Google +1 (Plus 1)
Finally, as threatened many times, Google have come up with a social aspect to search, albeit a rip-off of the Facebook “Like” button. +1, pronounced plus one, will allow you to effectively “like” search results and adverts by activating the +1 feature and clicking on it each time you feel the urge.
In Google’s own words, Use +1 to give something your public stamp of approval, so friends, contacts, and others can find the best stuff when they search. Get recommendations for the things that interest you, right when you want them, in your search results.
The Social Side of Google +1….
Could this be the precursor for an imminent Google social networking platform, I think not, rather an expansion of Google’s existing, somewhat boring social network. “What’s that”? I hear you ask. Well, when you +1 something, like the Facebook “Like” feature, those you are connected with will, via the following mediums, see what you like:
· Gmail & Google Talk chat list
· “My Contacts” group in Google Contacts
· People you follow in Google Reader and or Google Buzz
The Lowdown on PPC and Google +1…
Those of you operating PPC campaigns don’t panic. Even though all ads will be getting these buttons, and there is no way to turn them off, a +1 click doesn’t count as a paid click. As an advertiser you will be able to see stats on which ads are getting the most +1s. So, another social aspect you will need to incorporate into your marketing initiative to help boost your popularity.
+1 Buttons for websites….
Google have said this feature will be available soon, but it could be a few months yet. There is no outline on how this will work, i.e. will you be able to see if your friends have also +1’d a site. Just how many buttons can we expect people to click. First Facebook, then Twitter and now Google +1…not to mention Digg, Stumbleupon, etc, etc….Yawn…
