Google social search continues to grow. It's not going anywhere anytime soon. But the question still remains; are they affecting the organic search results or will they ever? We have seen plenty of debate on this one and as such decided to run a poll over on our siste site, the SEO Training Dojo

We asked; How much do you think Google +1 affects SERPs results?

• 25% - Only in personalized setting
• 21% - Minor metric
• 17.3 % - Fair to med scoring
• 15.4% - Testing, not widespread
• 13.5% - Not at all
• 7.7% - Extensively

The results on this one made this geek proud. Given the chatter about them and jackasses selling them) it was in question whether folks would be bullish on this one.

It really doesn't make much sense to Google to be using the +1 as a ranking signal anywhere outside of a personalized setting. It is more than just a little spammy and is a subjective implicit feedback (what one kind of person likes, another may not).

The fact that some 46% felt it would have little effect or only in personalized, implies that world hasn't gone completely mad at least. The Dojo's Terry Van Horne felt that SEO's don't really get what it's doing.

“ ... small but 4% think it is extensive. 'Not at all' 13.5%, that poll is pretty telling considering the audience. So look at your (not providced) data for the leads as to what to do ...determine that audience etc.”

What do you make of it? Sound off in the comments.

Google Search Plus Your World

Be sure to check out this week's poll; What effect will Google Search Plus Your World have on SEO? (right hand side) It's the news of the week, seems appropriate.

Polls on SNC

In case you hadn't noticed, we now have a poll here on SNC. It's in the SPEAK UP box on the right hand column of the site.

Our first one is; Which will make the most impact on search in 2012?

Be sure to hit it up and I'll see you in the next instalment of Search Geeks Speak. I appreciate you taking the time because it's always interesting (and often telling) to see what the greater search community thinks about these things. Keep it goin!

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