What Can +1 Do For You?

Have you seen that new little button popping up on the page you visit? The “+1?” It’s often right next to the “like” on Facebook button, or the “tweet” on Twitter one. The +1 allows you to show your support for a link via Google+. Just when you’re getting overwhelmed by social networking, Google comes along and adds another button to click on. You might be worried that you just can’t manage anymore profiles and posts, so you avoid the +1 like the plague. But before you write it off entirely, you might want to reconsider by learning just what +1 can do for you. Here’s a hint: It’s way more powerful than the “like” or the “tweet.”

Google+ and Search Personalization

While everyone is balking, thinking that Google+ is just another social network or Facebook clone, Google is actually developing a powerful service that extends far beyond just “hanging out” with the people in your Circles. You have to remember that above all else Google’s main focus is Search. No matter what other pursuits Google delves into, it will always concentrate first and foremost on maintaining the best search engine available, period. More than being a social network, Google+ is another way to increase the supremacy of Search. By learning more about you and your interests through your activities and Circles on Google+, Google will be able to personalize your search results and bring you exactly what you’re looking for. This service is called Search Plus Your World.

The Power of the +1

If you’re still wondering what +1 can do for you, here’s the answer: +1 will help Google learn even more about you, and as a result it will bring you even more personally relevant search results. Whenever you +1 something, it’s like Google is learning more about what you like and making a little note of it. All of your +1’s combined will help Google know exactly what you’re looking for when you type a search query. Yes, your +1 can notify your Circles that you think a website is worth checking out, but it does so much more than that. Not only does it help Google get to know you better, but it will help Google learn what websites are most worthwhile to recommend to others. For example, a subpar content farm type of website specially designed to drive up SEO probably won’t earn a lot of +1’s. But the truly relevant and helpful websites will, meaning Google will know which sites to recommend first.

The Future of Search

With the new +1 button appearing all over the place, and most notably next to every single result Google will give you, you’re probably going to be tempted to push it. Go ahead; do it. By clicking the +1 button on the websites you really enjoy and find the most relevant, you’ll be improving your individual search results and search results for everyone else who might be searching for the same thing as you were. More than just a way to share a good link with your Circles, +1 is a champion for Google Search.

Social Media Strategist Stella Brown harnesses the power of the internet to help connect her clients with their customers.  Before she publishes anything, she uses the world’s best grammar checker to avoid common grammar problems. To build her own client base, she maintains memberships in business networks worldwide.