Google SERP Changes - Social Search Recommendations

Peter Devereaux
by Peter Devereaux 17 Feb, 2011
Google SERP Changes - Social Search Recommendations

You knew it was coming. I mean, you really knew this was coming, right? Google just announced that social search results (let's call them social recommendations) were just put into high gear. If you didn't know it was coming, well, take off the blinders.

Google's update to its more "social" search experience covers different areas. First, social results will now be mixed throughout search results based on their relevance - meaning relevance to the user conducting the query and of course the content shared by those in the users social graph - as indicated to Google through the use of connecting accounts on the users public Google profile.

Social search results were formerly available at the bottom of the search results page but now they can (and do) appear anywhere and include an annotation about the source referring or "recommending" that content.

Google has also made social search more comprehensive by finally including some of that Twitter firehose it paid to access back in the summer of 2010. Users will now see notes for links people have shared on Twitter and other sites. (We're still looking into what other sites.) Again, if someone is connected to you publicly and shares a link, the chances are good you might see it when searching at Google.

While it will certainly be interesting to see how this pans out - particularly users reactions, the more important question, and the one you should be asking is, "Why am I not out building more social relationships?"

 
Peter Devereaux
Peter Devereaux
As the Editor-in-Chief of Website Magazine and President of Website Services, Peter has established himself as a prominent figure in the digital marketing industry. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Peter has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of digital marketing. His leadership in creating innovative and targeted marketing campaigns has helped numerous businesses achieve their revenue growth goals. Under his direction, Website Magazine has become a trusted source of information and insights for digital marketers worldwide. As President of Website Services, Peter oversees a team of talented professionals who specialize in SEO/SEM, email marketing, social media, and digital advertising. Through his hands-on approach, he ensures that his team delivers exceptional results to their clients. With a passion for digital marketing, Peter is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, making him a sought-after thought leader in the field.