Google Might Be Changing Its Navigation, Again

I just completed a quick search for the term "search" on Google, and here is what my search results page currently looks like.

As you can see, the search navigation is currently on the left side of the screen, where it has been for some time. However, it appears that Google is testing a new search navigation setup with a small subset of users. Here is what that test looks like for those who are seeing it.

The navigation here is now above the search results, opening up the left side of the page for what Search Engine Land believes could be ad space, or an alternative location for the knowledge graph. My pick? I actually believe Google will try to bring the Google+ experience over to Google's search results page by placing the Google+ sidebar in that empty space. That is, of course, if the new navigation design sticks. Google tests changes like this one all the time, and most don't make the cut.

Keep tuning in here for more Web design and Internet marketing news, courtesy of Harrisburg Web design company WebDrafter.com.

Google Places Becomes Google+ Local

If your business hasn't joined Google+, the search engine giant's social network, the time may be now: The company has merged Google Places with Google+, Search Engine Land recently reported.

What does all this mean? For one, the look of Places listing has changed, and listings (now called Google+ Local) now look like Google+ profiles. Zagat reviews have also been integrated into the new system, but businesses will still be able to manage their listings through the Google Places interface.

Here's what Google had to say about the change:

With the release of Google+ Local, rolling out today, we are bringing the community of Google+ to local business owners around the world. We aim to improve the way people discover new businesses, rediscover places they love, and share them with their friends across the web.

More changes are coming, Google said, including the ability to host hangouts and share photos, videos and posts from Google+ Local pages.

Thoughts on the change? Let us know on the WebDrafter Facebook page, @WebDrafter and on our Google+ page!