Google is piloting the display of author information in search results to help users discover great content. This feature is being rolled out gradually and will be implemented algorithmically, so author information will not always display in search results. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about:
To identify the author of a blog or article, Google checks for a connection between the content page (such as an article), an author page, and a Google Profile. Authorship markup uses the rel attribute (part of the open HTML5 standard) in links to indicate the relationship between a content page and an author page.
I know it all sounds pretty technical (you can read all of googles notes here) but its implications are pretty huge so I wanted to show you how it’s done. Watch the video tutorial below to see how Ryan adds it to this blog and then maybe you can do the same?
Seems like Google is serious about getting rid of websites that do not qualify for the ‘quality campaign’ and highly promote those which do qualify…survival of the fittest!
I see this as a great help for readers as well. For sure their search for needed information will be much easier and fruitful.
I can see hardcore internet marketers getting all excited about this. I’m not entirely sure though if many Filipino bloggers will be so eager to implement it. In the blogging communities I’ve been a part of, anonymity is still preferred.
Great info as always Dave..o a thought that occured me regarding google authorship are thos niches where people operate under pen names. ..creating multiple google profiles may not fly methinks…would be interested to hear your thoughts on the imlication now of using pen names and google authorship
That’s right, Grace. But why would being nameless be preferred by some one who does the right thing? Or if you really want to be regarded as an authority in the field?
Interesting thoughts guys… I think you can still get away with anonymity in smaller niches but wouldn’t be surprised if over time this changes for more competitive niches.
Dave
Yes, that’s true. Well, bigger clients look for a brand/an authority in the niche to whom they can entrust their business needs.
This is great information and the innovation just gives the site a lot more credibility. I think it’s a step in the right direction.
It looks like a good idea but it leaves much to be debated on. For one thing, and correct me if I’m wrong, you need to have a Google profile before you can be recognized as the original author. Not all original authors have those. 🙂
I still don’t get to see this a lot. I guess Google’s still refining it.
Agreed. You have a point, MJ. And not all would want to walk through the process of making their own Google profile 🙂
There are some internet marketers who openly use pen names. That simply means in real life (and in their driver’s licenses, social security cards, credit cards) they use their real names but are popularly and consistently associated with their pen names in the online world. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you’re known for that pen name and use it without the intention of tricking people. I think Ed Dale had a post about this.
Terry, I think I know why Filipino IMers rarely use their real names. For high earners, it can get a bit dangerous to declare your real name online. 😉