Google +1

Back in December 5, 2010, the first rumors surfaced on the social aspect of Google that is to be incorporated in searches: Google +1. This new Google initiative is said to take over what was rumored to be called "Google Me".

Yet, unlike the rumors, Google +1 is not set to kill Facebook, it's only competing with social networks' "share" buttons, the digital version of word-of-mouth and an epic weapon for viral marketing. Google +1 will certainly shake the digital world, at least from a marketing perspective, social sharing has reached a new peak by being incorporated in searches.

I was happy to hear that Google +1 will not be directly affecting SEO (awesome), the only effect it might have would be an increased traffic to certain recommended sites which will indirectly affect the rankings (very fair).

Check this video, it was posted on Google's official Youtube channel... and if you would like to test this Google service first-hand, join the experiment, I did.

Wireless Network Name | Name your Wireless Network

In Lebanon, wireless network names, can be used for advertising. What I am about to talk about now, is beyond the expertise of any advertising agency. Wireless network name (SSID) advertising can only be witnessed in Lebanon.

Scanning your airport for wireless network names, almost anywhere in Lebanon, will automatically result in grabbing hold of a bunch of random phone numbers instead of wireless network names. 

Lebanon- Airport Scan

Let's study this advertising occurrence; for the fun of it:

• Using your company name, along with a phone number  as a wireless network name does not say much (even less if it is on its own) 
• Change your wireless network name
• Make sure to limit your wireless network name to around 20 characters; as it should fully appear in the wireless scans.
• It is advised to put a website address instead of a phone number, it will grant the user access to more information about your offerings, (and if he is interested, he could then refer to the contact details on your website).

So, what shall we label this advertising strategy?

The New Google Algorithms - Google SEO

Google, our beloved Google, has announced on the 24th of February, 2011, that it was revolutionizing, once more, the way Google filtered its search results. The newest Google change is said to influence 11.8% of Google searches.  

Google is constantly working on its algorithm, but it is rarely that changes have such a noticeable consequence on Google's rankings. What's going on? 

Some of the websites most affected by this Google algorithm change are content-farms according to Sistrix's recent study... But the truth remains that Google did not voice any specific details on the latest changes, and all that can be found online at the moment are SEO experts speculations. 

What's important to note, for us here in Lebanon, is that the latest Google algorithm changes have only been applied to the US so far. A chance for us living in Lebanon... If you are using Firefox, you can now download the add on Google Global, and compare results with the US (my latest toy).

 Enjoy.