Despite my initial doubts that Google would unfairly promote Google+ in search, new data shows that Google is, in fact, pushing Google+ in front of search users, with or without “Search, Plus Your World” (SPYW). SPYW personalized results can be turned off with a simple click, meaning that the users can choose not to see results from friends, but this doesn’t stop Google from promoting Google+ other ways. The screenshot below is self-explanatory:
A search for SOPA on Google displays such results. Google+ pages are displayed at the right - the place otherwise reserved for ads.
Even for more general terms, such as 'marketing' Google displays people and pages on Google+.
Some of the featured people and businesses on Google+ deserve to be there – these are prominent web personalities. However, the move is detrimental for small businesses and people, who are equally skilled as Seth Godin, for example, but not as popular with communities on any social networks. As a general rule, self promoters get a big popularity plus, while other marketing experts, who avoid the “me, me, me” approach to personal branding, are stuck in a loser scenario.
As much as popular people and communities deserve our accolades, is it fair for Google to push them in search results? You have to understand that Google doesn’t push these people and brands out of pure altruism, but to bait and hook more users to Google+.
Google+ in universal search is annoying, and it is hurting my business by pushing adwords ads below the fold.
It’s natural that Google will promote their product. And we can’t speak about fairness here. They are in a more priviliged position in this situation.
Obviously when you search on Google then Google will promote their products for sure. And i don’t think so there is anything wrong!