Another social media tool by Google: The +1 button

Google is giving peoples an easy way to let their websites and blogs stand out.  The newest tool is the +1 button, Google’s equivalent to the Facebook “like” button, which lets website users highlight and recommend websites they like or feel have some sort of relevance.

Here’s how it works:

When you install the code that makes the button visible on your own site, people who like your content can click on it and tell Google and others that they like it. When you recommend somebody else’s content, your photo shows up when that person’s website is listed in Google’s search results. Your photo will show up only if you already have a Google Profile and your recommendations are visible to your connections online.

What you need to get started:

If you don’t have a Google Profile, create one. You can also read more about the +1 button in Google’s FAQs here and you can find a video and a helpful tutorial from Francisco Rosales at the SocialMouths blog.

Once the above is completed, install the button at your website and blog. Or save yourself the headache and have your webmaster do it for you.  Start recommending content you see elsewhere by clicking on the +1 button.

Google’s last social media attempt with Buzz didn’t really take-off so it will be interesting to see what happens with +1.  It’s too early to tell how successful the button will be, but because this is from Google, the King of Search, you might want to try it. Maria Loscerbo