Author Rank

A little caveat before you read today's column:
I've discussed the benefits of Google+ for many months now. If you are a blogger, there is no better place to be.  There is a tool you can use called Google Authorship, a bit more on this later in the column. Authorship has helped me build reputation within Google search.  Not on Google+?  I highly recommend jumping on before the train speeds out of the station.  Now onto the advantage of using Authorship.

Here’s an example of where Google Authorship worked to my benefit today.  What is Google Authorship?  Together with a plugin for your blog, Google Authorship is a way to have your default avatar show up in Google searches.  And this yet another reason we should all migrate to Google+, for without having a full Google+ profile Authorship will not give you any positive results.  Maybe now you understand what Google is doing with its “social platform.”

Google+ is NOT your typical “social” network.  Since Google is first a search engine, doesn’t it just make sense that they would incorporate search into all of their products?

Now I bet you’re wondering:
Why would I want my photo showing up in Internet searches.  Here’s why:
Search is becoming more and more social.  Because this is the case, if you have your picture associated with your content next to a search, wouldn’t it be more likely that someone you know would click on YOUR search link than another link that has no image?

Anyone who produces content on the web SHOULD find a way to institute Authorship.  If you are using WordPress to create your blog, they make  it easy with a plugin called AuthorSure.

My example is someone recently googled:
Noticing Synchronicity

It’s not there now as this column was shared on Google+ about a month ago, however when I originally wrote this, my avatar appeared to the left of the the search on the first page.  I use that avatar EVERYWHERE online.  So when someone comes across it they know it is me.  The person who went to my site even said he hit my blog because there was an image associated with the content.

This is EXACTLY why Authorship should be a part of your social media plans.  Not only does having your avatar help someone who knows you, as can be seen from my example; having your avatar associated with content that you produce can also help direct someone to your content who doesn’t know you.  In fact, that is exactly what happened in my case above.  The person who clicked my link didn’t know me but he emailed me to say he went to my site BECAUSE there was an image associated with the content.  So having Authorship lends an air of credibility as well.  If you are serious about your Social Media activity, I feel it is so important to get your authorship working for you.

Are you using WordPress to create your blog?  Here’s the plugin link for AuthorSure:
Use it!

Be Happy!  Be Well!  Be Positive!
Blessings to you.
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