ensure your business name, address and phone number are accurate.
Reviews – ask your customers to rate your business and write a review about their experience in dealing with you, as Google Place listings with more reviews (not necessarily better reviews) will tend to rank higher.
Citations – being listed on prominent industry-specific directories can add additional weight (e.g. association websites) as it helps confirm how established your business is based on the number and quality of these references.

This article provides a more detailed description of each factor

The next step...to ensure your Google Places listing is properly optimised
PositionMEonline has launched a new service called Google Places Optimisation (GPO) in which we:

Claim your Google Places listing on Google (if it hasn’t been already)
Ensure the information on your listing is complete & accurate – i.e. we bulk out your listing
Add up to 10 images and 5 videos to your listing
Provide you with a 1-page step-by-step instruction manual for getting customers to review your business on Google Places

The service is $195+GST once-off – probably the best money you will spend on your Google rankings ever. To have our team optimise your Google Places listing, simply reply to this email with ‘Yes please proceed’ and we will arrange this for your business.

Or Save Yourself $195 and write us a review!
If you would like the Google Places Optimisation (GPO) service for your business but would rather not pay for it, simply write us a review! To do this click on this link and review our Web Marketing services then find the link called ‘Sign in to rate’. You will need your Google Account login details (if you haven’t got a Google account you can click on ‘Create an account now’ and create one in less than a minute).