Ah, Google Plus—what a ride it was! Though the platform has been retired since 2019, there’s still some curiosity (and confusion) around whether those Google Plus shares ever had a role in SEO rankings. If you’ve ever found yourself pondering this, you’re in the right spot. We’re going to break it down for you, piece by piece, and discover what—if anything—those shares meant for your SEO game.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the history of Google Plus, its intended role in the SEO world, and the actual effects (if any) of its shares on search rankings. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how social signals fit into the SEO puzzle, even today.
The Rise and Fall of Google Plus
Google Plus was Google’s shot at creating a social media platform that could rival Facebook. Launched in 2011, it aimed to integrate social networking into the Google ecosystem seamlessly. It boasted features like Circles, Hangouts, and Communities, which were pretty neat ideas at the time.
However, the platform struggled to gain traction with users. Despite Google’s efforts to push it by integrating it with other services (like YouTube comments), it never really caught on. By 2019, Google pulled the plug, and Google Plus was no more.
But while it was alive, there was a lot of buzz about its potential effects on SEO. Google, being Google, had created this platform, so naturally, people speculated that it might play a role in improving search rankings. That brings us to our main question: did Google Plus shares actually help your SEO?
Understanding SEO and Social Signals
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Google Plus and SEO, let’s take a step back. What are social signals anyway? In the simplest terms, social signals refer to a website’s collective social media activity. This includes likes, shares, comments, and overall engagement from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, once upon a time, Google Plus.
These signals have long been debated in the SEO community. Some believe they directly impact rankings; others argue they’re more of an indirect factor. The truth is, while social signals aren’t a direct ranking factor, they can influence SEO in several ways:
- Increased Visibility: Social shares can increase content visibility, leading to more traffic and potentially more backlinks.
- Enhanced Credibility: A strong social presence can signal to search engines that your brand is reputable and trustworthy.
- Improved Engagement: Social platforms are great for engaging with your audience, which can lead to more user-generated content and brand mentions.
So, while social signals might not directly affect rankings, they certainly play a supporting role in a broader SEO strategy.
Google Plus and SEO: The Initial Buzz
When Google Plus first launched, there was a lot of chatter about its potential SEO benefits. After all, Google owned the platform, and it seemed logical to assume they’d give it some sort of preferential treatment, right?
Initially, some SEO experts observed that content shared on Google Plus appeared to get indexed faster. This led to the belief that Google Plus shares might be a ranking factor. People started to speculate that having a strong presence on the platform could give them an edge in search results.
However, as time went on, it became clear that the relationship between Google Plus and SEO wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. It turns out, those initial observations might have been a case of correlation, not causation.
The Reality: Google Plus Shares and SEO
As much as it would have been cool for Google Plus shares to be a secret SEO hack, the reality was a bit different. Google has consistently stated that social signals are not direct ranking factors. And with Google Plus, it was no exception.
Here’s what we learned:
- Faster Indexing: Content shared on Google Plus might have appeared to get indexed faster, but it wasn’t because of any special treatment. It was more about the nature of the platform itself, which allowed for quick indexing of new content.
- Indirect Benefits: While Google Plus shares didn’t directly impact rankings, they could indirectly benefit SEO by driving traffic and increasing brand visibility.
- User Engagement: Google Plus was yet another avenue to engage with users, which could lead to more organic traffic and brand mentions elsewhere on the web.
While Google Plus shares didn’t boost rankings outright, they did contribute to a well-rounded SEO strategy by supporting other elements that could lead to better search performance.
What Happened After Google Plus? The Role of Social Media Today
With Google Plus out of the picture, where does that leave us with social media and SEO? Today, the role of social media in SEO remains somewhat indirect but still incredibly valuable.
Here’s how social media continues to support SEO efforts:
- Content Promotion: Social media platforms are excellent for promoting content and driving traffic to your website.
- Brand Building: A strong social media presence can enhance brand loyalty and authority, factors that can indirectly influence SEO.
- Community Engagement: Social media allows brands to engage with their audience, encouraging user-generated content and brand mentions that can benefit SEO.
Even without Google Plus, social media remains a crucial part of a holistic SEO strategy. It’s not about direct rankings but about building a strong online presence that naturally supports better search performance.
Practical Tips for Using Social Media to Support SEO
Now that we’ve established the role of social media in SEO, let’s get practical. How can you leverage (oops, almost used that word!) social media to support your SEO efforts?
- Create Shareable Content: Focus on creating content that’s easy to share and engages your audience. This can include blog posts, videos, infographics, and more.
- Engage with Your Audience: Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking questions, and encouraging discussions.
- Optimize Social Profiles: Make sure your social profiles are complete and optimized with relevant keywords and links to your website.
- Track Social Mentions: Use tools to track brand mentions and engage with users who talk about your brand online.
Remember, the goal is to build a strong online presence that naturally supports your SEO efforts. Social media is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s an important one.
Lessons from Google Plus: What We Can Learn
While Google Plus may be a thing of the past, there are still valuable lessons to be learned from its time in the spotlight. Here are a few takeaways:
- Don’t Rely on One Platform: Diversify your social media strategy and don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- Stay Informed: The digital landscape is always changing. Stay informed about the latest trends and updates in SEO and social media.
- Focus on Quality: Whether it’s social media or SEO, quality content and engagement should always be a priority.
While Google Plus may not have been the SEO magic bullet some hoped for, it reminded us of the importance of a balanced and informed approach to digital marketing.
Looking Forward: The Future of Social Media and SEO
As we move forward, the relationship between social media and SEO will continue to evolve. Social platforms are constantly changing, and new ones are always emerging. Staying adaptable and open to new opportunities will be crucial for success.
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Emerging Platforms: Keep an eye on new social platforms and consider how they might fit into your strategy.
- Video Content: Video continues to grow in popularity. Consider how video content can enhance your social media and SEO efforts.
- Social Commerce: As social platforms integrate more shopping features, consider how this could impact your ecommerce strategy.
The digital world is always changing, and staying informed and adaptable will help you make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Final Thoughts
So, did Google Plus shares impact your SEO ranking? In short, not directly. But they did play a role in a broader strategy that supported SEO efforts by increasing visibility, driving traffic, and building brand authority.
If you’re looking to enhance your SEO efforts today, remember that it’s all about a well-rounded approach. And if you need a little help along the way, Pattern is here to support you. We’re about driving real results, not just rankings. We’re all about the bigger picture and making SEO work for you in a way that’s effective and efficient. Let’s make those search engines work a little harder for you!