Google Webmaster Tools +1 Metrics Maintenance

Googler, Jonathan Simon announced in the Google Webmaster Help forums that the +1 metrics section in Google Webmaster Tools may have issues over the next several days.

He said Google is working on "housekeeping" tasks for that section of Google Webmaster Tools, which implies to me that Google is doing some sort of upgrade in that area.

Jonathan said:

Over the next few days we're doing some housekeeping in the +1 Metrics section of Webmaster Tools. While this work is underway the data for +1 Metrics will be intermittently unavailable. We expect to have +1 Metrics back online by early next week. Thank you for your patience.

Here is a picture of how the +1 metrics may look for some:

Any guesses as to how major of an update we can expect? Any ideas or wish list items for this section?

We know Google is pouring a ton of resources into the Google+ and +1 products, so honestly, it can be anything. Plus we know it is SMX this week, so maybe an announcement is expected there?

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.

Read More

Google Shutting Down AdSense For Domains

The Google direct AdSense For Domains program is being shut down by Google. The last day is April 18, 2012. This is not effecting the whole program, but specifically the "direct AdSense for Domains" program.

Google posted this news on this page and people have started to notice the news.

Here is the timeline:

• February 22: AdSense publishers can no longer start using the Hosted domains product.
• March 21: You will no longer be able to create new hosted domains.
• April 18: Hosted domains will become inactive and it will no longer be possible to earn from them.
• June 27: Hosted domains will no longer be available in AdSense accounts.

Google is also offering advice on how to migrate to another provider.

This is a smart move by Google since there have been numerous complaints on all sidesof the coin.

To be honest, I am a bit surprised they closed it down because they have fought off these complaints for years and years now. Now they decide to close it down? Google said:

After evaluating the benefits of our partner network, we’ve decided to retire the Hosted domains product within AdSense. Going forward, undeveloped domains will only be served through our existing AdSense for domains distribution network.

For more details on this change, see this page.

Forum discussion at Acorn Domains and Twitter.

Read More

A Fake Google Store

We know Google has a Google Store in at their headquarters in the GooglePlex. We know they are thinking of adding one also to their Dublin office. But a random Google store somewhere in the Middle East?

This Google Store seems to not just sell Google Lava Lamps but instead, they sell fruits and vegetables.

I found this picture on ffffound.com. I am not sure exactly where in the world it was taken but it seems like somewhere in the middle east.

I assume this is not an approved and sanctioned Google Store. :)

This post is part of our daily Search Photo of the Day column, where we find fun and interesting photos related to the search industry and share them with our readers.

Read More