Google has confirmed that it is testing a new way of presenting its web results page. The search giant is playing with the idea of moving on from its ten results at a time format and instating infinite scrolling. What this means is that instead of having to leave your first 10 results behind when you go to page two of Google’s web results (not that anyone ever goes there), you would click ‘show more results’ and simply expand your set of results.
Have you been wondering about that new “+1” button that appears when you run a Google search?
Google’s +1 was recently launched to increase Google’s presence on the web and improve search results in the future. But (and it’s a big “but”) it was also implemented to compete with big competitors such as Facebook. Yes, Google is going social! You could say Google’s new button acts very much like the Facebook “Like” and Twitter “Tweet” button.
What’s the purpose of that little thing?
By clicking the “+1” button, you allow your friends, contacts and other web users to view your recommended sites when they do a related search. Let’s say you did a search for vegetarian recipes. You found a great site and you give your stamp of approval by hitting the “+1” button. Your “+1” is now saved and you have made it easier for the next person to find those same delicious recipes quickly!
Want to start “+1ing”?
To “+1” a site you have to create a Google profile. Anyone can see your “+1” on a specific site; however, you can control who can see your “+1 tab” in your profile that contains a consolidated list of your “+1s”. Right now, you can only join Google+ by invitation (only a select group of people outside of Google’s staff have been invited), but this will likely change very soon, so get on the list!
You can also have the +1 button right on your website. All you need to do is to get the code and find the best location on your website to place it! This is just one more small way to increase your site’s performance in searches, but we can help you determine the best website optimization solutions! Don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an message! We want you to reach your targeted website traffic and have a higher search engine ranking!
Do you love searching through the Internet? Are you having problems with regards to searching the various topics that you want to browse? Are you getting tired of clicking on the different links in order for you to see what’s inside that page and later on find out that it’s something that you’re not looking for? Well, if you would answer a big yes to those questions, then, Google has good news for you. Google has now innovated its features to ease you from all your worries and problems with regards to searching through the Internet. So now, sit down and relax and enjoy Google Instant Previews.
Instant Previews is a new feature of Google which may enable the users to have a quick glance on the different links without the hassle of clicking each link and opening it manually. The snapshots of the various links are made available by Google through the use of a magnifying glass icon that is found on the right corner of the page. With Google Instant Previews, a screenshot of a certain portion of a link pertaining to what the user is searching is being presented. This is made possible by using the search term encoded by the user. With Instant Previews, users can avoid wasting time on sites don’t have the information they’re looking for.
What does this mean for your website? Google Instant Previews calls the attention of web designers to do better! With the 300 pixels allowable screenshot preview, your preview should attract searchers to visit your page. While you’re reading this – why don’t you look at how your business’ website looks on Instant Preview – how does it look? Are people able to tell what your site is about? Will they want to click on that link and visit your actual site?
When designing their websites, companies and organizations now need to take into account what the final site will look like in Instant Previews. For existing sites, some changes may be in order, so they can grab the attention of potential customers as quickly as possible with just one glance. With Google Instant Previews, your site’s design and look is crucial – it’s the first thing potential visitors will see and will base their decision on whether to click or not to click. That’s a lot riding on a 300 pixels window wide preview!
For users, Instant Previews is definitely one helpful feature from Google to make searching easier and more efficient, and it just makes website building just a tad more difficult and perhaps changes the landscape when it comes to competing for online eyeballs. Want to know more about Google Instant Previews and web design? Our team at October 17 would be happy to answer any question you may have! Just give us a call or drop us a line!
Apparently the voice researchers at Google have come up with a fabulous new free service. Tired of seeing those 411 calls on your cell phone and landline every month? I know I am! Google is changing that old school way of thinking. Why should the customer pay for the privilege of gaining a business’s information? (This works for business listings only, not residential).
Google’s already got all the information and it’s fantastic way to encourage their users to continue using Google on a regular basis. It’s a new FREE (yes, I said FREE!) 411 service. And I’m happy to report that it’s also fast and very easy to use.
I just gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to see it works in Canada too! Sadly it’s only available in English at this time, but who knows what will happen in the future.
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October 17 Media specializes in website development, paid search advertising, social media and viral marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing.
