In March this year Google introduced a new feature in search results: +1.  So what’s it all about?.  It will of course not be any surprise to regular surfers that Facebook, Twitter  i.e. the “Social Networks” have made a major impact on the way we surf the net today.  Companies like Google, Microsoft etc have had to take notice of the popularity of the new social way of doing things. 

Google has long since tried to implement a more social strategy and to that end they launched +1 – a simple way to “like” search results.    

So what does it do?

If you are logged into your Google account you will see a +1 button with all search results.  If you find the search result useful or just enjoy the linked site, you hit the +1 icon. Google says by +1-ing a result you’re giving it a recommendation, a stamp of approval. More +1′s on a result means the site is more interesting.  Furthermore, if you have friends linked through your Google account, you will be able to see what your friends have recommended through +1.  Yes, that’s all it does – Now.

Not that impressed?

Google +1 is another sign that Google wants to evolve into a more social search engine. All those +1′s they keep track of will not only help Google make their searches better, but also make them more relevant to your social circle. As the Internet gets clotted in cobwebs, having friends personally +1 the best sites keeps Google from falling too far behind Facebook and Twitter in social sharing.

The Google +1 project is in its infancy and plans are afoot for further development.  At Euro Site Solutions we do recommend that  your add +1 to your website/blog to ensure that you are ahead of these developments.