TechCrunch reported on Friday that Google+ has launched a new feature allowing people to add their favorite bloggers and writers to their Circles on the social network. This might raise the stakes for businesses publishing original content, as it could increase chances for brand engagement if content writers are added to users Circles.
For logged-in users, search results will include links to authors’ Google+ accounts and a button designed to make it easy to add esteemed industry authors to Circles.
Businesses using content marketing campaigns improve their companies’ niche thought leadership. Since users can add an author or blogger to their contacts on Google+, it’s likely that they will see this content in their feeds more frequently. Plus, the connection to authors may alter a businesses SERP standing among logged-in users. As Brafton reported, one search expert found connection to a company on Google+ resulted in a favorable position for this business’ content.
According to TechCrunch, the tool is not fully available, as Google is slowly rolling it out to select users.
Social media can be used as part of initiatives aimed at boosting web visibility. Brafton recently reported that companies hoping to land a spot in Google News have myriad elements to consider. However, both social media marketing and thought leadership are linchpins in Google News admission and rankings.
