How to Use Google+ for Business

Google+ entered into the fray when Facebook and YouTube had already made their mark in Social Networking domain. Yet,it has already taken giant steps to catch up with the likes of Twitter, LinkedIn, Yahoo Answers and Pinterest. Though it will take some time for Google to pose a direct threat to Facebook, the Mountain View giant is aggressively promoting its services and all of which are somewhat connected and converging today (remember YouTube is also a Google service!).  With estimated 400 million users already on board, according to statistics Google+ is poised to surpass Facebook by early 2016.

Google+ is rapidly becoming popular, especially among business establishments, because it seamlessly integrates with other Google services. That helps from SEO point of view as stated by Google’s Matt Cutts that 10 years from now things would be more social. Google is working towards fusing all its services with a common social layer, thus indicating that Social Signals will have a major role to play in the future of search. This is already evident in searches on Google. The use of HTML tagging for structured data, microformats, microdata, appearance of rich snippets give more exposure and credibility to the authors, publishers or online businesses. The businesses can then take mileage from this to direct visitors to their content with other Google services.

Despite all these buzz and ever-increasing popularity, many small businesses are still apprehensive to test the waters and are struggling to figure out what it might take to use the unique features of Google+ for increasing their brands visibility.

To help small businesses, we at 7Boats have documented the following tips to grow your brands,

• Give an Identity to Your Brand:

With Google+, businesses get an opportunity to give face to their content and showcasetheir offerings. Thus, develop identity of the brand. Apply creativity while adding photos and graphics to your content. Mix your content well while posting. Link your website or other services from some of your content and leave some content with no links.

• Add Your Google+ Local Page:

Adding your business in Google+ local page helps your information to show up in local search results. Businesses with Google+ local listing and good reviews stand better chance to appear on the highly effective first page of Google search.

• Explore the Video Opportunity:

This one is the killer application which separates Google+ from other Social Networking sites. Businesses like yours can exploit this opportunity to engage customers in visual walkthrough of their products, invite clients for video conferences, webinars or meetings. This single feature entices businesses to apply their creativity and if used in an effective way, your business will make a mark for itself.

• Give Equal Exposure to Your Content:

Give equal opportunity to all aspects of your business content. Mix, rotate and expose content in a balanced way to give your users a unique experience.

• Reward Your Followers:

Give your followers a little something extra to make them feel that their association with your business is valued. Some freebies, free valuable content or merely a simple game may do the trick!