So…What is Google+ Search?

Early this year, Google and their new social media platform, Google+, brought searching on the Internet to a whole new level.  With the help of Google+, Google has integrated social media within your Google search results.  This gives you, and everyone on Google, a unique searching experience.

The new concept is called Social Search. 

So, what is Google Social Search?

In summary, Google social search refers to the Google content that appears in your search results from your social media circle.

At length:  Google uses algorithms to pull data from the web and compile it for you when you do a Google search. As a part of those algorithms, Google also pulls public content from your social circle (and extended social circle) to display in your search results.

Who is your Social Circle verses your Extended Social Circle?

The idea is similar to the difference between your immediate family and extended family. 

Your Social Circle includes all of the people you follow (or that you are "friends" with) on your social media platforms.

Your Extended Social Circle includes all of the people that your "friends" are following, in addition to the people that you directly follow.

How does Google know your Social Circle?

Google knows your social circle and your extended social circle by looking at your public Google+ profile.  It pulls the people you are following from all of the social media platforms you have listed there. Content from the people you are following on your social media platforms then shows up in your Google search results.

Creating a Google+ profile is the same thing as publicly declaring that you are okay with the world knowing all of the information you've included in the profile.

The Good with the Bad –

Google social search can feel a bit scary in two ways.  First, if you are sharing content on your social media platforms that which you DON'T want the world to have access, you will want to stop.  Second, trying to conduct an un-biased search may now feel problematic. (A search where the results are not based on your social media friends.)

To remedy the first issue, you need to go into your social media platforms and take down any information you don’t want shared publicly. (I hope that at this point, you have already taken precautions strictly personal information on the web!)  Or, at the very least, privatize the content that you don't want shared publicly.  Google only shares your PUBLIC content and posts.

To Remedy the second issue of an in-biased search, simply LOG-OUT of Google+ and your gmail account.  If you are completely logged out of Google+ and your gmail account, "social search" will NOT be apart of your search results.  You can then conduct an un-biased search.

However, Google social search is not all bad.  In fact, if you are an entrepreneur, it can be an amazing tool.  My next blog post will share 5 ways you can improve your businesses visibility and traffic with Social search. 

About Author

Kim Garst

Kim Garst is a renowned marketing strategist and speaker who is trailblazing the use of artificial intelligence in digital marketing. With over 30 years of experience as an online entrepreneur, Kim helps entrepreneurs grow their business and authority online by using AI technology. She is leading the way with proven AI frameworks that help entrepreneurs build authority in their space.

She is keynote speaker and an international best-selling author of Will The Real You Please Stand Up, Show Up, Be Authentic and Prosper in Social Media.

Named by Forbes as a Top 10 Social Media Power Influencer, Kim is well-known for her skill to simplify complex technology and make the use of AI understandable for business growth. Her relatable, actionable advice helps guide new entrepreneurs to harness the power of AI to succeed in digital marketing. Kim is leading the way in combining human and technological skills to create a new model for AI-powered marketing.

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