Google+ Pages in Organic Search Results

Google+ Pages (for business) are starting to show up in organic search results; what we’re recommending for our clients.   

In view of the importance of organic search visibility (and SEO) for businesses of all kinds, I thought it noteworthy that Google+ Pages are now starting to appear within their search results. From what I see, it’s mostly big companies showing up now, but Google has every incentive to include a company’s Google+ Page as an SEO ranking factor going forward; it’s another way they can drive Google+ adoption.

Exact numbers are hard to pin down but Google+ now likely has north of 50 million users. This is far short of Facebook’s 800 million, but we see a different demographic tilt to the Google social network. It’s a difference we think will be especially important to B2B sectors.

Based on our analysis, we find Google+ users are generally more business oriented, include more knowledge workers, are a bit more male than female (at least for now), and tend to be a little younger (Gen X and Y) than the typical Facebook user. To the extent that your target market includes this demographic, setting up a Google+ Page for your business could make sense beyond its SEO value.

I've included a link to an informative article in PC Mag on how to set one up: 

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397264,00.asp

 

New FernwoodBotanical.org website launch

We're happy to announce the launch of the new FernwoodBotanical.org website this week; what an amazing place! Details are on Webwire. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=150254

Chrome continues to take share in the browser wars

Google's Chrome browser continues to take share; now just ahead of Firefox and gaining on IE. Good time to confirm how your website renders on Chrome.  http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222322/Chrome_edges_Firefox_grabs_second_browser_spot

How Beauty Feels

You may enjoy this recently posted TED talk by Richard Seymour on How Beauty Feels; he offers some interesting insights on our emotional response to beauty whether it's a motorcycle or a face (or a great website). Here's a link:

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_seymour_how_beauty_feels.html

Register for our next Internet Strategy seminar

Our “Developing an Effective Internet Strategy” seminar is coming up (Monday) October 24 at GVSU in Grand Rapids.   SBTDC has lined up a sponsor to cover the $30 enrollment fee, so you can attend at no charge, but you still need to register to reserve a spot; (link below.) Here’s an overview of the information I’ll cover:

“In this seminar you’ll learn a step-by-step process to help you evaluate your competitive advantage and develop a profitable Internet business strategy. The program includes an explanation of online tools you can use to compare metrics on your competitors' relative strengths and weaknesses along with valuable insights on the size and nature of your target market. The strategies discussed in this session have been used to generate over $100 million in revenue in B2B, B2C and service industries. It's a must for business owners interested in growing their company in the online channel.”

Here’s the link to register:

http://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=70310072

Sign up for Servant Leadership webinars

FYI - Our friends at Flint Strategic Partners are offering a webinar on building competitive advantage through servant leadership; well worth your time and consideration; details here: http://www.flintpartners.com/

Essential Website Design Elements seminar at WMU

Mysteries explained; dark secrets revealed!

I'm looking forward to presenting our "Essential Website Design Elements" seminar on Thursday, Sept. 22, 10 am to 12 pm; Western Michigan University, 3110 Schneider Hall, Haworth College of Business; Kalamazoo, MI 49008.

Seating is limited; click the link below for details and to register for the event.

Website Design seminar at WMU details