Google+ pages in search results

[jimr451]

I have a simple question - I've read a lot about how google+ pages are ranking well in google searches, and that it's a good idea to incorporate google+ into your strategy.

So I was on a call this morning, talking to a client about this.  The client brought up the fact that in all his google searches, he's NEVER seen a google plus page in the search results.  I realized that I never have either.  After some searches, I still don't see any google plus pages, at least not on page 1 or 2.  Am I missing something?  Needless to say, the client was not convinced about the value of having a G+ page, and I came away not sure what I was missing.

So how do people measure the impact of using google+ on their main website?

-Jim

[jimr451]

Thanks for the answers all.  I learned a new term - 7 pack!

My client is not geographically sensitive, so the "Places" aspect doesn't matter to them.  So it sounds like going the G+ route is a bit roundabout for getting traffic to the site.  I'm a little stunned that after all the hype about G+, the responses here mirror what I'd been seeing.

-Jim

[RobertFisher]

I was doing a search today around a client and immediately saw several listings in the 7 pack that had no website but show with a G+ page. See attached screenshot.

Interestingly, it would appear Google is serving these up and I am guessing they have no Local/Places listing with a hidden address as this should get you deleted if you also have the G+. This link is from Blumenthal. I just find it funny that Google would serve up a G+ page for a Service area business given the 'rules' around same.

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[RobertFisher]

EGOL,

I did not think of this. Most excellent. This is what I love about MOZ, helps me get smarter daily.

Thanks,

[EGOL]

I see plus.google.com pages in the SERPs every day.

If you are logged into a Google service that shares your plus.google.com login and search for a query that is relevant to a person in your circles, you might see that person's plus.google.com page on the first page of the SERPs.

For example, I have AJ Kohn in a circle.  When I search for "news" I always see one of his google plus posts on the first page of the SERPs.  I often see two people from my circles in the "news" SERPs - and other SERPs.

I have a site that targets some queries that are searched for millions of times per day. Some that you might search for now and then.   Someone who I respect told me that I should post on these topics to google plus, then go to out to get as many people in my circles as possible because my google plus pages would show in the SERPs (for people in my circles) and pull lots of traffic.  Up until a really really smart person told me that I should do this I have had nothing but disinterest in Google plus.  Now I am thinking about doing it but have not moved on it because I don't like Google plus and the way that google is shoving it at people.  Do you think I am stupid?

[RobertFisher]

James,

Given we are doing a fairly broad SERP study, I can tell you I have not seen a G+ in the actual SERP organic but regularly see them in the 7 - pack (or whatever number shows). I have attached a screenshot on a random search where we have no clients. You will note each of these in the Local have a site url as well, but we do see them where there is NO site for the business and a G+ page shows. (And the page is rarely beyond 25% complete). In this screenshot you will see where someone is using their G+ as a landing page for PPC which IMO is not wise.

I am not seeing a G+ show as I do FB for similar businesses within the 10 organic listings.

Best

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[Linda-Vassily]

G+ results have been seen in the results pages on page 1, though I can't say I've seen much of this. Google+ Profile PageRank: The Real AuthorRank? - SMX Advanced 2013 

Moz and SearchMetrics have both reported that a URL's number of Google +1s is very highly correlated with search rankings. Matt Cutts has said Google doesn't use that as a ranking factor.  (And correlation doesn't equal causation, as we know.)

I don't know of a good metric (though I'd be very interested in hearing if anyone does) but at least for now, I consider Google+ an important factor.

[Jonathan1979]

That is actually quite interesting.  I tested it against a few brand names, and whilst facebook and twitter are ranked highly, I don't see the google+ pages.

However, I do like Google+ better for providing social signals \ interactivity via the Communities than facebook (although I don't have any metrics to say whether it is better or not).