It’s a bit early to start writing the definitive Google Plus SEO Guide, but I think the above screenshot says all you need to know.
When I am signed in, page one of searches for my name are dominated by my blog, my G+ profile and four of my recent G+ posts. When I am not signed in, I get only my G+ profile link in the middle of page one.
What does this mean? SERPs for signed in users connected to other + users can be heavily influenced by G+ posts.
13 Response Comments
That poses an interesting thought Andrew.
If G’users see results based on their circles or friends, wouldn’t that then limit their search possibilities?
Filter bubble or coincidence? There must be a limit on how much influence G+/personalisation has – say 3-5 results?
I’ve noticed for some time now that gauging the effectiveness of my own SEO efforts on Google’s SERP has become so useless that I have to use Market Samurai’s rank tracker, for instance, for unbiased results as Google pulls results from my Google reader, etc., and, I’m sure, my browsing history.
Now we have Google+ just to hammer the last nail in one’s ability to surf objectively.
Guess we’re all going to have to figure G+ out, too!
I would have to disagree that the static test of your own account being logged in and analyzing positions proves that connected accounts influence each others search positions.
Well it certainly wasn’t a particularly scientific test, but to see what is in front of one’s nose does not always require a constant struggle.
“Well it certainly wasn’t a particularly scientific test, but to see what is in front of one’s nose does not always require a constant struggle.”
Indeed, Andrew, and this is what I have been mentioning to clients recently — i.e., uhm, well, the thing is…personalized SERPs is where it’s gonna’ be, due to x,y.z and more. These are not the days of Altavista anymore, not whatsoever. Do we as marketing professionals grasp that yet? Andrew, your dummy-proof — however brief — post should assist folks in waking up to what’s happening, now.
Interesting results, I hadn’t tried that yet. I agree with Colin’s comment, probably no more than 3 influenced G+ results. Anything more is just messing with true organic serps.
I think i will have to agree with colin her as it can result in the limit of the searches we are doing. But this can be useful indeed, andrew as we can have a personalised SERP atleast we are logged in. I am going to use it very soon.
I agree with Doug, it seems like if search results are so influenced by G+ wouldn’t that limit the type of content that ranks well on the top of SERPs?
bingo
Obviously + data will affect Google search results. Google understands that people like recommendations from those that they know. Since they don’t have access to Facebook data, Google+ was a way to solve that problem.
How can you tell the difference between the “bias” Google gives to Google+ users when they are signed-in, and the bias Google gives to your “you specific” search results.
Also, I’m wondering (for Local SEO purposes), if using Google Places “Coupon” or “Offer” (not sure what the correct term is, Google uses both words) might give you special “juice” regarding placement of your site. Google gives disproportionate favor to YouTube, I wonder if it also gives special love to Google Places users that use it’s coupon/offer feature.
Re: the above (#12)
4 days ago I added a Google Places “offer” and today we are +1 in the SERPS on at least one kw. Not very scientific, but it’s a nice bump and cost very little in terms of time & energy. It’s a replication of the special that’s advertised on the home page of the site anyways.