Hold onto your hats, Google+ has just launched their business page functionality. This means businesses can set up a profile on the Google+ network, connect with other businesses and brands – and build a community of loyal fans. Finally, you can invest real time into Google+ to build your business presence.
This will change everything.
Courtesy of crazyengineers.com
Your Google+ Business Page
We’ve spoken previously about the precarious nature of Google+, and how the social network seemed to be losing ground. Now with the launch of their business pages, we’re bound to see another boost in signups, and people returning to complete a very advantageous business presence on the platform. Google is indexing each Google+ business page super fast, and this alone could change the tide for Google+.
They’ve included a handy little feature called Direct Connect, which allows Google search users to add a ‘+’ in front of their search term, if they would like to find a company listed on Google+. In other words, if you want to find our presence there, simply type +socialmediamagic into the Google search bar. This is quick, easy, and very appealing for businesses that want to secure prominent keywords.
The Impact of Your Google+ Page
Now your business can take advantage of the other features on Google+, for your company page. The hangouts feature alone could open several new revenue streams for you, as your business delves into livecasting, webinars and live chat with your fans and clients.
Your circles will get an enormous boost from Direct Connect, as fans are able to find you easily, then +1 or add you to their circles, right from a basic Google search. The page layout seems remarkably Facebook-esque, but this isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it will give new users the confidence to create beautiful profiles for their businesses.
Courtesy of launch.is
Should You Get a Google+ Page?
Yes. There are enough benefits now – so you’ll want to establish a community on this network. You’ll be able to use Google+ as a promotional tool, and even a cloud based work tool – as your team members, managers and clients will all be in certain circles. Google+ has only just launched this new feature, so it will be some time until they’ve sorted out the kinks.
One small thing we don’t like, is that fans can’t post on your business page wall. Having said that, we can’t expect Google+ to be exactly like Facebook. Are they rivals yet? No. Facebook is still miles ahead of Google+, and we don’t expect this to change anytime soon. As a platform in its own right however, Google+ is worth including in your next social marketing plan.
All you have to do is sign up for a Google+ profile, and on the homepage click on the Google+ create a page. It will take you to a set up screen, where you can fill in your details and get started. The sooner you do it the better, so get cracking!
Do you like the new Google+ business pages? Please tell us what you like or don’t like about the new features.
January 7, 2012 at 9:17 am
So here’s a Q that may seem funny . . .
Once you create a business page – where IS it when you log in?
I know I created one when they first came out, but when I sign in – it goes directly to my personal account with no main buttons (that I can see) that takes me to my biz page to publish. I don’t get it!
January 9, 2012 at 6:04 am
@Rose – Not a funny question at all. A lot of people can’t seem to find it at first, because its quite small and well hidden. Check out your profile pic on your Google+ personal page. If you’ve completed your business page, it should show a number of pages right next to your name and pic. Click the drop down, and that’s where your biz page is hiding. Hope this helps!