Earlier this week Google announced that they will be supporting schema.org markup for organization logos. In the midst of all the Google I/O hubbub this kind of announcement can seem minor but if there is a way to get an edge in a search result that is not so minor now, is it?

The Official Google Webmaster Central blog reported

Today, we’re launching support for the schema.org markup for organization logos, a way to connect your site with an iconic image. We want you to be able to specify which image we use as your logo in Google search results.

Using schema.org Organization markup, you can indicate to our algorithms the location of your preferred logo. For example, a business whose homepage is www.example.com can add the following markup using visible on-page elements on their homepage:

It’s official.

The deal that was deemed a ‘non-starter’ by opponents back in April is now officially deemed inadequate by Google rivals. This time though it appears they actually had something to read vs. just complaining about what was rumored. At least that’s a step in the right direction….. I think.

Of course, those complaining are the same who have been making these claims against Google (otherwise known as ‘advertising through litigation’ or ‘we can’t do anything ourselves so we will force people to know about us by whining’ approach). At least that’s what we think since the Financial Times reports gives an indication of just how spineless these opponents actually are.

Another rival, which declined to be named, attacked the concession as producing “orphan links” that would be too small and lacking in detail to attract much traffic.

Google is taking this whole streamlining thing quite seriously.

The latest ‘victim’ is their SMS Search product which allowed users to conduct a search by text message.

Ghacks reported

Many users of the service are reporting that the service has apparently been shut down by Google this night. When they send a search term to Google’s SMS Search number, 466453, they get the following response:

SMS search has been shutdown. You can continue to search the web at google.com on any device

TechCrunch also reported

People began to notice the service stop working on Friday, and asked about it in one of Google’s Product Forums (good thing those haven’t been closed down yet) and on Reddit. Jessica S., a Google employee, set the record straight:

This post (SEO Practices… Part 2) is brought to you by our Search Marketing Channel sponsor Blurbpoint. Part I can be found here.

As was explored in our first post, instead of focusing SEO strategy to fight against Panda, Penguin and other animal-friendly Google changes, strategies need to focus beyond typical SEO tactics. Here are a few additional ideas for you.

Infographics

Infographics are an incredibly important tool for online marketing. These graphics grab the attention of readers, but they also aid in scalable link-building. The Internet has always relied on innovative and attractive content. Well-designed, easy-to-digest infographics are popular tools that help bloggers and web content managers show off new information and design skills. Infographics have also changed the landscape of how SEO works. Small infographics are engaging, visual lures that vastly appeal to online readers. They can help with a story and even become a story all on their own.