Search, plus Your World
The big news this week centers around the changes that Google has rolled out related to Google+ integration with search, which as the tech press buzzing. Google is aiming to bring users additional search functionality that is incorporated with their Google+ profiles. The official Google blog states that “you should be able to find your own stuff on the web, the people you know and things they’ve shared with you, as well as the people you don’t know but might want to… all from one search box.” Industry observers are saying it’s too much Google+, all the time.
Regardless, it’s a new dimension on the face of search and that spells opportunity (for those optimists among us) to Optimize. Here are a few tips on Google+ optimization. Be sure to add TopRank to your Google+ circles!
It’s an Oh So Social Web
“Facebook projected to hit 1 billion active users by August” There are about 6.9 billion people currently living in the world, and Facebook is projected to capture close to 14% of that number by the end of this summer. According to a new study, the Facebook user count will hit 1 billion by the month of August. Via Digital Trends.
“Anywhere in the world, foursquare Explore can find you something interesting (now on your computer!)” How do you search for personalized recommendations in the real world? This is a huge and difficult problem. Most real-world searches are one-size fits all. The new web version of Explore is powered by 1,500,000,000 check-ins, tens of millions of Tips, and over half million Lists. Explore is powered by check-ins and foursquare Tips, it’s not just personalized, it’s specific. Via Foursquare.
“Some Advertisers Are Paying Up To $10 Per Follow On Twitter” Marketers spent an estimated $100- to $150-million on Twitter advertising to reach its 100 million users last year, compared with forecasts of nearly $4-billion for Facebook and its 800 million users. So far, Twitter’s advertisers have been prepared to pay $1 to $4 for each new follower through “promoted accounts”, though some – such as car makers – are bidding more than $10. Via Financial Times.
“YouTube accounts for 25% of visits to social sites in December” Market research analyst James Murray shares that there were record levels of Internet traffic at Christmas, with 2.18 billion visits going to online retailers in December. Murry also shares that the right blend of traffic from social media, affiliates, and other sources is essential. But, that it is more important than ever for marketers to optimize both paid and organic campaigns. Via Econsultancy.
“71% More Likely to Purchase Based on Social Media Referrals [INFOGRAPHIC]” Consumers are currently connecting, rating, discussing, and consumer more product information and review then ever before. The infographic in this article illustrates the importance of ecommerce inbound marketing. Via Hubspot.
We’re With the Brand – Tips
“5 Tips for Making Your Brand More Social” As social media only continues to increase in value companies cannot afford to shamelessly self promote or opt out from the conversation all together. Requests are being made that companies respond in real time, across multiple channels. Via Social Media Examiner.
“How to Build Recognition for Your Unkown Brand” In the marketing and advertising world the word “frequency” refers to the number of times a consumer must see or an ad before they purchase the product. According to this article frequency works because it is all about building trust. As consumers we tend to be weary of anything new. However, if we are shown a product or brand repeatedly we begin trust what that company has to offer. Via Wall Street Journal.
TopRank(ing) News From Our Team
Emily Conley – “Real-Life Examples of How Google’s “Search Plus” Pushes Google+ Over Relevancy”
Google’s recent implementation of the “Search Plus Your World” feature has everybody talking about whether the new feature benefits Google users, or just the company. This article dives into the initial impact of the change through a user perspective. The “Search Plus” feature has huge implications in terms of search and social…this is only the beginning of what is sure to be a long debate! Via Search Engine Land.
Ken Horst – “Pinterest: 13 Tips and Tricks for Cutting Edge Users”
As we’ve seen in previous weeks, Pinterest traffic and interest is growing like crazy, recently breaking into the top ten social media websites. In addition to the 13 tips in this post, I’ve also found it useful to create pin boards of images from my blog or web site. Each image is a link back top the originating web property and if the images are cool, users can also see some nice referring traffic as well. Via Mashable.
Alexis Hall – “SoLoMo Revolution Picks Up Where Hyperlocal Search Left Off”
I thought this post on Social Local Mobile Search or the “SoLoMo Revolution” was interesting. It discusses how companies like Shopkick have been successful using new mobile technology to offer shoppers a highly personalized experience. Via Mashable.
Discussion: What do you think about the new Google+ integration with search? Do you think it’s too much? What about $10 per Twitter user? Or $1? Do you think Foursquare can compete as a local search engine? We’d love your feedback on these stories and feel free to suggest other top stories we missed.
