The +1 Google plan to break into the social media game has mixed opinions. How is this new social strategy going to really help Google to break into the social media market? Facebook was the first and with being first, they will always have the upper hand. How can Google make the +1 strategy work without a social platform?
Also if the +1 plan is implemented, how is that going to affect their current search function in the eyes of their users? For example, if you have search listings based on their very complex algorithm differ from the opinions of users using the +1 button, what are we supposed to conclude from that? That kind of flies in the face of their supposed fail proof search engine algorithm. What they think are the most relevant sites versus what the +1 data will conclude, could undermine Google's reputation and authority in the search engine rankings.
With the popularity of Facebook, how is Google going to even compete? It just seems like they are reaching to get their piece of the pie instead of trying to do a better job of what they already do well. Unfortunately, it doesn't make them look good. Let's face it, Facebook has their number and it really bothers them even though they would never admit it.
Despite the opposition, they are going ahead and making the changes needed to make an impact in the social media arena. Although their revenues rose 27%, their expenses also grew to 34%. According to the Wall Street Journal, they have lost many short-term investors because of the instability and it's been rumored that this years bonuses will be tied up in the project at hand to make their social emergence successful.
Will the +1 plan help Google or set them back?
Larry Page is committed to the long-term plans of Google despite the flurry of negative press that has been being thrown their way. Time will only tell, but the one thing that we have concluded is that they are not going to be able to only sputter into the market. They are going to have to make a huge impact from the onset. Also, the outcome is going to have either a very positive or negative impact on their current search engine in terms of public perception.