Google +1 Button Rolling Out Today To Take On Facebook Like
Google’s answer to the Facebook “Like” button is finally here — the “+1″ button. Although the product lacks the ability to share information like Facebook or even Twitter and other social networks, but being integrated with the worlds largest search engine gives it an advantage which all others lack. Without being present on any site, the +1 is part of every site that Google indexes. As Google calls it, +1 is a “public stamp of approval.” Whenever you +1 something, your name gets linked to that content which is shown publicly as your recommendation.
Google’s Rob Spiro, the product manager of +1 mentions in a blogpost, “Today we’re taking that a step further, enabling you to share recommendations with the world right in Google’s search results. It’s called +1—the digital shorthand for “this is pretty cool.” To recommend something, all you have to do is click +1 on a webpage or ad you find useful.”
Earlier this month, when Google upgraded Profiles, we did mention the possibility of +1 being a reason behind it. Today it is evident. Google upgraded Profiles to integrate it with +1 and Social Search, which they had also upgraded in February this year. Spiro clearly mentions, “We recently started to include more information from people you know—stuff they’ve shared on Twitter, Flickr and other sites—in Google search results. To get started +1’ing the stuff you like, you’ll need to create a Google profile—or if you already have one, upgrade it.”
Your Google Profile will play an important role both in +1 and Social Search. In case of both +1 and Social Search recommendation will be shown to you based on your social circle which is in tune with your social profiles and also your Google chat client. You can get a deeper feel of who you are connected to in your social circle and how, by visiting the ‘Social Circle and Content’ section in the Google dashboard. Your Google Profile will also allow you to manage the pages you have +1′ed. Most importantly, to see the +1 recommendations you need to be logged into your Google Account.
Google also plans to offer the +1 to publishers as well to include it on their sites. This would allow readers to +1 something without leaving the publisher’s site. Although Facebook is a clear winner here I don’t think Google will have a tough time catching up. If the data from +1, along with that of the blocking mechanism which Google implemented few weeks ago is considered by the search engine, it can spell more bad news for content farms. Users will also be able to +1 ads which are shown by Google on Adwords, which is a definite good news for search engine marketers.
You can try out +1 by enrolling for the experimental search site set up by Google and learn more about how +1 works from Spiro’s blogpost or from the video below:
Now, the big question — Does Google’s +1 have what is needed to take down Facebook’s Like?
+1 has the big advantage of being part of the world’s largest search engine. Everyone who “googles” will be able to be a part of the +1 ecosystem. And, with the indication that search results will be influenced by the recommendation made through +1, it won’t be long before we see the +1 button sitting right beside the 2 million Facebook Like buttons which are present across the web.
I do see a slow start in the beginning, as it will take some time for users to actually go ahead and set up another profile for Google. But, once the numbers start building the efficiency of +1 will start peaking. The only driving force here would be the factor, how important social search is to the world of search.Although social sharing has been a clear winner in recent times, we have not seen much traction for social search. Google +1 might just be the turning point here.
Until now, I was speaking after looking a the +1 from a neutral eye. But, coming from the Facebook camp, I’m obliged to point to Orkut, Wave and Buzz. It is a known fact, Google does not get its “social” right. However, the fact that +1 is more “search” than “social” gives the Facebook fan in me a shiver.
+1 might just be the breakthrough Google needs into the world of social media. Google is taking calculated steps this time. The +1 button is a good way to build the numbers and get people to sign up for Google Profile. After which we might see the toolbar, Loops and video conferencingfeatures which we had informed about earlier in December 2010. +1 is just the first step of a much bigger road ahead. A lot of activity awaits us in the coming months.
What’s your take on the +1 button? Do you think it has what it takes to take down Facebook’s Like?
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