Google Traffic

Google+

Some time ago, Google's then brand new social network Google Buzz, was getting destroyed as far as the referral traffic that FriendFeed, a dead man, was sending our way.

It happens that Buzz had been undercounted by Google's Analytics process because Buzz resides in Gmail which means that it edits out referral information and uses HTTPS.

Essentially, most of the traffic to Buzz could not be seen and was thus merely inferred. The recently launched Google has thus far been notably different from this.

Even Google Learns From It's Mistakes

It would seem that the fact that Google uses HTTPS too, should ring a few bells. This means that Google's count must be incorrect as well.

But Google has learned a thing or two from its prior Buzz mistake, or has at least taken notes on Facebook and its methods.

In order to attain traffic, Google + 's outbound links are all redirected through a google.com address that is not secure. Several days ago Louis Gray revealed that the URL that can be found in your logs is httpwww.google.comurl?saz?.

This is followed by a content code that is unique. When clicking on an external link from G, you can take a quick look at the address bar and see that these URLs flash.

Google + For Companies

Companies who have signed up using their company name have received confirmation that no one is currently being banned from doing so, but are additionally warned that if one is put in place, a new profile will need to be created after Google for Businesses is prepared. But who can know when this will happen?

It appears that this early publishing opportunity will certainly not be held on the sidelines indefinitely.

While G+ was certainly created to reach beyond services for link-sharing, many individuals are using G for that very purpose. And the amount of re-sharing that is occurring is tremendous.

For publishers, Google+ remains a black hole. Google is nonetheless a major name. Is it able to dominate the world of social media? There is no expectation for Google + to trump Facebook, however, we are delighted that Google is making an effort.