Unpacking the Google+ SEO Boost: Legacy Lessons and Modern Alternatives
Google+ once promised to revolutionize social media and SEO integration. While its shutdown in 2019 marked the end of an era, understanding its impact reveals enduring SEO principles still relevant today. Here’s a specialist’s breakdown of Google+’s SEO legacy and actionable alternatives.
Why Google+ Mattered for SEO (Historically)
From 2011–2019, Google+ offered unique SEO advantages tied to Google’s ecosystem:
- Author Authority via Authorship Markup: By linking content to verified Google+ profiles, articles displayed rich snippets (author photos, credentials) in SERPs, boosting credibility.
- Personalized Search Influence: “+1s” influenced rankings for logged-in users, creating a social voting system.
- Content Amplification: Shares on Google+ could accelerate indexing, especially for new sites.
- Local SEO Integration: Google+ Local pages merged with Google My Business, streamlining local search visibility.
Though debated, studies showed correlations between active Google+ profiles and higher rankings—fueled by Google’s emphasis on trust signals.
The Modern Alternatives to Google+’s SEO Edge
With Google+ gone, focus shifted to holistic EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and ecosystem leverage:
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Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Replace old Google+ Local pages with optimized GBP listings.
- Verified profiles dominate local pack rankings with reviews, Q&A, and real-time updates.
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Content Authority Signals
- Build author bios with credentials (e.g., bylines on trusted sites).
- Use schema markup for
PersonorOrganizationto replace Authorship snippets.
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Social Signals Redefined
- While social shares (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) don’t directly rank pages, they drive traffic and engagement—indirectly boosting SEO via dwell time/reduced bounce rates.
- YouTube (Google-owned) remains critical: Embed videos in content to increase retention and rank in video carousels.
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Indexing & Velocity
- Submit new content to Google Search Console for rapid indexing.
- Use social platforms for “speed-to-index” via platform-specific crawlers (e.g., Twitter’s bot).
Why Google+’s Legacy Still Resonates
Google+ underscored foundational truths:
- Trust is non-negotiable: EEAT prioritizes verifiable expertise, echoing Google+’s author verification.
- Ecosystem synergy wins: Google rewards leveraging its tools (Analytics, GSC, YouTube).
- Social isn’t dead—it’s evolved: Engagement builds visibility, influencing rankings through indirect pathways.
Conclusion
Google+ was ahead of its time in linking social identity to search visibility. Its closure didn’t negate its core lesson: SEO success hinges on trust, authority, and smart ecosystem integration. Today, prioritize EEAT-driven content, Google Business Profile, YouTube, and technical SEO tactics over chasing defunct social boosters. Adaptability remains your greatest SEO weapon.
FAQs: Google+ SEO Edition
Q: Does Google+ still exist? Can I use it for SEO?
A: Google+ shut down permanently in April 2019. Profiles and pages are irretrievable. Redirect efforts to Google Business Profile and EEAT optimization.
Q: Do social shares on other platforms (like Facebook) boost SEO directly?
A: No—social shares aren’t a ranking factor. However, they amplify content reach, driving traffic that indirectly influences rankings via engagement metrics and backlinks.
Q: What replaced Google Authorship for establishing authority?
A: Focus on:
- Detailed author bios with credentials/resume
- Schema.org
Personmarkup - Credible bylines on industry sites
- LinkedIn or professional site profiles optimized for search
Q: Can old Google+ links hurt my SEO?
A: Broken links from defunct Google+ profiles/pages can harm UX and crawl efficiency. Audit backlinks and use 301 redirects or update references to current pages (e.g., GBP).
Q: How do I leverage Google’s ecosystem today?
A: Prioritize these tools:
