What Does Google Authorship Mean and How Do I Claim Google Authorship

It’s hard out there for writers to get the recognition they really deserve. Unless you are already a well-known writer, it can be very difficult to rise up in the ranks of Google. Without the page-views that a good Google rank can give you, you can’t make the sort of money you need to fulfill your dream of being a full-time writer.

Luckily, Google has figured out how to help less-known writers get more easily discovered through a Google search, all while protecting their work from plagiarism. Google Authorship is a new tool that writers can use to increase their visibility.

What Is Google Authorship Exactly?
 
Have you noticed lately that when you use Google search, there is a small picture of the writer next to some of the results? That’s Google Authorship at play. By connecting your Google+ account to your blog, you are putting a face to a piece of work that you’re proud of writing.

You must have a Google+ account for it to work, but the results can be quite positive so it’s well worth creating a Google+ account. In fact, many blogs have seen a 15-50% increase in traffic on their posts. People are more likely to click on a link that has an author’s picture attributed to it. It’s a great way to make your work stand out on a Google search.
 
How Is It Beneficial For Online Writers?
 
As an online writer, there’s nothing more important than getting hits on your articles, blog posts and reviews. If you’ve spent the time crafting a quality piece of writing, you deserve the audience that comes with it. Google Authorship has seen an increase in click-through rates because your article is more visible with a picture by its side.
 
It also allows you to move up in the author ranks. When you are higher up in the author ranks, your articles are more likely to move up to the top of the Google search ranks. If your content is ever stolen, your work will be listed above the plagiarized work, regardless of SEO tricks.
 

Why Is It Important To Use Google Authorship?
 
As a writer, you need to build trust with your audience. The picture accompanying your article title in a Google search indicates that you have linked your writing with your Google+ account, basically proving that you’re an actual writer, not some spammer who has purchased a plethora of backlinks in order to rise up in the search rankings.

You can become more of an authority writer with Google Authorship on your side. Plus, the amount of followers on your Google Plus account will increase your rank as well.
 
Lastly, you need to claim your name on Google Authorship before somebody else does. If you have verified your name with Google Plus, your work will be above anybody else with the same name.
 
How Do You Claim Google Authorship?
 
Claiming Google Authorship is a simple process. As mentioned before, a Google Plus account is required. If you don’t already have one, sign up right away and follow these steps:

1. Go to Google+
2. Edit your Profile (top right hand side – click on ACCOUNT – Click on Edit Your Profile)
3. Find the LINKS section and click Edit
4. In the contributor section, add a custom link.
5. Add the name and the URL of your blog
6. Your web content must have a link to your Google Plus profile, preferably the author bio section, with “?rel=author” at the end of the URL

It’s really that simple! By the way, Gil has followed this up with a detailed step-by-step for WordPress / Genesis users.

In a time when it’s more and more difficult to put your name out there in the world, Google has come up with the perfect solution. This new tool is the key to getting more page-views, rising in the author ranks and ensuring that your work isn’t stolen. Google Authorship is truly the face of the future for blogging.

 

Photo Credits

Google Plus Logo – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Portable Keyboard –  Wikimedia Creative Commons

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Guest Author Bio

Marcela De Vivo
Marcela De Vivo is a writer for HostPapa and home business owner whose writing offers tips and advice for those seeking to improve their rankings on Google. She finds that using Google Authorship has really helped her get more exposure. Find out more about her business today by visiting Gryffin Media.

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