Google +1s Have No Direct Impact On Rankings
Strong content is still the main criteria for ranking high with Google’s algorithm.
A recent article by MOZ indicated that high Google +1’s meant higher rankings. However, Google Head of Search Spam, Matt Cutts states that +1 has no direct impact on web search engine optimization.
He said that he is looking for the “politest way to debunk the idea that more Google +1s lead to higher Google web rankings.” He also mentioned the Facebook “Likes” do not play a role in stronger Google ranking.
“But that doesn’t mean that Google is using those signals in our ranking,” Cutts add. He advises, “rather than chasing +1s of content, your time is much better spent making great content.”
However, this advice from Cutts should be taken with a grain of salt. While it’s not necessarily the number of “Likes” or “+1’s” that directly matter, their is an evidence that the amount of shares and interaction with your social media followers can make an impact on your ranking. The more you share your content, the better and that does matter for SEO. It stands to reason the more followers you have, the greater likelihood that your content reaches a larger percentage of viewers who may choose to share your content. So, while Mr. Cutts may technically be correct, but once again, he may not be telling the whole truth. Overall, while compelling content is still king, “Likes” and +1’s do matter to a certain extent.
What is your viewpoint? Do you feel like you get more traffic for your +1 or Likes?
