Author rank? Seriously? One more thing I have to think about while I’m working on my WordPress site and 6 other social media platforms?
If someone told you that Google Author Rank could increase your online visibility, drive traffic to your WordPress site and establish you as an online authority and it’s backed by one of the most trusted brands in the world wouldn’t you sign up?
Of course you would.
Google+
Google in its endeavor to provide the best, most comprehensive information is now utilizing Google+ profiles as major factor in search result rankings. You may have some ethical issues with their approach. Google using their own platform to enhance search engine results may seem a bit self-serving, but in the end it really is in your best interest to create an account.
Your Google+ profile is how the search engine will validate that you are the trustworthy author of original online content.
To make things more clear here are some thoughts from Google Chairman Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen’s new book: The Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People, Nations and Business.
‘Within search results, information tied to verified online profiles will be ranked higher than content without such verification, which will result in most users naturally clicking on the top (verified) results. The true cost of remaining anonymous, then, might be irrelevance.’
Who wouldn’t want Google in their corner? If you don’t have a Google+ profile, get one now https://accounts.google.com/SignUp
This is how you’ll appear on the Search Engine Results Page
AuthorSure WordPress Plugin
I like to keep things simple so that my head doesn’t explode. There are countless ways to incorporate Author Rank on your WordPress site. I’m going to stick to one very doable option for those of us who aren’t comfortable and don’t want to muck around with code.
The AuthorSure WordPress plug-in makes implementation of Google’s authorship markup on your WordPress site quick and easy. Download and install the plug in. Sign up to get free membership and access to the tutorials that will help you set things up perfectly on your WordPress site.
When Google has verified your authorship then you start the process of building your Author Rank. The end result is higher rankings, better click-through rates because your picture will appear on the SERP. Link directly to: http://www.authorsure.com/ and get started.
Oh, but wait there’s more
It’s that simple to sign up. But it doesn’t end there. So you’re up and running, but you still need to be very engaged and have a constant presence. There are several factors which Google will consider when ranking your work including:
- Sites publishing your content
- Involvement with Google+
- Are you posting frequently?
- Are you participating in conversations?
- Frequency of Posting
- Number of people who have ‘Circled’ you
- Authority on other social media platforms
Some of the immediate benefits to you:
- Your search result will be shown with your picture and name
- Your personal brand will be enhanced
- Your Page Rank will improve based on your Author Rank
While this may seem like just one more thing to do, it’s well worth your while. The small amount of time it will take you to get set up on Google+ will definitely pay off. Remember you have Google in your corner.
