No one can doubt Google’s influence in the digital world. More than any other brand they have changed how we use the Internet. Yet trouble has been brewing this month for the global mega-company. Google’s mission is to “organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”, so things went a little gaga at Google, when an unfinished press release was emailed to the financial markets before it was ready. For the first time in 14 years, Google saw its share price plummet. Normally used to making close to { billion in profit every month, the company lost a record-breaking billion from its share price in just 8 minutes.
Just a few days earlier, Google were also under fire with EU’s data regulators. The firm were told to change the way it collects personal information to comply with privacy laws and protect their user’s data. This followed a nine month investigation into Google’s data gathering practices.
Last week saw Google launch their Nexus products; a Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet, hoping to gain a slice of the Apple market. Hurricane Sandy had other ideas and they were forced to cancel the launch event in New York but it has not stopped Google from unleashing the products. Google want to maintain their influence in their market and won’t let anyone, or anything, stop them.
Google accounts for 90% of all desktop searches. Having a good Google SEO position is essential, achieved through a well-designed and optimised website. Google have made some gaffs but they are still a digital mega-influencer and one that every business needs to be using to their advantage. Having a website alone is not enough. They have to perform.
So how can you ensure your business is taking advantage of the vast number of people using Google search engines, sites and devices? Start with making sure your website is built in a way that is Google-friendly. That includes getting your content right and your website professionally optimised. You also need to focus efforts on your off-site search engine optimisation - your digital PR footprint; social media, directory listing and blog posting.
Google have a presence in most digital arenas. They are only 14 years old, so maybe they are allowed to make some mistakes. Google are still at the heart of the world’s digital direction, online, mobile and beyond.
Ascensor Web Design Leeds and London