This is part 7 of 9 in our series on optimizing your site and your content for all of the channels represented in Google’s new Universal Search. Today’s focus is on Google Groups, the free offering that allows users to create, moderate, distribute and store conversations about anything. Think of them as discussion groups for like-minded people. There are thousands of groups, ranging from very broad topics to the infinitely minute.
For those of us trying to make a splash in the Universal Search results, Google Groups is just one more channel that can be included alongside regular web results. While Google Groups can’t truly be “optimized” in the SEO-sense of the word, they are certainly fertile ground for marketers or business owners with knowledge in a particular area. For example, creating or joining a group related to your business, products or services is a step in the right direction. Start by contributing to the conversation taking place without blatantly advertising. I can’t stress that enough. People can smell a sales pitch a mile away. Be genuine. You’ll find that over time you will become a valued member of the community. Something as simple as a link in your profile can lead to very qualified traffic and potential leads to your website. Don’t be afraid to offer solutions or content based on your knowledge of a particular field.
Groups appearing in the Universal Search results will gain popularity faster which will result in more relevant content. Relevant content, of course, results in more listings in the Universal Search results. Take advantage of this trend and gain traffic and visibility for your business. You might even learn a thing or two from others along the way.
Updated list of categories covered:
7/31 – Google Maps
8/1 – Google News
8/2 – Youtube Video
8/3 – Google Images
8/6 – Google Blog Search
8/8 – Google Base
8/9 – Google Books
8/10 – Google Groups
8/13 – Google Code Search
Any others I’m missing? Leave a comment. Thanks!
You May Also Like:
1 Comment on » Dominate Google’s Universal Search: Google Groups