As per the recent comScore networks numbers, Google commands 67 percent of the U.S. search market, followed by 16.5 percent for Bing and 12.1 percent for Yahoo. Healthcare professionals who are active on the Internet, write blogs, columns and other online content, and engage on social media networks should know that having a strong presence on Google+ is likely to boost the prospects for their online content in the future.

What is Google Authorship on Google+?

Through its social network, Google+, Google is providing an opportunity to original and prolific content promoters on the
Internet, including healthcare professionals, to add more authenticity to their content by including a verified online authorship profile. Anonymous or unverified content may not be appreciated by many readers, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare. This is where Google+ is providing an opportunity to link all the online content of a single author under a single Google+ authorship profile.

How to create a Google+ Profile?

To begin with, visit the link Plus.Google.com and follow simple instructions to create your profile, if you do not have one already. Provide as much and as accurate information as you possibly can, and include an appropriate, professional looking profile image to go with it. When people see who you are and what you look like, they trust you more on the Internet. You will also have an opportunity to link to other profiles, public pages and most importantly, specific websites, online publications and blogs where you may be a contributor.

Is it possible to link all original content to Google+ Profile?

Yes, the entire online content created by a single author can be linked via Google+ Profile. Google provides information in user-friendly language on how to link all such content to Google+. You can either use a verified email address for all new content you post online so that Google will identify it as your authentic content under your Google+ Profile. Alternatively, you can link the content from your web pages with your Google+ Profile.

Does it have any value from an SEO perspective?

When your online content shows up in the search results, your authorship information will also appear in the results. In the long run, it is going to have an impact on the search rankings for your content because Google has already dropped sufficient hints that it is gradually moving away from Internet anonymity towards an era where legitimate authors with verified profiles and authentic content will be more privileged. Other benefits of Google+ Authorship include superior online reputation, personal brand building, and greater credibility, trust and familiarity with your target audiences.