Google+ has been live for one year, yet businesses and consumers are still unsure of its potential. However, there’s much to be gained for eCommerce companies who create a profile on the social media site
Google+ offers a new place for businesses to create profiles and boost their web traffic. This relatively new social network should be embraced by all companies, small or large, as it can have a big impact on your company’s search results and SEO performance
Why Google+?
Google clearly wants to get into the arena of social media and is using its online muscle in a way it has not done before. Analysts are noting that Google+ profiles are ranking higher than other search results. Also, links from Google+ accounts appear to be beefing up the Page Rank of the linked-to sites. For many, this is an aggressive approach from a company which has always presented itself as an impartial service provider. Nonetheless, due to the powerful effect Google+ profiles have on search, the social network is being viewed as a necessity for marketers and eCommerce sites in general.
Why not?
Google+ plus profiles also come with the benefits of being free, easy to use, highly public and interactive. This might be the same as most other social media sites, but businesses need all the help they can get.
How do I get started?
Creating a page on Google+ is a simple and straightforward process. To begin with you need to create a personal page and from here you can be the administrator of a business profile. Then choose a category for your page from the options provided (product, service etc). There are then several fields where you input your company information, customer information and other stuff which will help people to find you. Once this outline is complete, you can start building your presence.
Circles and hangouts
Circles is the way Google+ allows you to divide your followers into sub sections and for businesses this can be a very useful way of simplifying communication. For instance, dividing your followers into staff, top customers, time-wasters and competitors, will ensure you are talking to the right groups when delivering important information.
Hangouts are Google+ places for users to chat, share and interact. Again, this has the potential for exposure and interaction.
Links
As mentioned, links are of major importance and so make sure all of your relevant URLS are included on your company profile. You should receive a welcome boost to your SEO once these links have been indexed by Google. It will also provide customers with an additional gateway on to your site.
Images
Spend some time branding your page as it will effectively be an advertisement for your company. Attractive images will draw in the users and provide you will a professional image. Google+ profiles enable the user to create a panoramic profile image comprised of five image tiles. Check out what other companies are doing and look for your own inventive use of this opportunity by using .gif files to create presentation.
