Do you use the ‘like’ button on Facebook? Google is creating their version of this concept: The +1 button. Pronounced ‘Plus One’, it should debut in the coming weeks according to a recent article on Mashable.com.
What is Google’s +1 button?
As Google describes it on their website, +1 helps with “recommendations when you want them.”
“The +1 button is shorthand for “this is pretty cool” or “you should check this out.” Click +1 to publicly give something your stamp of approval. Your +1′s can help friends, contacts, and others on the web find the best stuff when they search.” – Google.com.
Will Google’s +1 appear on Facebook or Twitter?
No. This new button will not be partnered with Facebook or Twitter. It is a Google specific button and appears to be Google’s way of becoming more social in this new social media world we are creating!
What will it do for you?
Improve your Google search results with recommendations! Google +1 will help you decide what Bed and Breakfast to go to, which websites your friends think are worth checking out, which Hair Salon to try, etc. You will be able to see which of your friends clicked the ‘+1’ in each of your Google searches. Right now it will only be linked with contacts you have in your Google Account, but may expand out in the future.
What will +1 do for your business webpage?
Businesses will be able to add the Google +1 button to their websites, much like the Facebook and Twitter buttons. This button will also help you track analytics and show specific details on who is clicking +1 for your business. SeachEngineLand.com has a helpful article and images of this which they posted last week.
When can you use it?
According to @googleio on Twitter, it will be available for publishers in the next few weeks. To use +1 and take full advantage of all its features you must be signed into a Google Account.
Google is currently allowing people to experiment with +1 now: check it out here!
Google also created a video to help explain what it is and why you need to +1: Watch it here.
Google has an uphill battle here with this new +1 button. Almost everyone has a facebook account but who really has a Google account that has been fleshed out with basic information about themselves? Do you think this button will ultimately fail like Google’s other ventures into social media?
I agree Guillermo. It will be tough to get people to sign up for a Google account if they don’t already have one. I do have one, so I am interested to see if my contacts start recommending things.
I also wrote this article a few weeks before the new ‘Bing and Decide’ commercials starting showing up on TV. I think that is going to go over much better than Google because it links with your Facebook friends (not just people you email).
Thanks so much for the comment.
@Guillermo – I agree with you about the fact that so many people are on Facebook at this point, that it’s going to be difficult for Google compete on a level playing field. Then again, you can’t really blame them for trying.