Google is at it again.

The search-engine goliath is constantly enacting changes, whether it is modifying algorithms, enhancing sitelinks, or merely altering the Google Doodle atop the page.  Sometime last week, however, Google made an extremely notable change to Google Analytics that has digital strategists around the world abuzz…and angry.

The keyword report is perhaps the most significant element of Google Analytics, especially for those of us in the SEO world.  Only a week ago, this report told you precisely what keywords searchers were using in order to find your site.  With this latest modification, Analytics no longer gives you specific keywords for searchers who are logged into Google.  Instead, any organic visitors that are logged in (whether it be via Gmail, Adwords, Analytics, etc.) are grouped together under the label “(not provided),” no matter what search term they use to find the site. (more…)

Sitelinks have been a staple within Google search results for years, and until this week, they have remained relatively unchanged.  However, Google recently launched a new form of sitelinks that give visitors a more detailed description of pages within a particular site.

With that formal introduction, I present to you, “The Bridgeline Sitelink 5 W Guide.”

(more…)

Social media has become a fixture in everyday life all across the globe.  Google is not only the most recognizable and visited site on the web, but it is also one of the most valuable companies in the world today ( 2^nd only to Apple).  On paper, Google punching its way into the social media world seems like a match made in heaven.

Enter Google +.

(more…)

For many, Google is an integral part of our lives. We sit at our desks eight hours a day and use the Google search engine to answer our work questions, and yes, sometimes even personal questions. In fact, Google is such an integrated part of our lives; the brand name is a verb. It’s common to hear people ask a question and receive the response, “Google it” or “I’d Google that.” But when we are so heavily reliant on Google we forget to step back and ask, “is Google really the golden child we’ve all come to know and love?”

There are numerous ways we rely on Google, and the breadth of day to day usage is highly reliant on the individual. I am fully aware that not many people get as excited about geeking out on analytics and paid search results as I am, but here are a few of the free ways we rely on Google:

(more…)