Next, we reported recently that links to Google Plus websites and profiles are no longer showing the name and photo next to the search engine results. This unfortunately hurts click through rates, because listings with the photo get more click throughs than those without, so this will have a major impact on click through rates on the search engine results pages.But here’s the real kicker…Google, in its infinite wisdom, still show the photo on Google Plus profiles. As an example, the article posted on your website will no longer have the G+ photo on the site, but the profile that links to the article is still going to have the photo. Google in essence did this in order to generate more traffic to Google Plus, and it’s a sneaky way to do so.

What Kind of Impact Will the Two Search Engine Algorithm Changes Have on Search Marketing?

Ultimately, here’s what we’ve boiled this all down to…

Google is looking to frustrate search engine specialists with the ranking delay. Not only that, but it also shows that they are going to continue to focus on big brands and forget about the little guy. But that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. It just means that they are focused on larger authority sites and pay less attention to brand-new websites that are just starting out.

As far as the author picture removal is concerned, we feel that Google is doing everything in their power to push Google Plus. They’re willing to sacrifice the quality of the search engine results in order to make this happen.

This proves more and more that Google really is not our friend. They do whatever they can to help their business, even at the expense of millions of other small businesses all around the world. They aren’t here to help you. They are a multibillion dollar conglomerate that happens to control the majority of the search market. As a Gold Coast business owner looking to take advantage of the Internet, please remember that Google is not on your side. We will use them and they will use us as often as possible. But do not discard the fact that Google will steamroll over you without even thinking about it if it will benefit their company.

For year we have recognised that to rely on Google solely for traffic is foolhardy. They can wipe you out overnight and it doesn't matter how big and powerful you are; ezinearticles.com was taken out by a Panda update in 2011, lost 90% of its visibility overnight and may never get back to its glory days.