New Google+ ads?

[I, Brian]

Just searched for "FT.com", and instead of Adwords on the right, I see a big profile for the FT's Google+ page:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=ft.com&oq=ft.com&gs_l=hp.3..0l10.927.1764.0.2044.6.3.0.3.3.0.89.126.3.3.0...0.0.F52EskSLubQ

Not seen this before, but I figure this sort of thing must have been around for a time?

[Gurtie]

I think thats their authority testing, occasionally I get it on people searches - big profile pops up.

[Chunkford]

It only shows when their Google+ account has been verified and people have added them to their circles. How many people I'm not sure.

I suppose it's a good way to secure you brand in the searches but it's another way G are trying to desperately get people to use G+

[hungrygoose]

I'd be very interested in knowing where the bar is for this to show up is and if it's possible to trick G into thinking an EMD is the official site for a keyword.  Probably not worth the effort though..

[jimbanks]

I can't remember what the solution is called but they have 500,000 items they have information on and they are showing this when someone searches for it, typically it's people, companies.

I'll see if I can get the brain to function over the weekend and put the official terminology in for you.