If you're a content creator, you're aware of Google's AuthorRank. It's a way to build your authority online. To assess your "authority," do a Google search for a piece of content you've written. If your image pops up next to your content in the results, you've got authority, in Google's eyes.
All you need to do to get the magic image is join Google+, then associate your name with your content.
There's a lot of discussion about whether or not Google takes AuthorRank into account in its search algorithm. And if it doesn't yet, will it take it into account in the future.
In a sense, it doesn't matter. As Mark Traphagen says:
I'm convinced that if you've properly set up Google Authorship; and you're creating memorable, well-targeted, authoritative content; and you're building effective networks of fans and key influencer relationships to help spread it, you're well in position for whenever "AuthorRank" comes calling."
Got AuthorRank? Find out with this free tool.
Virante has created a free Author Rank tool, currently in beta. You can use the tool to discover how you, and your content, appear to Google. Here's Vitante's Author Rank Tool FAQ to help if you have questions.
Just enter your Google+ account ID, and click GO. You'll need to wait a couple of minutes to get the results. Be sure to save the page.
In a month or two, you can use the tool again, after you've created more content. As the tool's page says: "The easiest way to increase one's AuthorRank is to write better content on better sites."
I tried it. I love the "themes" at the bottom of the stats.
Here are mine:
Themes
Computers/E-Books: 3
Business/Marketing_and_Advertising/Internet_Marketing: 2.53
Arts/Writers_Resources: 5.5
Arts/Literature/Horror: 4.45
That's how Google sees me, according to the tool. To be seen as an authority on those topics, or on others, I'll need to produce more good content in the areas in which I want to boost my authority.
Is the tool accurate? Who knows. It doesn't really matter, because Google hasn't said that it takes AuthorRank into account in its rankings. However, the tool does give you a sense of how you appear to Google, and that's extremely valuable.
Join Angela on Google+, and on Twitter: @angee
The post Content Creator? Make Sense Of Google AuthorRank - New, Free Tool appeared first on Angela Booth's Creativity Factory.