Real Estate Agencies

As expected, Google announced Googles version of the Facebook like button. The new Google +1 button can be a game changer for real estate websites. Unlike other ratings systems, Googles +1 does not allow for down voting, or “1 out of 5″ type star ratings like Yelps, so your competitors or other malicious visitors cannot high jack your ratings. Additionally, Googles like button is intended to provide useful data to Google allowing Google to return relevant search results. Of course, it is too soon to tell what impact the Google +1 button will have on search engine rankings.

Installing the Google +1 Button Installing the Google +1 button is relatively simple and there is an ample amount of information available for the Google +1 button. However, page speed (page load time) is an issue and the jury is out on this one at the moment. Probably my biggest concern about the +1 button is the time my Kennewick homes page takes to load due to the +1 script. Ive already disabled the Facebook widget because of load time and visitors receive a click-able screenshot of the Facebook widget, as opposed to a functional widget. Aside from load time, the implementation of the Google +1 code is easy. Visit Google’s +1 button code generator and you will receive everything you need, including options to customize your websites button between four different sizes to suit your needs.

Exercise Caution If you have the time to monitor your site and also the time to monitor what is being published about the Google +1 button, then install it now. Otherwise, allow a week or two for bugs to be reported and fixed. As with any new shiny thing, there will be bugs.