Google+ is gradually gaining a foothold as a top online social network, but for many small businesses and entrepreneurs, even those with a social media presence, it is still a new area. But when the world’s most widely used search engine introduces something that can impact search results and clicks, you should take notice. Having pages ranked highly for commercial terms and phrases can have a huge impact on a business’ bottom line. In particular you need to grasp the importance of the Google Authorship feature and use this new marketing tool to your advantage.

What is Google Authorship?

Establishing a Google+ account can provide an additional source of information about your business for customers, and setting up Google Authorship enables you to tie your various articles and blogs together across the Internet. That means the content you post on other sites helps establish your reputation, both in the eyes of potential customers and Google.

With Google Authorship, when you post an article that is connected through your business Google+ account, your profile picture and name become linked to the article. So, when a would-be client does a web search for phrases in your article, not only will your article appear on the list, so will your picture and name.

Google Authorship in SERPs

Why Customers Like It

When your articles become connected through your Google+ account, it provides an instant directory for readers — who may eventually become customers — to find related topics you have written about and any any other additional information that you have posted online. They can also easily join your Google+ network.

Readers who like your work can also show their support through clicks of the +1 button, which will record how many people have approved of your content. The more people who click that button, the higher your article is likely to rise in Google searches.

Add That Visual Appeal

Beyond offering the potential to optimize where your work appears on web searches, using Google Authorship adds a layer of visual appeal that could be the edge you need against your competitors. If they don’t have Google Authorship, they will not have the benefit of an eye-catching profile picture connected to their articles.

An interesting profile photo in itself may make a would-be client curious enough to click on the article or the picture just to find out more about your company and about you. Statistics show that click through rates are much higher for Google results with pictures. And this means more website traffic, which should mean more revenue!

Adding it to Your Blog

Google Authorship also offers a widget to help you incorporate the system into your WordPress blog. After you provide the necessary information, this plugin automatically generates your bio and notifies Google that you are the author of the content and links it to your Google+ account. The widget can easily be incorporated into your blog, where you can post everything from industry news to helpful hints to a bio about your business.

In the end, Google Authorship can provide your company with an opportunity to compete with bigger businesses, just by having customers that like you and like the content that you are providing. It can give you an edge to set you apart from your competitors and build trust in your brand.

Guest post by AscentInternet.com. Ascent Internet offers Web design, social media and SEO services in St. George, Utah and across the U.S.

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