Change once again is rocking the automotive digital marketing world as Google today drops the third party review counts from its yellow stars. ONLY reviews directly posted on Google Places are showing.

This screen shot of BMW of Scherville showed all the DealerRater reviews last week in their star counts but not today.

This is what their Google Places account looked like last week:

This change is impacting all Chicago BMW dealers:

In-Store Reputation Management & Google Places

I've been coaching dealers to start using the Google Places App on their iPhones and iPads to increase directly posted reviews. The benefit? The dealer can use Google Boost to spice up their PPC strategy.

I also warned dealers that if Google every dropped the review "counts" from the stars from 3rd parties, they would be better protected by having a direct Google Places posting strategy.

Now keep in mind, Google is still showing the counts from third parties in brackets, but the key metric is that the yellow stars are what always show and not always do the consolidated reviews show.

I am not saying that 3rd party review sites are not IMPORTANT, they are. 

It is just that the MOST visible aspect of Google Places and SERP results is the yellow stars.  Secondly, there is not way to predict which 3rd party sites will show up in the brackets underneath the listing.

A Tsunami of Change

Acton Toyota has over 1,227 reviews posted on DealerRater but they only have 10 reviews directly posted on Google Places. A few weeks ago I saw their Google listing and it showed over 1,000 reviews with their stars. That is now history!

In fact, Google is not even showing all of their reviews from Dealerrater.com as shown below:

Dealers looking for direction on how to best adapt to these changes should start an in store reputation management process that include using 3G iPads and iPhone devices.

Dealers must set processes to identify consumers with Google accounts while they are in the dealership. 550,000 Android devices are activated a DAY and all have Google Accounts. Google empowered consumers can post reviews directly on Google Places, with their account, from a mobile device.

I told dealers this day would come and today is that day. If you need help with in store training, processes, and strategy on reputation management, give me a call. I'm here to help. We have the strategy and solutions.

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

732-672-2356

Change once again is rocking the automotive digital marketing world as Google today drops the third party review counts from its yellow stars. ONLY reviews directly posted on Google Places are showing.

This screen shot of BMW of Scherville showed all the DealerRater reviews last week in their star counts but not today.

This is what their Google Places account looked like last week:

This change is impacting all Chicago BMW dealers:

In-Store Reputation Management & Google Places

I've been coaching dealers to start using the Google Places App on their iPhones and iPads to increase directly posted reviews. The benefit? The dealer can use Google Boost to spice up their PPC strategy.

I also warned dealers that if Google every dropped the review "counts" from the stars from 3rd parties, they would be better protected by having a direct Google Places posting strategy.

Now keep in mind, Google is still showing the counts from third parties in brackets, but the key metric is that the yellow stars are what always show and not always do the consolidated reviews show.

I am not saying that 3rd party review sites are not IMPORTANT, they are. 

It is just that the MOST visible aspect of Google Places and SERP results is the yellow stars.  Secondly, there is not way to predict which 3rd party sites will show up in the brackets underneath the listing.

A Tsunami of Change

Acton Toyota has over 1,227 reviews posted on DealerRater but they only have 10 reviews directly posted on Google Places. A few weeks ago I saw their Google listing and it showed over 1,000 reviews with their stars. That is now history!

In fact, Google is not even showing all of their reviews from Dealerrater.com as shown below:

Dealers looking for direction on how to best adapt to these changes should start an in store reputation management process that include using 3G iPads and iPhone devices.

Dealers must set processes to identify consumers with Google accounts while they are in the dealership. 550,000 Android devices are activated a DAY and all have Google Accounts. Google empowered consumers can post reviews directly on Google Places, with their account, from a mobile device.

I told dealers this day would come and today is that day. If you need help with in store training, processes, and strategy on reputation management, give me a call. I'm here to help. We have the strategy and solutions.

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

732-672-2356

On Google's quarterly earning call this week, Larry Page mentioned something that reminded me to go back and read more on Google's Authorship tags.

Larry posted the transcript of the call to Google+ and with all the things going on with Google these days, it was interesting that he mentioned authorship tags.

If it was mentioned in an earnings call, it is important so take note.

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.

My HTML author tag is: <a rel="author" href="https://plus.google.com/105688670174869390692">About Brian Pasch</a>

If you have not setup your Google Profile, do that today. It's free and part of your Google account and will also be used in Google+.

Make sure you fill it out as completely as possible. Add a great photo and include links back to your blogs, websites, and resource that you often post content to.  

Authorship Markup Information

I have provided the link to the page that outlines Google Authorship Tags syntax and recommendations.

With all the writing that I do on automotive digital marketing and with recent moves to socialize the SERP with user thumbnails, this is a must for all bloggers and writers.

So, start making sure that all your content either adds the authorship tag automatically or save it somewhere where you can easily add it to the signature block of your post.

There are implications that these tags will impact SEO, more to come on this. The tags will also allow Google to clarify original source content vs copied content. The future impact is still unknown but I will be following it and sharing my findings with you.

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

About Brian Pasch

On Google's quarterly earning call this week, Larry Page mentioned something that reminded me to go back and read more on Google's Authorship tags.

Larry posted the transcript of the call to Google+ and with all the things going on with Google these days, it was interesting that he mentioned authorship tags.

If it was mentioned in an earnings call, it is important so take note.

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.

My HTML author tag is: <a rel="author" href="https://plus.google.com/105688670174869390692">About Brian Pasch</a>

If you have not setup your Google Profile, do that today. It's free and part of your Google account and will also be used in Google+.

Make sure you fill it out as completely as possible. Add a great photo and include links back to your blogs, websites, and resource that you often post content to.  

Authorship Markup Information

I have provided the link to the page that outlines Google Authorship Tags syntax and recommendations.

With all the writing that I do on automotive digital marketing and with recent moves to socialize the SERP with user thumbnails, this is a must for all bloggers and writers.

So, start making sure that all your content either adds the authorship tag automatically or save it somewhere where you can easily add it to the signature block of your post.

There are implications that these tags will impact SEO, more to come on this. The tags will also allow Google to clarify original source content vs copied content. The future impact is still unknown but I will be following it and sharing my findings with you.

Brian Pasch, CEO

PCG Digital Marketing

About Brian Pasch

I'd like to start a discussion on the value of a Googlized consumer to car dealers; someone that has an email account associated with Google services. Dealers need to look at the value of their customer base in terms on the new power given to Googlized consumers.

In fact, I suggest that business owners need to implement processes to ask and identify consumers with Google accounts. Why?

Google Consumers and Reviews

These Googlized consumers can place a review directly on Google Places which impacts your business every day. For many businesses, Google Places is the #1 source of free referring traffic to their website.

Reviews posted by Googlized consumers can also be used in Google Boost advertising to make your PPC ads stand out from local boring text ads. Google Boost does NOT include reviews posted on 3rd party review sites.

Google Consumers +1

These Googlized consumers can now "+1" your website pages, videos, press releases, testimonials, and the list of digital assets goes on. Once they "+1" your digital assets, their thumbnail image will appear to their network of friends. These thumbnails will catch the eye of consumers and increase click activity.

If you compare the power of Googlized consumers to increase brand awareness, click traffic, and enhance your digital advertising EVERY DAY, then their worth soars over a non-Googlized consumer that sends you a note card of thanks.  

550,000 Google Accounts a Day

When businesses realize that 550,000 Android mobile devices are activated a day and that each has a Google account, the tsunami of influence Googlized consumers will grow.

It's time to get serious about tapping into the digital marketing influence a Googlized consumer can do for any business.

It's time to ask happy customers to post their reviews using the Google Places App. It's time to "socialize" your search marketing advertising strategies.

The boring SERP of years past is how a Technicolor quilt of thumbnails and stars. Opportunity is here for those who see change before the masses.

Dealers who want the exclusive strategy in their market, just need to call me. That's 732.450.8200.      

I'd like to start a discussion on the value of a Googlized consumer to car dealers; someone that has an email account associated with Google services. Dealers need to look at the value of their customer base in terms on the new power given to Googlized consumers.

In fact, I suggest that business owners need to implement processes to ask and identify consumers with Google accounts. Why?

Google Consumers and Reviews

These Googlized consumers can place a review directly on Google Places which impacts your business every day. For many businesses, Google Places is the #1 source of free referring traffic to their website.

Reviews posted by Googlized consumers can also be used in Google Boost advertising to make your PPC ads stand out from local boring text ads. Google Boost does NOT include reviews posted on 3rd party review sites.

Google Consumers +1

These Googlized consumers can now "+1" your website pages, videos, press releases, testimonials, and the list of digital assets goes on. Once they "+1" your digital assets, their thumbnail image will appear to their network of friends. These thumbnails will catch the eye of consumers and increase click activity.

If you compare the power of Googlized consumers to increase brand awareness, click traffic, and enhance your digital advertising EVERY DAY, then their worth soars over a non-Googlized consumer that sends you a note card of thanks.  

550,000 Google Accounts a Day

When businesses realize that 550,000 Android mobile devices are activated a day and that each has a Google account, the tsunami of influence Googlized consumers will grow.

It's time to get serious about tapping into the digital marketing influence a Googlized consumer can do for any business.

It's time to ask happy customers to post their reviews using the Google Places App. It's time to "socialize" your search marketing advertising strategies.

The boring SERP of years past is how a Technicolor quilt of thumbnails and stars. Opportunity is here for those who see change before the masses.

Dealers who want the exclusive strategy in their market, just need to call me. That's 732.450.8200.      

Jump In - I'll Send You An Invite!

I'm very optimistic about Google+. If you have not received an invite, send me an email to brian@pcgmailer.com and I'll send you an invite so you can get started.

You need to get started!

The ease at which you can setup and organize your social network is amazing. The interface is well designed and frankly is better that Facebook. It's funny, but there has never been an alternative to Facebook until now and I believe that Google+ will catch fire.

Aside from setting up your network again, I'm not sure how much loyalty people will have to Facebook once they see the superior interface in Google+.

Businesses Will Drive Google+ Adoption

Why? Because all business owners will benefit from a Googlized consumer. A Googlized consumers is one that has a gmail account or email account linked with a Google service.

Google consumers can post reviews on Google Maps. Googlized consumers can +1 website pages, videos, and social posts. Googlized consumers can connect with businesses very easily on Google+ as well.

With 500,000 Android mobile devices activated a DAY in June 2011 and each phone requiring a gmail account, you can see why the Googlized consumer will be valuable to all businesses as the merging of search and social comes on the Google platform.

All dealers must get serious about identifying Googlized consumers.  They are worth 10x more than non-Google consumers because of their powr increase your search and social relevance and visibility.

Gen Y and Z Will Drive Google+ Adoption

The youth of our world will love the improved interface and enhanced features of Google+. The Video feature, if that catches on, will ignite the gold rush to Google+. Once again, as Android mobile devices flourish, the phones will be automatically configured with Google+

That means all photos and videos can be privately and automatically streamed to their private storage locker in their Google+ account where they can decide, at their leisure, which ones to share.

Google+ will be big this time around. If you need an invite, I'll send you one!

Jump In - I'll Send You An Invite!

I'm very optimistic about Google+. If you have not received an invite, send me an email to brian@pcgmailer.com and I'll send you an invite so you can get started.

You need to get started!

The ease at which you can setup and organize your social network is amazing. The interface is well designed and frankly is better that Facebook. It's funny, but there has never been an alternative to Facebook until now and I believe that Google+ will catch fire.

Aside from setting up your network again, I'm not sure how much loyalty people will have to Facebook once they see the superior interface in Google+.

Businesses Will Drive Google+ Adoption

Why? Because all business owners will benefit from a Googlized consumer. A Googlized consumers is one that has a gmail account or email account linked with a Google service.

Google consumers can post reviews on Google Maps. Googlized consumers can +1 website pages, videos, and social posts. Googlized consumers can connect with businesses very easily on Google+ as well.

With 500,000 Android mobile devices activated a DAY in June 2011 and each phone requiring a gmail account, you can see why the Googlized consumer will be valuable to all businesses as the merging of search and social comes on the Google platform.

All dealers must get serious about identifying Googlized consumers.  They are worth 10x more than non-Google consumers because of their powr increase your search and social relevance and visibility.

Gen Y and Z Will Drive Google+ Adoption

The youth of our world will love the improved interface and enhanced features of Google+. The Video feature, if that catches on, will ignite the gold rush to Google+. Once again, as Android mobile devices flourish, the phones will be automatically configured with Google+

That means all photos and videos can be privately and automatically streamed to their private storage locker in their Google+ account where they can decide, at their leisure, which ones to share.

Google+ will be big this time around. If you need an invite, I'll send you one!

The +1 button which has been added to organic search results is now coming to your Adwords campaign. I love how Google continues to "socialize" SERP pages and it also changes the game in regards to being on Google Page One.

18 months ago being on Page One was the goal of most Automotive SEO strategists. Today, you need to make sure your online reviews, social media "likes", and now "+1's" also show next to your listing. At the risk of sounding like a broken record:

Being on Google Page One with poor reviews is actually hurting your brand. Now, being on Page One with nobody recommending your page is going to be negative as well!

Email From Google About Adwords +1

Here is the email from Google I received today: (in italic)

In the coming weeks, your search results and ads on Google will include a +1 button, which users can click to recommend your ads. You don't need to make any changes to your account in order to take advantage of them. The final landing page URL of your ads can also appear on the Google profile of any user who +1's your ad.

Here's how the +1 button works: Let's say you own a hotel in Madrid. Brian had a lovely stay at your hotel last summer. When Brian starts researching accommodations for his next trip to Spain, he searches on Google while signed into his Google account, and sees your ad. He clicks the +1 button on the ad to recommend it to his contacts.

When Brian's friend Ann plans her trip to Spain, she signs in to her Google account, searches, and also sees your ad – plus the personalized annotation that Brian +1'd it. Knowing that Brian recommends your hotel helps Ann decide where to stay during her travels.

Think of the +1 button as a way for fans of your business to recommend what you offer, for all their friends and contacts to see. By helping searchers see more personal, relevant ads, we believe you'll see more qualified traffic. You can also add the +1 button to your site to give your customers the opportunity to +1 your site after visiting it.

What +1 Means To Your Dealership

Do you have a process to leverage the Google +1 feature for your business? The +1 is the next "gold rush" for Page One relevance and conversion. Imagine what happens when your organic listing for your dealership home page have 100 +1 votes. In this example, what happens when your ads get recommended. I hope you can see the clear opportunity and now you just need a strategy.

Automotive Advertising and Google search marketing is continually evolving to provide the most RELEVANT and DESIRED result for consumers. That said there are creative ways to empower your customer base to make sure you get the attention you need on Page One. You need an online marketing strategy and these continued changes should be proof enough that dealers need to be paying attention and reacting.

Time to get this on your blogs as well. If you haven't added the +1 to your own blog yet, now is the time!

Internet Marketing Strategy - Do You Have One?

I'll be reviewing the opportunities for the Google +1 tool at all of the upcoming PCG Pit Stop Conferences. I will also be addressing the impact of social media links and likes, which continue to influence SERP's. Dates and locations can be found at http://www.pcgpitstop.com.

The +1 button which has been added to organic search results is now coming to your Adwords campaign. I love how Google continues to "socialize" SERP pages and it also changes the game in regards to being on Google Page One.

18 months ago being on Page One was the goal of most Automotive SEO strategists. Today, you need to make sure your online reviews, social media "likes", and now "+1's" also show next to your listing. At the risk of sounding like a broken record:

Being on Google Page One with poor reviews is actually hurting your brand. Now, being on Page One with nobody recommending your page is going to be negative as well!

Email From Google About Adwords +1

Here is the email from Google I received today: (in italic)

In the coming weeks, your search results and ads on Google will include a +1 button, which users can click to recommend your ads. You don't need to make any changes to your account in order to take advantage of them. The final landing page URL of your ads can also appear on the Google profile of any user who +1's your ad.

Here's how the +1 button works: Let's say you own a hotel in Madrid. Brian had a lovely stay at your hotel last summer. When Brian starts researching accommodations for his next trip to Spain, he searches on Google while signed into his Google account, and sees your ad. He clicks the +1 button on the ad to recommend it to his contacts.

When Brian's friend Ann plans her trip to Spain, she signs in to her Google account, searches, and also sees your ad – plus the personalized annotation that Brian +1'd it. Knowing that Brian recommends your hotel helps Ann decide where to stay during her travels.

Think of the +1 button as a way for fans of your business to recommend what you offer, for all their friends and contacts to see. By helping searchers see more personal, relevant ads, we believe you'll see more qualified traffic. You can also add the +1 button to your site to give your customers the opportunity to +1 your site after visiting it.

What +1 Means To Your Dealership

Do you have a process to leverage the Google +1 feature for your business? The +1 is the next "gold rush" for Page One relevance and conversion. Imagine what happens when your organic listing for your dealership home page have 100 +1 votes. In this example, what happens when your ads get recommended. I hope you can see the clear opportunity and now you just need a strategy.

Automotive Advertising and Google search marketing is continually evolving to provide the most RELEVANT and DESIRED result for consumers. That said there are creative ways to empower your customer base to make sure you get the attention you need on Page One. You need an online marketing strategy and these continued changes should be proof enough that dealers need to be paying attention and reacting.

Time to get this on your blogs as well. If you haven't added the +1 to your own blog yet, now is the time!

Internet Marketing Strategy - Do You Have One?

I'll be reviewing the opportunities for the Google +1 tool at all of the upcoming PCG Pit Stop Conferences. I will also be addressing the impact of social media links and likes, which continue to influence SERP's. Dates and locations can be found at http://www.pcgpitstop.com.