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46% of all Google searches are seeking local information? Roughly 50% of every purchase BEGINS at Google (on or offline). Search is BIGGER than ever. Social media gets all the glory these days (and it’s certainly evolved over the last decade) but there’s still NOTHING that drives more traffic, particularly purchasing traffic (those users looking to buy) than search. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s become such a complete part of our lives that many don’t even realize just how massive it is. $15 TRILLION in consumer purchases are facilitated every year. If 50% of those start with search that’s $7.5 TRILLION in value exchange facilitated by search.
With the introduction of the new Google follow button, businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to directly engage with their customer base, in an automated, way. This feature allows users to follow businesses directly from within Google search results, creating a direct line of communication between concepts (and the brands that dominate those concepts) and potential customers.
I like to think of this new follow format as a combination of 3 separate tools:
Search | Google Alerts | Email Newsletters
It’s clear the search page is getting more cluttered, and not everyone has the time or ability to continually search for news, information, and updates related to a particular industry, event, brand, item, or… whatever. So this new idea (which I love) is a great way to stay abreast of a particular topic. And the brands that consider this, how it works, and integrate into their SEO will dominate in 2024.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, this means an enhanced ability to build brand loyalty, share promotions, and provide real-time updates on products or services. It offers a chance to stand out in a crowded marketplace by fostering meaningful connections with local consumers. In this post, we’ll explore the implications of the new Google follow button for your business and how you can leverage this tool to strengthen your online presence and drive customer engagement.
The new Google Follow Button offers businesses an opportunity to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience. By allowing users to follow their favorite topics directly from the search results page, this feature enables savvy businesses to stay connected with potential customers.
Businesses can benefit from the personalized search experience that the new Google Follow Button provides. When users follow a particular topic, they are now going to be sent information on that topic consistently, and brands that align themselves with consistently putting out helpful content around said topics will dominate. Although, what’s currently unclear is how this can be tracked from a business perspective. Surely tools like Google Trends, and the assortment of keyword tools will be available to tease out ideas, but it would be nice to see Google build out tools for advertisers, brands, and companies to reveal trends and topics.
The new feature also allows businesses to influence what content is shown on users’ social network feeds. When users follow a website through Google’s platform, they may receive updates and posts directly on their social media accounts if those platforms are linked. This provides businesses with another avenue for promoting new content, attracting more visitors to their web pages.
With the introduction of the new Google Follow Button, businesses now have an additional option for connecting with potential customers beyond traditional methods such as email marketing or social media advertising – in many ways combining these.
This new functionality has implications not only for how individuals discover information but also for how experts and thought leaders share knowledge within their respective industries. For example, professionals in fields like technology or finance can use this feature as a way to showcase their expertise and grow their influence among peers and followers alike.
The new Google follow button is a feature that allows users to follow topics directly from the search results. It enables users to receive updates and information about followed topics. The primary purpose of this feature is to enhance user engagement with topics, through the combination of business, web, and social media content by providing them with easy access to updates and content. It’s basically a medium independent awareness tool. Whether you’re using Google Chrome, on your android phone, logged into Google through Safari, etc. this new feature will acquire content from across the web in various ways and presentations, and re-present them wherever you’re at, even notifying you of updates.
The follow button works differently on various platforms, such as mobile devices, desktops, and tablets. For instance, on mobile devices, users can tap the “Follow” button next to a business listing in their search results. On desktops or laptops, they can click the “Follow” button located near the business listing. Similarly, presentation of the content is different on different devices or different software.
Implementing or adjusting your strategy to maximize the likelihood of your content being provided to users via the Google Follow Button provides several benefits for businesses. Firstly, it increases visibility as users who follow a topic that you’ve catered will see its posts and updates more frequently in their search results and feeds. Secondly, it enhances customer engagement by allowing direct communication between businesses and potential customers through regular updates.
This new feature also helps in improving a business’s online presence by potentially increasing its ranking feature on Google search results due to higher user engagement.
Additionally Google is rolling out new ranking features within this update and as a part of the Google Follow button update that is looking at which website you’re visiting often and then showing you those sites more often in search results – and showing you additional news and information from those websites.
This new functionality – similar to previous query, looks at at which websites you visit often (along with a number of additional criteria – how long you’re on the websites, how many pages you visit, etc.) showing you that site more often than other sites.
Search is finally becoming fully customized on an individual basis. Think of it as “youtube” but for search – completely tailored to your previous history and experience.
Unlike the major Follow button update – you will not need to “follow” a topic or query, this is being rolled out automatically.
Search history – According to searchengineland it’s unclear how long you search history is retained for this level of personalization. There is no way to turn off this feature without turning off all personalization or signing out of Google Search when you conduct your search.
On mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, when users perform a relevant local search (e.g., “coffee shops near me”), they will see listings of nearby coffee shops along with an option to “Follow” each one directly from the search results page. This way they can stay updated about promotions or events happening at those coffee shops without having to visit individual websites.
Similarly, when using a desktop or laptop for local searches (e.g., “best Italian restaurants in town”), users will be able to find Italian restaurant listings with an option to follow them right from the search engine result page (SERP). By following these restaurants, users can receive notifications about special offers or new menu items directly within their feed.
Implementing this feature not only benefits potential customers but also provides valuable insights for businesses regarding user interest based on follows received across different platforms.
The new Google follow button allows users to stay updated on their favorite businesses directly from the search results page. Users can simply click the “Follow” button next to a business listing, and they will receive updates about events, promotions, or offers from that business. This feature is designed to enhance user experience by providing quick access to relevant information.
Google’s new follow feature also enables businesses to engage with potential customers more effectively. By allowing users to follow their favorite businesses, it creates a direct channel for businesses to communicate important updates and news. For example, if a local restaurant has a special event or promotion coming up, followers will be notified through their Google accounts.
When users decide to follow a particular business using the Google follow button, they essentially opt in for receiving updates from that specific entity. They can manage their followed businesses through the “Following” section in their Google account settings. This ensures that users have control over which businesses they want to stay connected with and receive notifications from.
Moreover, when users perform searches related to the followed businesses on Google, they may see posts and updates directly in the search results page. This provides them with instant access to relevant information without having to visit individual websites or social media platforms.
The integration of the Google follow button with other Google services opens up various possibilities for both users and businesses alike. For instance, integrating this feature with Google Maps could allow users who frequently visit certain locations (such as restaurants or stores) to easily start following those establishments directly from within Maps.
Businesses can leverage this feature by incorporating it into their overall digital marketing strategy. They can encourage customers visiting their physical locations or website visitors to hit the “Follow” button so that they can stay informed about future offerings and developments.
The Google follow button can significantly enhance your business’s brand visibility. When users follow your business on Google, it increases the chances of your content appearing in their search results and updates. This means that whenever a user searches for related products or services, there’s a higher likelihood of them coming across your business. For example, if you operate a local bakery and someone follows your business on Google, the next time they search for “freshly baked pastries near me,” your bakery is more likely to appear prominently in their search results.
Moreover, when potential customers see that others are following and engaging with your business through the follow button, it creates social proof. People are more inclined to trust businesses that have an active following as it signals popularity and credibility.
The increased brand visibility resulting from the Google follow button can also lead to organic word-of-mouth marketing. When users engage with your content because they followed you on Google, their connections might also come across it through shared posts or recommendations.
One key advantage of the Google follow button is its ability to aid in building a loyal customer base. By allowing users to keep up with updates from your business easily, this feature encourages repeat engagement and fosters loyalty among existing customers. For instance, if you run a fitness center and clients start following you on Google, they’ll receive notifications about new classes or special promotions directly within their feed.
Furthermore, by consistently providing valuable content through regular updates—such as informative blog posts or exclusive offers—you can further solidify relationships with followers over time. As these followers continue to engage with your content through likes, shares, comments etc., they become part of an actively engaged community around your brand.
Another benefit is that having followers enables direct communication between businesses and consumers via Google Posts. This allows for personalized interactions where businesses can respond directly to comments or questions from followers—fostering deeper connections while addressing concerns promptly.
To add the Google Follow button to your website, follow these simple steps. First, access your Google My Business account and navigate to the “Followers” tab. Then, click on the “Add follow button” option and copy the generated code. Next, paste this code into the HTML of your website where you want the button to appear.
Customizing the appearance of the Google Follow button is essential for ensuring it aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. You can modify various aspects such as size, language, and alignment to suit your website’s design seamlessly. By customizing these options effectively, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive user experience.
Optimizing user experience when incorporating the Google Follow button is crucial for maximizing its impact on driving engagement. Ensure that it is prominently displayed on your website so visitors can easily locate it without any hassle. Placing it in a visible location such as near social media icons or at the end of blog posts can significantly increase visibility.
Content creators should consider leveraging this feature by strategically integrating it within their content marketing strategy. For instance, adding a call-to-action prompting readers to follow their business on Google could lead to an influx of new followers who are interested in staying updated with their latest offerings.
Now that you understand the significance of Google’s new follow feature, it’s time to take action. Incorporate this tool into your digital marketing strategy to enhance your online presence and connect with your audience in a more meaningful way. Remember, staying ahead in the digital landscape requires adaptability and embracing new tools as they emerge. Don’t let your business fall behind; leverage this feature to its full potential.
Incorporating the new Google follow button into your business strategy can be a game-changer, so don’t hesitate to explore its possibilities. Keep optimizing your content for search engines and engaging with your audience to build a strong online presence. Embrace change and stay proactive in utilizing the latest tools available to propel your business forward.
Google’s new follow feature allows users to follow businesses directly from search results. It enables users to stay updated on the latest news, offers, and updates from their favorite businesses without visiting their websites.
When a user follows a business on Google, they will see posts and updates from that business in their “For You” tab. Businesses can share content such as events, offers, product updates, and more with their followers through this feature.
Yes, it can positively impact your business by increasing visibility in search results and providing another channel to engage with potential customers. By sharing relevant and valuable content through this feature, you can build stronger connections with your audience.
Optimizing for this feature involves creating compelling posts that resonate with your target audience. Use high-quality images, clear calls-to-action (CTAs), and relevant keywords. Consistency in posting engaging content also plays a crucial role in maximizing its benefits for your business.
Absolutely! SEO remains vital as it helps businesses improve their online visibility and connect with potential customers when they are actively searching for products or services related to what they offer. Adapting SEO strategies to align with digital changes ensures continued relevance and success.