The document discusses author tags and linking a Google+ account to improve search engine optimization. It explains that author tags and photos in search results can add authority and attract clicks. The steps described include creating a Google+ account linked to a company email, validating the account by uploading a photo, and checking that the digital footprint now includes appearing in search results with the Google+ profile visible. Connecting a blog to a Google+ account in this way can help improve search rankings and branding.

1. Blog Optimization - Author Tag
SEO/SEM & Search – Web Presence Optimization
Andrea Berberich
http://seosemadvice.com
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2. What are Author Tags?
In blended search results author photos appear next to search results
 Google Plus (Google+)
By connecting your Google+ account to your blog you qualify for your photo, and other
links to appear in blended search results.
 Benefits of Author Tags
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Author Tags add authority
Create more clickable space
Attract the eye for great click through rate (CTR)
 The following example shows a book author with 124 people following him in his
Google+ circles, which may increase rankings.
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3. Why adding an Author Tag?
There are many reasons anybody who has a website and/or blog should add an Author
Tag, here are a few to consider:
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It improves SEO = Search Engine Optimization; i.e. Web Presence Optimization
Broadens company branding and/or personal branding
Enthusiasts will be able to find you i.e. Google+ 1s and will be able to follow you
Having an Author Tag (rel “author”) improve the look and feel of the search results within
the search engines results page (SERP)
 Author Tag can be part of the structured data (schema.org) that all search engines agree
to adapt and accept
 Broaden your companies and/or your personal “Digital Footprint”
 Differentiate a real Author from a unreal Author (spammer)
 Great explanation by Matt Cutts: http://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-is-the-futureof-the-relauthor-tag/64412/
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4. Creating a Google+ Account
Steps for linking a Google+ account to your company email
 Gmail
If you don’t have a Gmail account then create a free account. This will be your basic
login for multiple Google Apps.
 Google Plus
Once logged in with Gmail add the Google+ app by clicking on +You (your name) at the
top left of the browser window.
 Company Email Address
Use your company email and follow the instructions on the next page. This will create a
Google Plus connection with your company domain. That’s all you need to do.
Note: You can have multiple email accounts associated with your Google+ account
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5. Examples of Google+ on SERPs
TechTarget
A single TechTarget blog author ranks on 100’s of keywords because they have
created articles for 100’s of topics.
Searchenignewatch.com
A single Searchenginewatch blog author ranks as high due to the Google+
account and lots of followers
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6. Sign in to Google Gmail
Sign in to your account
Click the +You link to setup Google+
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7. Create a Google+ Account
 Step through the process to setup your Google+ profile
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8. Create a Google+ Account
con’t
 Step through the Add People process. Click Continue to skip this step.
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9. Create a Google+ Account
con’t
 Setup your profile and click Finish.
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10. Create a Google+ Account
con’t
 Click Continue to Google+. You decide what information to make Public.
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11. Adding the Author Tag
Follow Steps in Option 1 for linking a Google+ account to your email
 Search Google for “Google authorship option 1”
Click on the 1st result and scroll down the page and click on Option 1: Link your content
to your Google+ profile using a verified email address.
 Click the Authorship link as shown
to add yourcompany@email.com, while
you are still logged in to Google+
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12. Connect Email to your Google+ Account
 Add your company email address and click Signup for
Authorship. This will create a connection to our company
blog.
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13. Validate the Google+ Account
Steps to validate linking of Google+ account is you check your email
 You will see this message:
An email has been sent to email-account@xxx.com.
Please upload a profile photo with a recognizable headshot.
 Check your email for the following email and click the Verify link.
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14. Check Your Digital Footprint
Your Google+ profile will appear in search results. Samples below show you how powerful this
association can be for your blog and/or your company
 Within a few days your Google+ profile will begin to appear next to all of your blog articles in
search results.
 The Google+ profile can also be shown in your blog.
 Google+ on search engine results page (SERP)
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15. Thank you!
http://seosemadvice.com
Andrea Berberich
http://seosemadvice.com
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