Google+: So Not Last Year
In what was reportedly the biggest search marketing story last year, the launch of Google+ had much written about it: Will it overtake Facebook? Will Google use the data in their algorithm? What’s the deal with the Google+ button? The jury may still be out on its true impact, but one thing is for sure, Google is working hard to make sure Google+ doesn’t end up being just another 2011 trivia question.
As was reported by Mashable late last month, Google+ brand pages have already started showing up in the search results pages. AT&T is among the first of several big brands that are being rewarded for their Google Pages activity. The article shows a screen grab of what it looks like when you search on their brand name.
This may be viewed as business as usual for Google as we all know that fresh content is a factor in strong rankings, but what if it’s not? Some argue that this is the reason Google may indeed dominate Facebook and Twitter; their ability to integrate offers and promotions within the search results makes it very appealing to any business. At minimum, it is certainly a case for companies to join the bandwagon and get a Google+ presence now.
And while the search rankings for brand pages seem to be limited to brand name searches only, it may not be long before a category search yields a brand page. Forget the antitrust lawsuits that could ensue, that notion alone should make any marketer run to Google+ in the New Year.
Then there’s the ad machine. Google has put some major dollars against awareness ads for Google+ making them all but impossible to ignore. The latest for Google+ Hangout feature two of my personal favorites: the Muppets and Queen. Who the heck knows what they paid for that spot or if it even helps explain what Google+ Hangout is, but to quote another Youtube commenter, “I don’t always use Google Hangout, but when I do, I prefer that Muppets be involved.”
So Google+ has our full attention in 2012. What will they do to keep it?
