Google Me Takes On a New Meaning

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With so much information online about people and companies it’s become quite common to simply “Google” someone when you want to know more about them. From a business building standpoint it’s good practice to own as much of the real estate that pops up under you name on page one as you can.

Social media profiles, like those on Facebook or LinkedIn are great candidates for just such a practice. Google, however, has started playing around with a new tool called profiles and this last week made it very public. Anyone who can create an account on Google and verify their real name through a screening routine can now have a personal profile page on Google.

The page editor allows you to upload images, link to multiple websites, and create a rich text bio. There’s even a way for people to click on a link to contact you directly. Not really sure how Google treats those links, but seems like a nice place to have linking to your site. Here’s the link to my profile as an example

But, here’s the real kicker. Once you’ve been verified your profile it may begin to show up at the bottom of page one, complete with image, when someone Google’s you. (See image below) With this prime location, I’m thinking now is the time to get that profile completed and full of great information. Click here to Google me, scroll to the bottom of the page and see for yourself.

Visit Google Profiles to set your profile page up.

So, is this all part of Google’s grand plan to build a new social networking site without even trying?

Why Google Wants You To Google Yourself (time.com)
Create Your Very Own Online Google Profile (geeksugar.com)

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Posted by: John Jantsch on Apr 27, 09 | 4:04 am
Category: Web Marketing | Tags: , Facebook, Google, LinkedIn

Comments

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CDot

That's what it sounds like to me! It's a great way to promote your name, business or service, though. As you said, everyone uses Google when they need information. Having your name, credentials and contact info pop up when they're seeking information is a more direct way to reach potential customers.

http://www.wordpress.com/cshaner

RichSpalding

How do I get my name verified? I created the profile about a week ago and still don't have the "Verified Name" badge that yours does.

ducttape

Rich, It's a bit odd but for now you can do it this way

1. Go to Google's Knol site and sign in.
2. Then go to your profile settings.
3. Click on the "Name Verification" tab
4. Then choose to verify by phone or via credit card

RichSpalding

Thanks, I got stuck on seeing step 3, but it might be because I'm in the UK.

I wonder if it would be good for a business to have a profile? It might look cheesey

dougmcisaac

I was reading the Google information and it said it's only available in the US.

Doug

Joseph T. Dager

Gee John, it works! Quickest way to the first page ever.

P.S. I think it will be the first item someone clicks on. Beats "Being Included in a Facebook" picture. :)

Kevin Geary

Thanks for the tip!

Made mine - http://www.google.com/profiles/kgeary83

ducttape

Way to take action Kevin and now you're already showing up on page one in Google for Kevin Geary - and not the one that's an artist or Dr, but you the one in Atlanta.

Doreen Howell

Yes, this is pretty cool. I set my profile up last week and badge is on the page bottom as you said.

JudyAnn Lorenz

John, thanks for this! I finally got mine working, using a new gmail that features my biz name: Bar JD Communications. First, my computer was acquainted with a client, which meant my profile 'address' would be HIS name. Not good. Then, I tried my basic gmail, but that is too vague. However, Goldilocks prevailed with the porridge tests and I think this will be a useful tool.

Patricia Gallagher

Unfortunately, you can only verify a name in the US. Sigh...

emarketed

wow I did not know that!! thanks for sharing...

Deep

It is really interesting as it is from a business building standpoint it’s good practice to own as much of the real estate that pops up under you name on page one as you can.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep
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Site Doubler

It's just in the US right now - but Google normally try new stuff there then roll it out to the UK then the rest of the world.

Thanks for the tip, John, I'm going to update my Google Profile right now....

Roger

John, Thanks for the heads up. I actually already worked on my profile as soon as I heard about it yesterday. It was easy but does required a google account. Have a look at my profile: http://www.google.com/profiles/campphotoshop I plan on working on it more but I've got an initial footprint.

ernohannink

I don't get it. When I use the seach - I click on you link to search in Google I don't see that profile result.
I am in the Netherlands maybe that is it?

Legitimate Business Opps

John,

Thanks for the excellent heads-up on the Google profiles. I was able to get mine completed in a very short time. Hopefully the links in our profile will have some SEO value. We'll see.

Bryan Jones
aka The Honest Businessman

Kathy Adams

Thanks for the info, John. I got mine up and running. All but the photo that is. I can't seem to find a feed. I have windows photo gallery and don't know how to get that to come up. Any ideas???

Kathy

Tracy Gardner

John - thank you for the great post! I just finished my profile for Googe!

See you soon in KC!
Tracy Gardner

Check out my new Google profile http://www.google.com/profiles/info.tracygardner

dougmcisaac

John,

This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I've been building my profile because of Google lFriend Connect, now with this addition it's only getting more powerful.

Thanks,
Doug

Patzia Gonzalez-Baz

Thanks:
I also want to know how to get "Verified" but don't know what Google's Knol site is. But this was a great tip! Easy and Painless! Thank you

Ted Hurlbut

John, Thanks so much for the heads-up. I put my Profile up this evening. Much appreciated!

samuel

I guess google wants to get into the social networking scene. First they gather the data then what...

I just wondering what's in it for google?

Social Marketing Impact

Great example of the new profiles, thanks for sharing your's! :-)

Maria Reyes-McDavis

Deborah F.

This seems like a great tool, especially with the need to control Google search result content in today's world.
Does creating a profile like this carry as much credibility as outside information that you don't control?

jackie sheeler

great suggestion -- many thanks. just made myself a nice, polished little profile (that will hopefully counteract some of the other online crap that i've accumulated, lol).

thanks!

Joyce McKee

Thanks John - over the week-end I started to get my profile set up. A few more finishing touches and it will be complete. Soooo glad I follow you - great tips and insights!

Nick Eber

Good reminder of the service to your readers John

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