What Does Google Authorship Mean for SEO?

by Anna McHenry August 21, 2012

If you are into search engine optimization, then it’s a must to stay updated so that you can convert more traffic into potential customers. As such you might be aware of Google authorship markup for SEO. If not, then let’s have a look into how this can be helpful to you.

Understanding Google Authorship

Google Authorship (Watch that great video by Chris Countey) Markup is basically a platform which allows you to connect with authors conveniently. No doubt, it was always simple but since this is offered by Google now, this means it can add to your benefit in plenty of ways. So if you are thinking about attracting traffic to your page, then yes Google authorship makeup paves the way for you.

Let’s check out all the benefits Google Authorship Markup offers you:

• Credibility: This is a great platform where you can hunt for reliable websites. Nowadays, search engine rankings cannot be completely trusted. Most of the people go for content which is displayed in the topmost results. But are we really sure that the content is completely reliable? Though, it’s not a very serious risk yet why take chances?

• Equal opportunity: Most of the websites do not enjoy higher rankings on search engines. But with Google Authorship, websites that do not enjoy higher ranks but display quality and original content can compete with websites with higher ranking since Authorship works on an advanced algorithm to perform a better search and hence give an equal opportunity to all the websites.

• Redefining search: With Google Authorship, the new search will feature more social characteristics. The authors will have their own bio data, reputation and other information displayed. Hence would be a very innovative feature since this will transform the traditional search into a social one.

• Incorporating advanced technology: Thus, to revolutionize the search and produce something that fits to the requirements of all, Google Authorship Markup as mentioned above uses an advanced algorithm to keep pace with today’s needs.

Getting Started with Google Authorship Markup

Now that we are aware of the key features and benefits of Google Authorship Markup, let’s check out the basic steps which you need to follow to get started with the same:

• You need to create your Google+ profile at first. Make sure that you complete every bit of information that is required since you must consider it a great chance to promote your business.

• The next step requires you to verify your account. You simply have to open the link plus.google.com/authorship and then sign up with your email. You will see a verification link that would be used to verify your account.

• Now after your Google+ profile is created, the next major step is to link your content with your profile. You can add links to your bio page or also the URL of your content.

• The next step is to link from your content to the Google+ profile. Most of the content management systems have made it easier to implement the Google authorship markup.

Hence the answer to the question regarding what Google authorship means to search engine optimization stands clear. Now you can see it as a great opportunity for a great online presence. Thus, this will also give a chance to everyone alike to compete in a space where search engine ranking was based on anonymous results. With such growing prospects for all, we can hope that the technological advancements will bring in more such positive changes. So have you tried Google authorship markup yet, if not then do not forget the wonders it can do for you!

Anna McHenry
Anna McHenry is the Director of Client Services here at McKremie. She tweets from @McKremie so stop by and say "hi" on Twitter.

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