For several years, marketers debated whether Google Plus, Google's social network, could boost search rankings. Because it was owned by Google, many assumed that activity on the platform must carry special weight in search results. Some businesses invested heavily in Google Plus profiles, communities, and +1 buttons in hopes of improving their visibility. Today, the question still appears in search queries: does Google Plus help SEO domain authority? The short answer is no. The consumer version of Google Plus was shut down in April 2019, and even when it was active, its direct impact on rankings was limited. This article explains the history and what truly builds authority now.
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What Was Google Plus?
Google Plus, often written as Google+, launched in 2011 as Google's attempt to compete with social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It allowed users to share posts, join communities, organize contacts into circles, and recommend content with the +1 button. For a time, Google integrated Google Plus with several products, including search, YouTube, and local business listings, which fueled speculation about its SEO influence.
Did Google Plus Ever Help SEO?
When Google Plus was active, it offered some indirect SEO benefits. Content shared on the platform could be indexed quickly, and personalized search results sometimes showed posts from people in a user's circles. Google Authorship, which linked content to Google Plus profiles, displayed author photos in search results for a period, potentially improving click-through rates. Local businesses also used Google Plus pages before the introduction of Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile.
However, Google representatives repeatedly stated that +1s and Google Plus activity were not direct ranking factors. Studies showing correlations between +1s and rankings likely reflected the fact that popular, high-quality content attracted both social engagement and backlinks. Authorship snippets were discontinued in 2014, well before the platform closed.
What Happened to Google Plus?
Google announced the shutdown of the consumer version of Google Plus in 2018, citing low user engagement and security concerns related to API vulnerabilities. The platform officially closed for consumers in April 2019. A version for businesses was rebranded as Google Currents and was later discontinued as well. Today, there is no Google Plus profile or activity that can influence search results.
Understanding Domain Authority
It is also important to clarify what domain authority means. Domain Authority is a metric developed by Moz to predict how likely a website is to rank, based primarily on its backlink profile. Similar metrics include Ahrefs Domain Rating and Semrush Authority Score. These are third-party metrics, not Google ranking factors. Google uses its own complex systems to evaluate the authority and trustworthiness of pages and sites. Social media activity, including former Google Plus engagement, does not directly increase these scores.
What Actually Builds Authority Today
Modern authority is built through a combination of factors:
- High-quality backlinks: Links from relevant, reputable websites remain a key signal of trust.
- Helpful content: In-depth, original content that demonstrates experience and expertise attracts links and engagement.
- Brand mentions: References to your brand across news sites, industry publications, and forums support recognition.
- Technical excellence: Fast, secure, crawlable websites provide a strong foundation.
- E-E-A-T signals: Author credentials, accurate information, and transparent business details build trust.
- Local signals: For local businesses, an optimized Google Business Profile and positive reviews strengthen visibility.
The Role of Social Media in SEO Today
Like Google Plus before them, current social platforms are not direct ranking factors. However, social media can amplify content, drive traffic, increase brand awareness, and lead to natural backlinks when influencers and publishers discover your work. Social profiles also often rank for branded searches, helping businesses control their online presence. Integrating social promotion into a broader digital marketing strategy supports SEO indirectly by increasing visibility and engagement.
Cleaning Up Old Google Plus References
If your website still contains Google Plus share buttons, profile links, or embedded widgets, remove them. These outdated elements can create broken links, slow down pages, and make your site appear neglected. Replace them with links to active social profiles and modern sharing options.
Final Thoughts
Google Plus does not help SEO or domain authority today because the platform no longer exists for consumers, and even when it was active, it was not a direct ranking factor. Real authority comes from high-quality backlinks, helpful content, strong brand signals, and technical excellence. By focusing on these proven strategies, businesses can build lasting credibility and visibility in search.
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