subject: Google Hopes to 1-Up Facebook with +1 [print this page] Google Hopes to 1-Up Facebook with +1 Google Hopes to 1-Up Facebook with +1
Although Google Buzz didn't get the warm reception it was hoping for, Google nevertheless realizes the importance of online social interaction. So instead of attacking Facebook head-on, Google appears to be taking small jabs at the social network by focusing its efforts on the now ever-present "Like" button. Their solution? The +1 button.
Although not every detail is clear at this point (such as what exactly the +1 will mean for rankings), but the rudiments of the feature are now leaking out into the community. For one, we know the +1 button will appear next to the links that come up in search results. For example, if a user searched for "sunglasses" on Google, and they stumbled across a site that sold quality sunglasses, the user could then give the link a +1, which is essentially giving the site popularity points. Yes, just like the "Like" button.
However, in your Google account you will be able to archive the links you've "1+'d", as you would for any popular bookmarking tool. These link recommendations can simply remain private or they can be shared with other Gmail contacts.
Aside from allowing users to save and share their favorite sites, Google aims to use this feature as a technique to promote website authenticity and relevancy, thereby keeping current and pertinent sites at the top of the search results.
So the +1 button looks primed to affect rankings, which is what might separate this feature from the "Like" button, but how else is it different? Well, +1 will be something shared with the web searching public for one, unlike the "Like" button that is only found on participating sites. Having the +1 button incorporated into Google Ads is another way this feature could really separate itself.
Although we won't start seeing more +1 buttons for a few months now, Google knows how to build anticipation. With an amazing track record for successful launches (with the exception of a few underwhelming services like Buzz and Wave), we'll have to see where the +1 lands as far as public use. If this takes off, what will it mean for social media and how we share content?
