In our blogosphere recap we examine four blog posts from last week that discussed changes to Google+, the need for more SEO and social metrics in 2012, tips for SEO in the New Year, and marketers embracing social media. Below are some of the highlights from these articles:
- Google has added several new features to Google+ and improved old ones, with some of the improvements being among the most popular requests from users.
- 47 percent of businesses using email marketing say they do not struggle to measure the results of their campaigns.
- In 2012, an effective B2B SEO strategy will ensure that information is properly served on all types of devices.
- As of May 2011, 89% of US B2B companies were using social media marketing.
Google+ Overhauls Photos, Stream Control and Notifications
Mashable | Stan Schroeder | 12-19-11
Google has added several new features to Google+ and improved old ones, with some of the improvements being among the most popular requests from users, the company announced. One of the new features is called the “Volume Control,” but it doesn’t have anything to do with sound volume. Instead, it is a slider that lets you fine-tune your streams and decide whether you want to see more or less items from a particular circle in your main stream.
Key Takeaways:
- Google+ Photos have been upgraded with a new lightbox that boasts improved navigation and photo-tagging.
- Brands using Pages can now delegate up to 50 named managers as administrators for a Page.
- Google has redesigned the notifications in its Google Bar, which appear as red icons on the right side of the Bar.
Marketers Want More SEO and Social Metrics in 2012
Brafton News | Staff | December 20, 2011 
SEO, email marketing and social media marketing are among the most popular for web marketers, but it can be difficult to tell when a campaign is successful. Some metrics, such as improved traffic and lower bounce rates, do not impress decision makers. However, if these figures are improving as web leads and conversions grow, the correlation between web sales and search and social campaigns is worth exploring.
Key Takeaways:
- 47 percent of businesses using email marketing say they do not struggle to measure the results of their campaigns.
- Whereas 24 percent and 26 percent of the same companies report the ability to gauge the value of SEO and social media marketing campaigns, respectively.
- For some companies, using web analytics tools can help provide insight and inform strategic decisions regarding these campaigns.
Preparing For a New Era Of B2B SEO
Search Engine Land | Brad Neelan | 12-21-11
There has been a lot of talk in 2011 about the end of SEO as we know it. But the reality is that there will always be a need for strategy when it comes to search engine positioning and capturing audience demand. It is true that what represents exceptional SEO work has definitely changed in form and function from even just a few years ago. Many of us can recall the days of sculpting webpages to gain ranking through on-page techniques. But as we move into 2012 and beyond, quality SEO is about having your marketing assets findable when customers are searching across the dimensions of the pre, present, and future stages of the purchase cycle.
Key Takeaways:
- In order to be found and rendered in the SERPs moving forward the value, relevance, and timeliness of your content is of paramount importance.
- An effective B2B SEO strategy will ensure that information is properly served on all types of devices.
- B2B marketers should strive to develop information that is findable and able to inspire a like, a +1, a comment, or some other tip of the hat that says, yes, this is the type of information that I am interested in consuming.
More B2B Marketers Embrace Social Media Efforts
More business-to-business companies are using social media as part of their marketing mix. Some have found that sites for professional networking, like LinkedIn, are an effective way to generate leads, while more casual social media mainstays, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, are helping B2B firms reach customers in new ways.
Key Takeaways:
- As of May 2011, 89% of US B2B companies were using social media marketing.
- In summer 2011, 58% of US B2B marketers that used social media used LinkedIn, compared to 50% for Facebook and 43% for Twitter.
- B2B marketers are also working to leverage it and other third-party social networks to attract customers back to their own community sites and forums.
