Photo used under Creative Commons license from .reid
Since Google introduced its “+1” feature, we @ CP have been discussing (both internally and with many of our clients) the impact of Social Media and/or “Earned Media” on search engine results and digital brand-building in general…
It’s no secret that social media and search marketing are quickly intersecting into what is now called, “Social Search”. The Social impact on Search will be profound and will allow brands to engage through various strategies and techniques using Google +1, Facebook “Like”, Bing and Twitter. By developing engaging social media strategies, brands will increase their global search results and get their social content visible and shared more frequently. In addition, as brands increase their social footprint, they will no doubt be able to take advantage of users who are motivated to share branded content with their social circles thus igniting a “momentum effect.”
Despite all the technology options, people’s social instincts remain one of the strongest ways for brands to gain credibility. Brands that increase their social positioning will benefit and increase ‘brand awareness’ and ultimately conversions. Brands should seriously consider brand building by giving consumers the ability to “like” or “+1” their content, products and/or services.