21 Dec 2009

Google Prioritizes Real-Time Results Over Official Twitter Accounts

It used to be easy to find an official Twitter account. You'd go to Google, type in the name of the company or celebrity or product and the official (or squatted) Twitter account using that proper noun came out on top. Not any more.

As of this writing if you Google up any company name or celebrity - even a dead one - and also include the word Twitter, Google will now prioritize a real-time stream of results over the official presence. This basically bumps anyone down slightly who was hoping to set up a Twitter account for SEO. A gallery of examples follows. 

Oh and it's not just big names either. It applies to me as well.

       
Click here to download:
Google_Prioritizes_Real-Time_R.zip (321 KB)

15 Nov 2009

Reviews Stripped from Google Search Options

I make heavy use of Google Search options in refining my queries. I was surprised this morning to see that the "reviews" option is now gone. This was one of the more handy features. Anyone have any insight here?

Search Options before (image via Search Engine Land). Note under that "Reviews" is the last link under "All Results."


And now today...


14 Aug 2009

Tool: Compare Your Ranking on Google vs. Google Caffeine

via googletutor.com

Google Tutor has spotted a great tool for comparing how your web site ranks on Google vs. Google Caffeine, the new algorithm the search giant is testing in the open. There's also a bookmarklet as well.

28 Jun 2009

The Google Jail

I have heard from various people that Google will penalize you for posting duplicate content on multiple sites. As I understand it, Google thinks you're trying to spam them so they knock down one or more of these sites in SEO influence with every infraction.
 
This presents a challenge for sites like Posterous, which lets you publish to multiple sites all at once. This was a major factor in why I decided to consolidate down to one site rather than maintain two.
 
A couple of observations here...
 
1) We kowtow to Google like it's some kind of moral authority. In exchange it would be great to see them be more transparent.
 
2) As the number of places for producing and distributing content skyrockets then duplicate postings will become the norm rather than the exception. It would be in Google's best interest to guide us rather than let us just test them.
 
What's your experience here?

Steve Rubel's Posterous

Steve Rubel (bio) is SVP, Director of Insights for Edelman Digital, a division of Edelman - the world's largest independent PR firm.

He is charged with helping clients identify emerging technologies and trends that can be applied in marketing communications programs. Rubel also explores these topics on his site and in monthly columns for Forbes.com and Advertising Age. He can be found on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Steve can be reached via email at steverubel@gmail.com.

Note: Everything posted on this site is Steve's personal opinion. It does not represent the views of Edelman or its clients.

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