Now You, Too, Can Have an Interactive Website!

Google's been very busy lately. Most people who pay attention to social media and search engine updates already know that Google recently launched three new platforms that can make your website more user-friendly and more interactive. These platforms give you the ability to find out what your users think, interact with them on a more personal level, and allow them to connect with each other. There are pros and cons to each, and these new additions emphasis the importance of making sure you monitor and address user response.

Google SideWiki - The Google SideWiki, available from either the Google Toolbar or bookmarklets on your browser, lets users add comments about a specific page or product on your site. The comments are only visible to other users who also have the SideWiki installed, but the comments are all ranked as if they were individual pages.
 
Pros: You can claim ownership of your SideWiki, but remember that you must claim ownership on every page. The ownership claims can be optimized, link to areas of interest, and will always appear above other comments. You can read user comments and address them directly, thereby maintaining a  good relationship with your site visitors.  You can also report comments for spam or abuse, such as when a competitor tries to drive traffic from your site.

Cons: You cannot opt out of this, so if you do not take action now and claim ownership, you risk your wiki showing comments you are unaware of.  This also is a huge set up for spammers, and there is always a risk that competitors may use your wiki to steal your traffic.  More importantly, you need to be aware of any legal ramifications involved, such as when a commenter makes false claims about your product or service. 

Google Social Search - With Google Social Search, only available right now through Google Labs, you can see results from within your friend circle as part pf search results. Not only do you see your friends but you can also see your friends' friends. You can opt out of any results you like,  and you can choose to only see social search results rather than organic and paid results too.

Pros: You can monitor feedback within your circle on your site or product and branch out to include feedback from outside of your normal social circle. This feedback  helps you see what people are saying about you to their friends and on social media sites, which then gives you the opportunity to address any negative feedback.

Cons: Again, you can't opt out of this. You also have to create a Google Account and grant Google access to any public profile pages you have, including Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media sites that are included.

Google Friend Connect - Google Friend Connect turns your website into a social media front. It allows you to include a Members gadget on your site that lets users create a profile, leave comments, and interact with each other. It also lets you see who has become a member and what they have to say about you and your business.

Pros: You create an interactive social media platform that you control. Unlike the SideWiki, you can decide if Friend Connect is accessible or not. You also can see real time feedback on your products or services and address any negative comments immediately. You can also add polls or questions to get feedback from users on how they use your site and what changes they would like to see.

Cons: You are susceptible to spammers and competitors who may try to drive away traffic, so you will need to monitor your site closely. You also cannot control private messages, another feature available to members on your site.- and another way spammers and competitors can reach your users.

More interaction means developing a better relationship with your users, and this is good news for you. But it is also important to be aware of what people are saying about you while keeping an eye on your competition and spammers. Don't make the mistake of thinking platforms like these won't affect you or your company, and you can continue to make the web work for you.