I thought I would start a quick weekend round up of Google topics I find interesting and useful.
Contents
Why Google?
Simply because Google is ingrained in our very British lives – they provide over 90% of search results between google.co.uk and google.com.
That’s not to say you should rely solely on Google! That would be foolish…
Google support forums move to Google groups
The Google Places help forums are now Google for Business groups. The old forums will be deleted. Now if your Google Places isn’t playing fair or how you expect it too, this is where Google staff and associated helpers can answer your questions.
Google + profile images and rich snippets integrating into local search results – now on mobile too
Okay, I see your eyes glazing over at the words “rich snippets”… This is a biggy for local search though.
A snippet is the information that appears under a link on the search results. By including data in the code of your pages, you can tell the search engines what your page is about. From who the author is (Google+) to place addresses, products, events and more.
When this information appears in the search results, people are more likely to click. There’s more about rich snippets below.
Google are using rich snippets more and more. They’re also appear to be showing this extra info in mobile search too. Great news for local businesses!
Test changes have been spotted… You know it’s coming!
It looks like the thumbs up and thumbs down will be disappearing. “So what?” I hear you ask… It’s all part of integrating Google products in Google+.
Whether you like it or not, G+ will start to seriously affect your online marketing.
Time to start putting my Google+ into better use (I keep saying that!)
How Google decide algorithm changes
Google have started being more open about what they do, they now publish an end of month blog highlighting key changes. All good, but how do they decide what algorithm changes to make? The post and video explains.
So there you have it, four pieces of Google related info that caught my eye this week. Feel free to add your own in the comments too!
I mentioned rich snippets earlier. Here’s a great infographic that explains what they are and how they work.
Visual Guide to Rich Snippets on SEOmoz created by BlueGlass Interactive.
Grab your guide to local search and learn:
- What elements are important on your website
- How to set up your Google My Business Local Page
- How Google Plus can help you zoom past your competitors
- Two things you should not neglect if you want to rank in the local search pack
- How to power past your competitors and dominate your area
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