How to Use Google+ for Your Business
In June 2011, Google+ was launched as a social network site that attracted millions of users by it’s exclusive “Invitation Only” registration. In early November, Google+ announced business pages. Now that the platform not only enables the public to interact together, but also invites businesses to sign up and get involved, what should you be doing?
Google+ For Business, Made Simple
The Google+ Button In Search Results
We’ve all seen it. That little icon with the plus sign in it, beckoning for our attention. It is essentially, similar to Facebook’s “Like” button. Only it’s implemented by Google, so not only is it going to show up on search results, but your “Circle’s” recommendations will be visible there to you as well. As a business, wouldn’t it be helpful if a prospective customer saw your link in a search result, with a “This site is recommended by (insert someone’s name they know!)”? This gives your business an immediate reputation boost, without you needing to do anything at all.
The Google+ Button on Your Website
To take this a step further, Google has added a way to make your website the “Official” website of a Google+ Business page, thereby increasing the reputation of your business just by having a page and inserting the code on your site. Websites using Google’s +1 button get 3.5x the Google+ visits. Putting the button on your site will increase it’s effectiveness even if one person ‘+1’s’ you.
The Google+ Business Page
Having a Google+ Business page will soon be just as expected as having a Facebook & Twitter business page. Promoting your website, new content, interacting with customers, community projects, new releases, etc are all ways to utilize your Google+ Business page.
Google+ will keep evolving. Many right now might be underestimating the potential of Google+ due to its low membership base compared to Facebook, but it is worth recognizing its youth as well as its strong tie to search results. Google+ is not just any social network. It’s a platform that is directly impacting search results, so getting on board now will pay off!
