Avoid Duplicated Content to Improve Search Visibility

In the first part of this video by Matt Cutts from Google talks about the use of duplicated content pages within the same TLDs (ie: ".com", ".net", ".org", etc.) will likely be filtered out by Google's algorithms. This is one reason I keep preaching to retailers not to use a  templated website that re-uses the same content over and over from website to website. Besides, you really need to differentiate yourself from your competitors and give your targeted shoppers compelling reasons to buy from you. Personalize the web experience with ins-store photos & videos, testimonials, your staff's experience, selection, service, etc.. Successful websites are not a printed advertisement, they are a whole lot more today.

Show What You Like On The Web With Google +1

Google officially launched on June 1st a new way for people to show others what they like or recommend on the web by clicking on the Google +1 button. The button will appear on web pages, in search results, sponsored ads, blogs, websites and more.

Google +1 is meant to be an approval or popularity rating counter that increments by one every time someone new decides to click on the +1 button. This is similar to Facebook's Like button, but can appear in many more places around the web depending where webmasters want to place them.

All people have to do is when they really like something is click on the Google +1 button, such as the bottom of this blog post. The key is you have to have a Google Account and enable your Google public profile in order to click on the +1 buttons. Also, if you are not logged into your Google Account you will not see the Google +1 buttons, which I think is crazy. Google has also stated the +1 ratings will have some effect on your search rankings.

Google Offers (beta) Launches in Portland, OR

Google launches Google Offers (Beta) and joins all the other local-deals-of-the-day websites that email daily a local business's special offer to local email subscribers. Google has launched their beta offers inititive in Portland, OR. first. Obviously they plan on going head-to-head with Groupon, Living Social and the others who offer a local special discounted deal sent daily to your email inbox.

Time will tell if these deals of the day will survive and continue to grow or will eventually fade away. I am not sure how many small businesses can afford to offer legitimate, deep discounts (50% or more) and pay the email-deal-sending website around 30% for a one-time mass buy-in. Lost leaders are not made up with more volume. Anyway, it will be interesting to sit on the sidelines and watch all the players vie for the deal-of-the-day crown champion.