Google Social Circle
I spent a lot of time this weekend writing a marketing plan for a client. In doing so, I was searching for various resources and spending some quality time with Google. After a while, I noticed some search results at the bottom of the first page that said:
Results from people in your social circle for search term – BETA – My social circle – My social content
What appeared in those results were blog posts from people I follow on Twitter. When I clicked on the link for My social circle I was given a page that described my network of connections that Google used to identify relevant social search results.
What is Google Social Search?
In early January, Google went beta to English searchers with social search. It uses your Google Profile to establish your online social circle and display publicly-available content from these folks to provide a more personalized experience in your search results.
When I did a Google search for Google Social Search, I got two results: a blog post from Jason Falls and a tweet from Paul Chaney. Both were recent and relevant to my search and because I “know” these guys from their blogs and Twitter, the content and their perspectives on this topic will carry more weight than someone who I haven’t met through my social networks.
Matt Cutts from Google explains “How Google Social Search works” in a 4 minute video. It’s worth the watch.
Why You Should Care
With Google is placing relevance on search results based on people you are connected with, embracing and encouraging the use of social media within your business is critical. It is now more important that you:
- Create a quality Google Profile and include all your important links.
- Stop worrying about personal vs professional connections being mixed together. Connecting with your customers and clients is critical.
- Participate in social networks, engaging people and staying visible.
- Embrace social media – it’s here to stay. Include your social media links in your email signatures and on your marketing materials.
- Consider blogging now! Establish an Internet presence that builds your company’s expert reputation.
- Don’t fall for SEO companies claiming they will get you first page results – the game has changed and first page search results will be different based on who you are, where you are and who you are connected with.
Those businesses who ignore social media will soon be at a competitive disadvantage. My advice: Get involved with social media now and take it seriously. Do you still think social media is not for you?
Tags: google profiles, google search results, search engine marketing, search engine optimization
7 Responses to “Google Social Circle”
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From what I read, growing one’s social circle is a way to guarantee targeted first page results. Interesting how Search Marketing and Social Media are becoming so blended, huh?
Hi Glenn, great observation. Not sure I’d say you guarantee first page results by growing your social connections but you certainly have a better chance of showing up to those you are interested in what you have to say. But absolutely search and social media are more than intertwined.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Debra.
By “guaranteed first page results” I meant that (within one’s social circle) you’d show up on the first SERP (within one’s social circle) since that’s where the “Social Circle” box is (at the bottom of the first SERP). That extra “social” impression on the first SERP would be especially valuable if a site also gets impressions in the PPC and organic listings. And those beautiful YouTube thumbnails.
.-= Glenn Friesen´s last blog ..links for 2010-05-26 =-.
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for the clarification – yes I agree. Anytime you can show up on the first page of the Google Search results is a bonus. Growing your social circle with business associates just might remind them of you at a very opportune time.
Cheers!
I never knew that such of thing exist. I watched the video and its really cool. Now people should start increasing their social contacts, atleast with all their business client. So atleast for them, you will appear on first page of google which will increase your credibility
Twitter, facebook etc are social network sites where one can have good contacts with their friends. The video is also very nice. One can get good benefits in their business.
Debra thanks for enlightening me on this. I try and keep up with developments from all these social media companies but new things keep popping up and from every direction. Focus too much attention on Twitter, you’re letting Hi5 fall behind – not to mention balancing Facebook, linkedin, bebo, etc….I’m sure you know what I’m talking about! I’ve been wondering about professional personas for Facebook for a while now and I’m glad to see the functionality is coming about. I totally would have been late to the show if not for you – Thanks again!