Google have just released their Social Graph API that lets you tag links on pages to indicate social connections. The API allows developers and social networks to understand the relationship between links on different profiles by labeling them as a “me” or a “friend” link. The video below explains:

The API lets developers understand social links using the XFN and LOAF labeling systems. For example, if I wanted to link to my Gooruze profile, the link would look like a regular link with the following code:

<a href=”http://www.gooruze.com/members/matt-elshaw” rel=”me”>

The rel=”me” tag lets the Social Graph API know that this profile is also mine. Many social networks like twitter and livejournal already add this tag without the user knowing so there will already be some data available without editing all your old links.

For small business owners, this makes it easier to connect with others in your industry and maintain your important profiles for reputation management. If you want to start using the API head over to the developers webpage. There you can view one of the demo applications that can help find your existing connections.