Google+ Pages – Are They For Your Business?

Here’s the WHO – WHAT- WHERE – WHY – WHEN and HOW TO when it comes to Google+ Pages for your business.

What is a Google+ Page?
If you’re not already familiar with Google+, it’s a social media platform that allows you to group your “friends” into Circles. Unlike Facebook where all your “friends” are lumped together, Circles let you divide your contacts into Friends, Colleagues, Family, etc. People can be part of more than one of your Circles – it’s up to you. Share things with the appropriate Circle and no need to worry about your boss seeing last weekend’s party!

The basics of Google+ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC_M6PzXS9g

Google+ Pages are for businesses. Your page, profile image and recent posts are eligible to show up on the right-hand side of a relevant Google search. People can follow your Google+ Pages. Relevant posts can also show up within search results for your pages’ followers.

Why should you be on Google+ Pages?
One of the most basic reasons is Google+ integrates with all other Google services like Search, Google Places, Google Maps etc.  By creating and maintaining a Google+ Page you will likely see an SEO boost.  If your business is more a “brick and mortar” type with a Google Places page, having a Google+ Page will help add valuable information to your Places page.

Where will your Google+ Page show up?
Besides the already mentioned relevant Google searches, when you connect your website to your Google+ Page searches for your site can display links to any recent Google+ posts.

Who is on Google+?
According to Circle Count, a company that tracks Google+ activity worldwide, the United States, India and Brazil have the most users and those users are typically students, developers, engineers, designers and photographers. But more important is the fact that anyone who is logged into Google (eg. Gmail, YouTube) will have their search results personalized and if they or any of their Circle friends have shared your Google+ page your site would be at an advantage for outranking your competition!

When was Google+ Pages launched?
November 7, 2011. Time to join the Circle!

How to create your Google+ Page.
First you need to have a Google account. If you don’t follow this link:
https://accounts.google.com/NewAccount

Next create a Google+ Page (https://plus.google.com/pages/create). Add your company name and images to customize your page. Then, tell visitors more about your company by completing the “About” section. Be sure to including your website and a detailed description. This can help customers find you across Google.

Don’t forget:

  • link your Google+ Page on your website
  • encourage people to share your Google+ content
  • let people see recommendations from friends and colleagues

Visit our Google + Page and add us to your circle!