When you search for information on Google, have you noticed that some of the search results have a photo next to them? You’re probably already aware that the image you see in search results comes from the author’s Google+ profile. Sure, that image lets you know who the content creator is, but it’s so much more than just that.
That photo is much like a stamp of approval from Google and shows that you’ve verified your authorship on Google. It also lets others know that Google trusts you as a quality content creator.
So if you’ve been wondering how to get your Google+ profile image in search results, keep reading to find out just how easy it is. I’ll show you how to do this via a WordPress plugin called Google Plus Authorship.
First, let’s find out why Google authorship so important.
The Importance of Google Authorship
As you can see from the screenshot at the top of this post, search results with a profile picture next to them really stand out. Whether you’re connected to that person or not, seeing that photo makes you want to click on that result – rather than one without a photo. This is one reason why it’s important for you to set up and verify your authorship on Google.
Another reasion why it’s so important is because having your image in search results will give you a huge SEO boost. Imagine how many more clicks you’ll get just because others can see a picture of you in their search results; it adds a personal touch and human element to your content.
Not only will your click-through rates increase, but your verified authorship status will improve your chances of showing up more in search results – which of course means higher rankings.
Using the Google Plus Authorship Plugin
So now let’s begin the authorship process. As I stated above, we’ll be using the Google Plus Authorship WordPress plugin; installing and using it is extremely easy.
- First you’ll need to install and activate the Google Plus Authorship WordPress plugin on your blog.
- Since there’s no settings for the plugin, you’ll then need to go to your WordPress user profile; from the WordPress dashboard go to the Users menu and then click on “Your Profile.”
- Scroll to the bottom of your profile and enter your Google+ profile URL and your preferred name.
- When you’re done, update your profile to save the information.
Although you’re now done with the plugin, there’s still more to the authorship process. Next you’ll need to add your blog link to your Google+ profile.
Linking from Your Google+ Profile
So after you’ve entered your Google+ profile URL in your WordPress user profile, you’ll need to be sure that there is a link to your blog on your Google+ profile. You may already have a link in the “Contributor to” section, but if not here’s how to do so.
- Go to your Google+ profile; click on the “View profile” button from the Google drop down menu.
- Click on the “Edit Profile” button at the top center of your profile.
- Scroll down to the “Contributor to” section and click on it so that you can add your blog link.
- Click on “Add custom link” and enter a label (title) and URL.
- When you’re done, save you’re changes.
Now you’re all set. You’ll have a link on your blog to your Google+ profile, and a link on your Google+ profile to your blog. In blogger’s terms, you’ve exchanged links and you’re now on each others blogrolls.
Note: You should add links for all of the blogs that you contribute to. If the blog owner is not using a plugin that allows you to add your Google+ URL to your WordPress user profile, then you can just add a link to your Google+ profile right in your author bio.
Double Checking Your Efforts
Just to be sure that you’ve linked everything properly, you can always use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool, which shows you rich shippets. Just be sure you’re signed into the appropriate Google account before navigating to the link.
Enter the URL of your blog or the URL of a specific article on your blog (or an article that you’ve written on another blog) and you’ll see a Google search results preview. This preview lets you know exactly what others will see if that URL happens to show up in their search results.
As long as you see your Google+ profile image next to the result and the green “Verified” badge below it, you know that you’re good and that everything has been linked properly.
Since it can take up to a week or two (after setting up authorship) for your Google+ profile image to appear in results, you may not see your image in the preview or the green “Verified” badge. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to play the waiting game.
What Are You Waiting For?
If you have yet to set up Google authorship for your blog content, you should definitely do that ASAP. You’re truly missing out if you aren’t verified. Now that you see how easy the process is, what are you waiting for?
Have you verified your Google authorship? If so, did you use the Google Plus Authorship plugin or did you use another tool or method?
Gugulethu
It worked for me and my rel=author markup has successfully established authorship.
Many Thnx, it was really easy to follow.
Mehul Sharma
Thanks To Give Quality and Easiest Content in this post.
Alok kumar rathaur
Mam I Have already Done all the steps .
When I use Structured Data Testing Tool
Authorship is working for this webpage.
Google+ profile link: https://plus.google.com/113814533160976148084
Google+ profile name: alok rathour
Author: note Shown (can u tell how to do it)
Authorship can be explicitly established via two primary methods: email verification or rel=author markup. Keep reading for more details on the implementation of each method for this page. Learn more
pcmarket
I use OpenCart – Open Source Shopping Cart Solution,I have followed your instruction to apply it on my site. in Rich snippets tools show my picture for the home page”http://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/richsnippets?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftabpcmarket.ir%2F”.but dont show in google search resualts! What happened to home page?
Do you have any solution?
venkat
nice information,thank’s for sharing
Tejas rathod
This method is good but my method on this top is better ,
You can also get your profile pictures on blogger by this method
http://chillofyblogging.blogspot.in/2013/06/how-to-get-your-profile-picture-in.html
Prof
Great Tutorial 😉 But is it not possible doing it without google+ ?
sassyshann
Is there anyway to remove this profile photo from google search without removing or disconnecting google+ from blogger?
http://sassyshann.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/beret-confused.html
Karlo B
This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks a lot
Tom
Hi!
I already installed WordPress SEO by Yoast and configured it but didn’t work at all.
Now I installed the plugin you suggested and now it works but only for posts.
But how to add authorship info to my homepage or the whole site globally. I tried to insert a G+ link to foooter but Google doesn’t consider it as an author info.
Please assist
Tom
Tom
Hi!
I already installed WordPress SEO by Yoast and configured it but didn’t work at all.
Now I installed the plugin you suggested and now it works but only for my posts.
But how to add authorship info to my homepage or the whole site globally. I tried to insert a G+ link to footer but Google doesn’t consider it as an author info.
Please assist.
Tom
sonesh
thnaku Charnita Fance…its really work
Charnita Fance
You’re welcome! Happy to help 🙂
emeric
No need to use this plugin if you have already WordPress SEO installed. You can add your profile url and preferred name directly in WordPress SEO
Charnita Fance
Correct, but if you don’t have it installed, this plugin will get the job done 🙂
Mitch Byrne
I have already achieved authorship for both my sites. I think we did it the long way. This looks like the easiest route to authorship yet!
Joseneas
The plugin by Seo by Yoast, already includes this functionality. It is one of the best Plugin of SEO for WordPress.
🙂
Charnita Fance
Yes it is, I use it as well. This plugin is great for those looking for the easy route.
~Charnita
Marv
I have been trying to do this on my blog for ages but it never worked. I am going to follow your guide and try to get it working.
I am a newbie to all this but i am getting there 🙂
Thanks
Charnita Fance
I hope it helps!
scott
Hi — Great article. I would add that we get great results linking to an archive of articles written by adding “?rel=author” at the end of the link. This is something Matt Cutts and team have reported as a “signal” to which they “listen”.
Charnita Fance
Thanks for the tip Scott.
Much appreciated.
~Charnita
Jeremy
Wow, this is great! I’ve run into a snag. I want to authorize my “page”, not my personal profile. I set up the WordPress plugin but there’s no “contributor to” option on my page. Is there a workaround or is this not possible?
Thanks for the post regardless. Giving you a +1
Charnita Fance
I’m sorry Jeremy, I wish I could help. I’m not sure how to fix that issue. Did you ever figure it out?
~Charnita