One of the 10 things they hold to be true here at Google is that fast is better than slow. They keep speed in mind in all things that they do, and the +1 button is no exception. Since the button’s launch, they have been hard at work improving its load time.They’re proud to announce two updates that will make both the +1 button and the page loading it, faster.
First, they’ve begun to roll out out a set of changes that will make the button render up to 3x faster on your site. No action is required on your part, so just sit back, relax, and watch as the button loads more quickly than before.
In addition to the improvements made to the button, they’re also introducing a new asynchronous snippet, allowing you to make the +1 experience even faster. The async snippet allows your web page to continue loading while your browser downloads the +1 JavaScript. By loading these elements in parallel, they’re ensuring the HTTP request to get the +1 button JavaScript doesn’t lead to an increase in your page load time. For those of you who have already implemented the button, you’ll need to update the code to the new async snippet, and then you should see an overall improvement in your page load time.
To generate the new async snippet, use their +1 Configuration Tool. Below, you’ll find an example of the code, which should be included below the last /g:plusone tag on your page.
If you haven’t already implemented the +1 button on your site, they’re excited for your first experience to be a fast one. This is a great opportunity to allow your users to recommend your site to their friends, potentially bringing in more qualified traffic from Google search. To those that already have the button, they hope that you enjoy the improvements in speed.Their team will continue to work hard to enhance the +1 button experience as they know that “fast is better than slow” is as true today as it’s ever been.
If you have any questions, please join them in the Webmaster forum. To receive updates about the +1 button, please subscribe to the Google Publisher Buttons Announce Group. For advanced tips and tricks, check their Google Code site.