The answer: Most likely.
According to a report from AdAge, Google is “experimenting” with the idea of making a click on the +1 button as one of the factors for ranking in the search engine’s results. But Google may actually go deeper and take into consideration the size of a “circle” and how widely its content is being shared. For the uninitiated, a circle refers to the social network’s pool of users following the same brand.
What does this mean for e-commerce merchants and Internet marketing experts?
Well, for starters, any Internet marketing expert will tell you that this means brands should be more active on Google’s social space. Or be on it if you’re still immune to Google+’s charms. It’s not yet official but as early as now, some brands are worried that those who penetrated the new social network early might have more search advantages over the late bloomers. Some major companies, like Dell and Macy’s, are active on Google+. A large group of retailers, however, are still on an experimental phase with the newcomer. This vast majority is not really looking at their Google+ accounts as an opportunity to rank naturally on search engines. In fact, most of them are copying their Facebook content into their Google+ pages.
Is it time to reassess your social media marketing strategy with your Internet marketing expert? It probably is. After all, it will come as no surprise if Google gives more value to activity on Google+ than on Facebook when it comes to creating the algorithm for organic search results.
For entrepreneurs and Internet marketing experts, the official announcement of this recent change from Google, no matter how subtle it might be, is just a formality. Many brands are not waiting and taking any chances. Expect higher engagement on Google+ but do not forget the search engine giant’s number one consideration for higher search rankings—top quality and fresh content. Right now, Google+ or no Google+, that strategy can work wonders for online businesses.