One of the variables in the Google search algorithm revolves around a concept called “relevance”. But who knows relevance better than your network of friends? Any one of them is more likely to know an appropriate response to your search than even the all knowing Google. Granted the list of results from an inquiry like, “best moving company in Memphis” will be shorter when asked of friends via Twitter but I’ve long been a subscriber to the boutique model of shopping versus the department store.
But if googling is still your preference for search then how much more effective would it be if the results could be narrowed down by indicating which results include Facebook “likes” from your friends? Oh, don’t think Google isn’t trying to figure this out. It is the new definition of “relevant”.Until then Google will be part of the marketing equation as-is. However, the high-end goods, personal services, niche medical, leisure time, lifestyle, and social or entertainment searches are bound to skew to “asking my Facebook friends". To ignore this would be to deny that you shop somewhere because your friends liked it, that you've liked a brand because a friend suggested it, or that your current hairstylist came through a friend referral, or that you hired a realtor because a family member also used him or her. Heck, now with location apps you can even know the last time your friend ate at the BBQ spot he likes. He may even be there now!
Tip for your business:
- When thinking search think social.
- When thinking search think local.
- Add social plugins to your website, immediately.
- Make user generated content part of your plan.
- Ask a few friends who can help get it done.
Care to discuss it? I’m at www.twitter.com/timbigfish or www.facebook.com/timcnicholson.
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