Google launched the +1 button in March, which is now available in Google searches. +1 is targeted to work like Facebook’s Like button because these are personal 'votes' by real people, the results appear in the search results as friends recommendations.

Will the +1 button be what Google needs to succeed with social media?

Google began their social search theme with the introduction of Facebook pages and Twitter posts in search results pages, now Google is adding the weight of personal recommendations to its search rankings with the addition of the +1 button.

You need to have a "Google Profile" to use the +1 button, if you don’t already have a Profile, hit any +1 icon and then hit the Create profile and +1 button and proceed with creating your profile including a +1. Once your profile is set up and visible your friends will be able to find you by searching by your email address.

Your Google profile will also store all your +1′s in a new tab, which you can keep private as your own record of what you like around the web, or share with the world.

If you are connected to somebody by means of Gmail, Google Talk, Google Contacts, Google Reader and Google Buzz and they have recommended a site or page you may see their name and photo under the search results. If you hover over the person’s name with your mouse, it will tell you how you two are connected to each other.

Improve Your Search Engine Ranking

Webmasters and website owners can add the +1 button to their website pages or articles to encourage people to click them - Google will obviously be using this information to rank their SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) so I advise you to look into this carefully if you need organic traffic to your eCommerce website. If you need any advice on using or incorporating social media marketing into your website contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - Here is a link to the Google’s +1 page

Carl Henry (Go on click one of my buttons - I know you want to ;-) )