Top 5 Google+ Tips for Businesses

Hello! We hope you’ve been enjoying our social media marketing series! So far we’ve covered Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest and this week we’re going to cover Google+. For any business concerned with social media and SEO, Google+ is not to be overlooked.  Here are the top five tips for businesses to make the most of this useful marketing tool.

1. The SEO value of using Google+ should not be underestimated.  As this is the social network from Google then making the most of the SEO potential can help to boost your company’s profile online.  Why not take the opportunity to combine your Google+ business page with your Google+ Local page?   On searches that are location-based this can push your company further up the search results.
2. Engaging users with the page is essential and one of the easiest ways to do this is to add images.  Why not include an image of your business HQ and key team members?  Users will have more confidence in your company if they can visualize your offices and the people that they are dealing with.  Link your website to your Google+ page with the addition of a +1 button
3. The potential traffic from Google+ can be high if you share content the right way.  One trick is to make your first post from your business page but then use your personal page to share that post on to other communities.  People are more likely to take notice of the content if it has been shared through a personal account rather than a business account, particularly if you add a personal comment too!  Avoid just passing on a link to others – take the opportunity to be a little more interactive.
4. Make sure that any posts on your Google+ business page catch the eye.  Images will help to make your posts stand out but consider your formatting too – use bold and italics to help keywords and phrases stand out and use #hashtags to increase the chances of users finding your posts.  When you are creating your content you also need to make sure that you know who your target audience is.  Random content is going to be a little hit and miss when it comes to boosting business.
5. Build up a following!  This is going to take a little work but will be worth it in the end.  Add people to your circle and many of these will then add you to theirs.  Target those who are in the same industry as you but at the same time consider adding potential customers.  Getting a high number of followers will mean that Google will place your site higher in search results.  Consider setting up your own community to encourage other businesses in the same industry as you to interact with you and with customers.

Taking the time to transform your Google+ page is worth it and probably won’t take as much time as you think – spare a few minutes and see how your business benefits! Thank you as always for following along and let me know if you have any questions.

Amy Grishman, CEO of Social Focus Marketing