What impact will Google +1 have?
Last week saw the launch of Google +1, the search engines initiative to make searching the web a little easier and more familiar. In essence the +1 function will allow searchers, logged into their Google accounts, to recommend an ad or a site so that their contacts, should they perform a similar search will be able to see their approval. The idea is that we all trust our friend’s judgment and are more likely to act on such a recommendation.
The process is very simple and quick and as such will not impede users from their current searching.
Our first thoughts on this are positive. It will, from a user’s point of view, help them make a decision on what they are searching for and from an advertisers point of view it should allow for more effective advertising. By generating traffic from ‘friends of friends’ it will be fascinating to see the impact on conversion rates. The theory that friends are likely to make the same purchases is hardly radical so one would assume better quality traffic and better returns. The function is available on paid listings as well as natural which is positive move from Google.
At the moment +1 is only available on Google.com but will roll out across the other sites very quickly and of course one has to be signed into Google in order to make a recommendation. This will inevitably impact the reach of +1 but for those who do sign in it will most likely prove a very useful service.
It’s skpooy how clever some ppl are. Thanks!