Have you ever “Googled” someone and found their embarrassing photos or information? Have you ever “Googled” yourself and found your own embarassing web content? Well now Google is giving you a little help to redeem yourself.
Now when you search for a name on Google, any Google Profiles that fit your search will show up at the bottom of the screen. Why is this helpful?
1. Redeem Yourself – If some of your less-than-savory content appears in a Google search, this is a way to show the world that you really are a responsible person. “See, mom!”
2. Lessen Confusion – If your name is Michael Bolton, you don’t have to spend the rest of your life overshadowed on the web.
3. Better SEO – If you don’t have a webpage, or are anonymous thus far on the web, this is a way to put your name out there.
Sounds great! Google has totally helped people clear their name, right? Well, kind of. Here’s what we are wondering about…
1. The “John Smith” Effect – What happens when everyone realizes they need to have a Google profile, and you are just one of a thousand John Smiths or Matt Robinsons?
2. Fab 4 – Only 4 profiles show up right now. Who gets the spots and who doesn’t?
3. Funky Names – Hyphenated names don’t seem to activate the Google Profile search. Stage names don’t work, so Prince seems to be out of luck as well.
Overall, we think this is a great tool. The benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. If you want to be found, we recommend you create a google profile. If you want to increase your SEO in tons of other ways, or just want more advice, just let us know!