Google Plus is becoming an important social media channel for businesses. Did you know that your Google rankings are influenced by your activity on Google Plus? Therefore, if you are not using G+ yet, you need to join the 300 million active users who already understand its importance. G+ is an excellent way to reach potential customers and develop content that gets attention. Here are some tips for getting started with Google+.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Type of G+ Account
As a business, you need to build a business page—not a personal profile. Local brick and mortar-type businesses need a “Local Business or Place.” If you have put effort into establishing a brand or a line of products, “Product or Brand” may serve you best. “Company, Institution or Non-Profit” has the same categories as “Product or Brand,” so figure out what best describes your company.
To create a page, you need to log in to Google. Ideally, use a business Google account to do this.
Tip 2: Build Up Your Local Listing
Do you have a place where customers can walk in? Find your local listing on Google and connect it to your G+ Business Page account. Then spend the time to make sure the listing is filled in as completely as possible.
Tip 3: Add Cover Image and Your Logo
Similar to Facebook and YouTube, G+ expects you to upload a cover photo and a logo. If you are already on other channels, best to use similar images. This will help you remain consistent in your branding. Tell you graphic artist these specifications:
- Logo: 270 pixels by 270 pixels
- Cover image: 2120 pixels by 1192 pixels
Tip 4: Complete Your About Section
Remember, everything you enter on G+ is indexed automatically by Google. It’s their service, after all! Schedule time to fill in your company’s About section on your G+ Business Page as completely as possible. Anyplace you see a field that applies to you, fill it in. Polish your story. Remember to add links to your website, blog, and all social media accounts that your company uses. Anyone who sees this profile on Google Plus will have the opportunity to connect with you. Give them all the info they might need.
Tip 5: Make Circles
On G+, you manage your connections by using “circles.” It’s similar to segmenting your email list or making a list of specific types of friends on Facebook. Google Plus gives you some circles by default, such as Friends, Family, and Following. As you add more connections, you will add more circles. The caveat is that people are notified when you add them to a circle. This is different from segmenting your email list, for example, which is usually silent. Therefore, do not create a circle such as “Annoying People” or “Competitor.”
Tip 6. Use Circles to Post Focused Content
By default, your post will be shared publicly. After you have some circles on Google+, you can set your posts to be shown only to certain circles. For instance, if you have a highly technical post that only people in your industry would understand, share it only with the relevant circle (such as “Dancers”).
Tip 7: Post Regularly
G+ works best when you make regular posts. For example, plan on posting maybe 4 or 5 times per week. Here are some ideas for posts:
- Links to your company’s blog posts
- News about your business
- Special offers
- Photos
- Upcoming events
- Industry news
- Share other people’s content
Tip 8: Use Keywords and Hashtags
Just like on other social media channels, Google Plus posts should contain keywords and #hashtags. This will help your search engine rankings – and make you more credible.
8. Get into Communities
Look around at some of the G+ Communities. Find communities that are interested in topics related to what your business offers. Participate authentically in discussions.
Google Plus is becoming a viable channel, and essential for anyone serious about search engine optimization. Make the time to get started with G+ as soon as possible.
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