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Google Search Plus ‘Your World’
In late 2009, Google introduced ‘Social Search’ as part of it’s search engine results page, and in mid 2010, expanded on this with the addition of Google +.They are at it again; just a few days ago they announced a few new features that once again, revolutionise search, and could indeed change the way we look at internet marketing.
In an effort to make search richer, and more relevant to users three new search features have been announced:
1. Profiles in Google search.
This works in Instant, as well as normal search engine results. This is an easier way to connect with people you are looking for, as well as a quick link to those you are already connected with. For example, if you are searching for a friend in your Google Plus circles, your search box will auto-complete to your friend, rather than strangers with the same name.
As well as shortcuts to your friends, Instant will also auto-complete ‘prominent’ people on Google +, be it contributors and authors of Google’s Authorship program, or celebrities or other well known users.
2. People and Pages.
Searching for broad topics will now show prominent people in Google + on the right hand side of the results page, who frequently talk about, or are associated with the topic searched for. This means you can then connect with the people or communities who have similar interests.
3. Personal Results.
This will return more relevant search results to you via your friend’s recommendations, Google + posts and photos based on keywords in captions, comments or titles. Although this gives you a more personalised search, it will be more convenient for some searches more than others, and don’t worry – there is a link at the top of the results page so that you can revert to regular results without the personalisation. You can also permanently change to ‘regular’ results in your search settings.
This new breed of search has been named ‘Search plus Your World” and is being rolled out all over the English speaking world in the next few days. It brings together social networking and search all in one place, allowing you to find your own things on the web, as well as your posts, and friends posts and people you might like to meet.
For the future of internet marketing and SEO, it is a good time for businesses to incorporate a Google Plus page into their social repertoire to take advantage of these new search features.