the evolution of google+ for small businesses

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A Guide to Getting Started and 5 Ways Google+ Can Benefit Your Small Business

The world of social media has revolutionized once again.  With the release of Google+ in 2011, the Internet gained yet another social media outlet.  However, this isn’t just like any other trending platform.  Today, Google+ holds 359 million active users, which is ahead of Twitter’s 200 million active users.  It is said there are power in numbers, but just what exactly has million of users utilizing Google+?  Here is a guide to getting started on Google+ and the success it can have on your small business:

Setting Up a Personal, Professional Profile

The first step in creating a presence for your small business is setting up a personal Google+ account.  To begin, you must create a Gmail account.  If you already have one that is a personal account (not business), begin by visiting Google+ and inputting your basic information.  From there, there are a few elements that will achieve an acknowledged profile.

image via KISSMetrics

• Cover photo: The cover photo is 2120x1192 pixels.  This means you want to have a high quality, high-resolution image that is unique compared to the generic cover photos Google+ offers.
• Story:  The story section will include your Tagline, Introduction and an optional Bragging Rights sub-section.  Your story is important because if you are searched on Google, your tagline will appear along with 77 characters of your introduction.  Thus, you will want your tagline to include basic keywords that summarize yourself and your introduction should be clear and captivating.

image via KISSMetrics

image via KISSMetrics

• Links: Links are important for Google+ authorship, which we will cover later.  Links will include a direct connection to your other social media websites, as well as a special “Contributor To” sub-section.  Contributor To will allow you to claim credit for content you created on the web and include a direct link to that content. 

Tip: A business website should be included in your introduction, in addition to the links section because links tend be position towards the bottom of a Google+ profile.

Let’s Get Down to Business

image via KISSMetrics

After creating a personal Google+ profile, you can now create a Google+ business page choosing from a category of: Local, Product, Brand, Company, Institution, Organization, Arts or Entertainment.  A business page will include your basic tagline and introduction, as well as a Mission and Company Overview section.  This can be utilized to give viewers a complete overview of your company and hopefully one that is insightful and inspiring.  In addition, if you do not already have a Google Places listing, you should create a local Google+ page.  The difference of a local Google+ page is that it simply includes your basic address, phone number and website, which will appear when viewers search for you within the area.  Google will then verify this information through phone or postcard.

The + For Small Business

Getting started on Google+ is easily explained, however the success it can have your business can be more abstract to understand why Google+ is so powerful.  To help, Social Fox Media has researched 5 ways Google+ can significantly benefit your small business:

1.    A SEO Boost

Google is the number one search engine without question.  Therefore, a Google+ profile and business page can gain significant Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  However, in order to be indexed on the first page of Google, you must have an established profile and business page with quality content.  In addition, content with great rankings will stay indexed longer, even up to a full year, on the first page.  Finally, a direct connection can be linked back to your business website.

2.    More Credibility and Visibility with Google+ Authorship

Google+ Authorship allows for you to gain credit for content you created by listing content under the “Contributed To” section mentioned earlier.  Also, once similar content is searched, your profile picture will appear next to the content. This credibility will lead to more visibility of your content, Google+ profile and business page and even your business website.   

3.    Expand Content Distribution

With millions of active users, Google+ is another way to expand your content distribution.  Google+ posts can include text, photos, videos and links.  Also, the @ and # symbols work the same way they do on Facebook and Twitter.  Content distributed through a Google+ profile and business page can be more strongly ranked and indexed on the first page of Google.

4.    Segment Your Audience with Circles

Circles is a special feature of Google+ because though it acts as a typical Contacts feature, it has the ability to categorize people based on “circles” you come up with.  By segmenting your audience, you can blast out content that is appealing to each circle.  This content can catch the eye of a new lead or confirm a committed customer.  In addition, a separate circle of employees can allow for private content to be distributed.

5.    Better Customer Service

The success of a small business comes down to its customers.  Google+ embraces customer service through its new Hangout feature, which allows for live video chats for up to 10 people or can even be used for live broadcast streaming.  Hangout can be utilized for online meetings, discussion amongst customers, one-on-one interviews, a webinar or even a special Q&A segment. 

In addition, business pages allows for customer reviews and the ability for you to comment on them.  This means you can express your appreciation for positive feedback or offer a solution to negative comments.  People will feel more of a connection to a business that is personable to its customers.

Think about when you are curious about a business…The first thing you do is “Google it” for more information, reviews and hopefully something that confirms a confidence in you.  Now think about what you want others to see when they "Google" your business.  Google+ is quickly becoming the dominant social media platform that people and businesses are utilizing.  Begin your Google+ experience with Social Fox Media today!

By: Jessica Zell, Social Fox Media

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