Hangouts, events, circles and more. Learn how to get the most out of your Google+ page! This session will provide an overview of Google+ and the difference between a Google+ Local page and a Google+ Business page. Then we will dive into Google+ smart tactics, covering the best strategies in optimization and management. Lastly we’ll discuss the merge of Google+ Local pages and Google+ Business pages, why it is important and what to expect. Q&A to follow.

1. Google+
Smart Tactics For Your Brand
Google+ Local (The New Social Search)

3. The State of Social Media
• 1 in 5 Minutes Online are Spent on Social Networking Sites
• There are More People On Social Networks Than Ever Before
• Social Networks Now Reach 82% of the World’s Internet
Population
• Baby Boomers are the Fastest Growing Age Demographic
Using Social Networking sites
• Mobile Social Media Use is On the Rise
• CMO’s Worldwide Plan to Increase their Use of Social Media
• 4 out of 5 American Companies Used Social Media Tools in
2011
Source:comScoreMediaMatrix,Worldwide,March2007–October2011,“It’saSocialWorld,”Dec21201
Source:OfficialandEstimatedstatistics.Facebook,YouTube,Zynga,Twitter,LinkedIn,Groupon,Flickr,Tumblr,Instagram,Foursquare,Pinterest,scvngr,Path,Google
+SlashGear,TechCrunch/Comscore,FastCompany,Oink:TechCrunch,GetGlue,Foodspotting:SorayaDarabi’sLinkedI
Source:ExperianHitwise,Facebookwasthetopsearchtermfor2011,basedonsearchesonBing,YahooandGoogle
Source:Experian,The2011SocialMediaConsumerTrendandBenchmarkReport
Source:Nielsen,StateoftheMedia:TheSocialMediaReportQ32011
Source:eMarketer,2010,Mobilephoneuserswhohaveaprofileandaccesssocialnetworksfrommobilephones

4. The Social Landscape

5. The Social Game Changer
Google+ (Wikipedia Definition)
o "Real-life sharing rethought for the web.”
o Launched June 28, 2011
o Google+ Local: On May 30, 2012, Google Places was replaced by Google+
Local, which now integrates directly with the Google+ service to allow users
to post photos and reviews of locations directly to its page on the service.
Additionally, Google+ Local and Maps also now feature detailed reviews and
ratings from Zagat, who was acquired by Google in September 2011.[62]
o Unlike other conventional social networks which are generally accessed
through a single website:
Google has described Google+ as a "social layer" consisting of not just a single
site, but rather an overarching "layer" which covers many of its online properties.
Social Search Is Here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google%2B

6. Google+ A Ghost Town?
100 Million Active
Over 400 Million Have
Upgraded toUsers
Monthly Google+
http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/17/google-bought-something-announced-some-google-numbers-and-you-probably-arent-impressed/

7. So Is Google+ A Ghost Town? Hardly.
In the 15 months since the launch of Google+:
• On average, users are on Google + 12 minutes a day, which is just shy of
Facebook's average of 14 minutes a day.
• With over one million brands jumping on the wagon (including over 50% of
the top 100 US brands), this arena is growing quickly.
• With 5 Billion plus ones per day, this has been the fastest global social
share button in history.
http://econsultancy.com/us/blog/10772-get-on-google-plus-or-get-left-behind, September 2012

8. Google Search + Your World
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9TTBxarbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9TTBxarbs 8"

9. 3 out of 4 of
the Top 100
The top 10 big
brands are now brands on Google
on Google+ Of those with + have a total of
Google+ pages, 30 9.2 million fans
combined
% have these
pages display in
The Top search results for
10 are their brand name total unique visitors to
heavy auto Google+ in the U.S.
-Toyota, went from 15.2
BMW, etc. Internationally, million in November
Google+ visits 2011 to 27.7 million in
rose 66 percent, June of this year,
from 66.7 marking an increase of
million to 110.7 82%
million
9"
BrightEdge Social Share study for July 2012 and comScore

10. ts
rs interes
a searche so…
de rstand the web
e tter un n across
a nts to b formatio
G oogle w e share in
w
a nd how
10"

11. m ation?
i s infor
a ther th l signals
ll they g d socia
H ow wi gle+ an
Ent er Goo
11"

12. What’s Happened?
The Google Timeline

13. Google+ Timeline
June 2011 Google+ launched as “Google Circles” – invitation only
Sept 2011 Google+ opened to everyone 18 years & older
Oct 2011 Google+ reaches 40 million users
Nov 7, 2011 Google launched Google+ Pages for Businesses and Brands
Google Vice President for Product Management Bradley
Jan 26, 2012 Horowitz announced on Google+ that users could now be as
young as 13.
Google Places replaced by Google+ Local, which
now integrates directly with the Google+ service to allow
May 30, 2012 users to post photos and reviews of locations directly to its
page on the service. Google+ Local and Maps feature
detailed reviews and ratings from Zagat, who was acquired
by Google in September 2011.

14. Google+ Local
May 2012: Google+ Local Pages
(previously Google Places) merge
with Google+ Business Pages to
create a more social local
experience. May 2012
30
• Google+ pages
are more social
• Integration of
Zagat reviews
• Mobile friendly-
Android first, now
available on iOS

15. So Long Google Places…So Long Business Pages
15"

16. Hello Google+ Local Pages
Merges all business
listings into one to be
used across search,
Maps, mobile, and
Google+
16"

17. Google+ Local: The Merge
Business Pages and Local Pages

18. Business Page vs Local Page
Google+ Business Page Google+ Local Page
• Page created on Google+ for a • Google+ Local Pages currently
business. hold all of the information
• You can post updates, share links, originally stored on Google
photos and videos, and host Places.
hangouts from a Google+ Business • Google+ users can search for
Page. places near by from the Google+
• You can add other business pages Local tab, they can leave reviews
to your circles and individuals if and check in to locations.
they have first added your page • Currently Google+ Local Pages are
to their circles. managed the same way as the old
Google Places Pages.

19. Once Merged
Your Google+
Local Page will
no longer
operate like a
static listing…
• Actively managing and
updating your Google+
Local page will become
increasingly important for
your Google+ Local page
to rank high in organic
search results

20. Fully Integrated Page
Google+ Local pages will
have the same social
capabilities as a Google+
business page such as
hangouts, sharing to
circles, photos, videos,
wall posts, and more.

21. Google+ Local Page Fully Integrated
Once fully
integrated, Local
Google+ pages will
be displayed from
the “About” tab of
the connected
Google+ Business
Page
21"

22. Improved Integration & Functionality
Even from the posts
tab visitors are
prompted to write a
review.
22"

23. Google+ Local Page Features
Google+ers can upload
public photos to the
Google+ Local page
Pull up directions
Ability to +1 and share
with your circles the
Google+ Local page
listings
23"

24. Google+ Local for Mobile
• Write a Review
• Check-In at Google+
Local Locations
• Upload photos
• View Reviews and
Details
• See reviews from
those within your
circles
• Get directions
http://www.google.com/mobile/places/
24"

25. The Merge/Verification Process
1. Navigate to your
Google+ page’s profile
then hover over the
“unverified” text next
to your page name and
click “verify now.”
2. You will be taken to a page
where you can request to
have a postcard with a
verification PIN sent to
your address. (It is
important to note that
Service Area Businesses with
hidden addresses are not yet
able to merge their pages.
Thank you to Linda Buquet
for realizing this.)

26. The Merge/Verification Process
3. Once you receive your postcard (in
about one week from request) you must
go to the web address on the postcard
to enter in the PIN Google provides you.
• That’s it! Now you are verified and will have merged your Google+ page
and Google+ Local page.

27. Google+ & Social Search
Google+ Your World

28. Google+ Your World
• How Google+ is Changing Search
- Personalized, intelligent SERPS (Search Engine Results
Pages)
- The Google+ Box
- Google+ Direct Connect
28"

29. PerŸsonŸalŸized Search ReŸsults
1. Search results that are geared toward the searcher
based on past searches or web history (you do not
have to be signed in to Google to receive these
results)
2. Search results that are tailored to the searcher based
on Google+ pages you or your friends have circled/
+1’d, pages shared with you by your friends, Google+
posts from people you know, and content that’s only
visible to you such as private photos (you do have to
be logged in to Google in order to view these results)
29"

30. Google+ in Search

31. Google+ Your World
• Personalized SERPS (Search Engine Results Page)
Search results now
display personalized
results from those
within the searchers
Google+ circles
31"

32. Personalized SERPS-Highlights
• Improved search engine results pages based on information collected
from searchers social circles
• Google can track what users are likely to be interested in based on +1’s
across the web, +1’s from within their circles and +1’s given by the
searcher themselves
• Google can track what users are likely to be interested in based on who
is in their Google+ circles
• Ability to track how users share & discuss information on the internet
32"

33. The “Google+ Box”
Only verified
Google+ Pages
are considered
for the Google
+ box
Displays latest
posts, +1’s and
activity from those
within your circles
Pages must have posted within the the last that recently
interacted with the
24 hours to get a spot in the Google+ Box page
Lurie, Ian “Google Plus Box Ranking Factors Report.” Portent.
http://www.portent.com/blog/internet-marketing/google-
plus-box-ranking-factors-report.htm 33"

34. The Google+ Box Experiment
• Searched for “Audi USA” at 11:48 AM. A
Google+ Box showed up next to the search
results. Notice that the last
update was 23 hours
ago
From their G+
page we found
that their last
update was
exactly 12:02 the
previous day.
34"

35. The Google+ Box Experiment
• Searched “Audi USA” again at 12:13 PM (about
25 minutes later). No Google+ Box displayed.
Pages must have
recent activity,
within the last 24
hours, to be
considered for the
Google+ Box.
35"

36. Google+ Direct Connect
Type “+” before your
search term to be
taken directly to the
associated Google+
page
Searchers are
automatically
prompted to add the
brand to their circles
36"

37. Google+ Activity & Search
2nd - 4th organic search results for “key west resort”
• Adding a +1 to your website and search ads has been shown to
improve Click Through Rates (CTR) by 10%-20%

38. The “Google+ Box”
Only verified
Google+ Pages
are considered
for the Google
+ box
Displays latest
posts, +1’s and
activity from those
within your circles
Pages must have posted within the the last that recently
interacted with the
24 hours to get a spot in the Google+ Box page
Lurie, Ian “Google Plus Box Ranking Factors Report.” Portent.
http://www.portent.com/blog/internet-marketing/google-
plus-box-ranking-factors-report.htm 38"

39. Google+ Enhanced Ads
The Pay To Play Approach Through +1’s…

40. Google+ Enhanced Ads
“Facebook and Twitter have to resort to pumping ads into
your social streams. Google doesn't need to do that in
order to monetize Google+. It can spend the valuable
social data it gathers there on search ads, when you're
actually trying to buy something.”
“ Maybe the right time (to show ads) is at the
moment of commercial intent. Commercial intent
is what we call search.”
Vic Gundotra
SVP of Engineering, Google
Mitchel, Jon. “Google+ Ads in Search Might Actually Be A Great Idea” 9 March 2012 40"
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_in_search_might_actually_be_a_great_idea.php

41. Google+ Enhanced Ads
Link your Google+ Page to your Google adwords
account and Google will show endorsements for
your business in the form of +1s
Google+ Enhanced Search Ad
Google+ Enhanced Ads have
been shown to boost click
Google+ Enhanced Display Ad through rates by 5% to 10%
Kessler, Sarah. “Google+ Ads Are Up to 10% More Effective, Says Google” 6 March 2012
http://mashable.com/2012/03/06/google-plus-ads/
Mitchel, Jon. “Google+ Ads in Search Might Actually Be A Great Idea” 9 March 2012
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_in_search_might_actually_be_a_great_idea.php 41"

42. Setting Up Google+ Enhanced Ads
Setting up Google+
Enhanced Ads is
relatively easy. Click
“New Extension”
Once you have
attached your G+
account you will be
able to add the +1
feature to your ads
through the Ad
Extension tab.
42"

43. Smart Tactics
Final Thoughts On How To Engage In Google+

44. Google+ Strategy
• Continue To Optimize Your Page
• Engage Your Audience
• Host Hangouts
• Grow Your Circles
• Create A Ripple

45. Tactics for Optimizing Your Google+ Profile
Choose a profile
photo that is easily
recognizable for
your business.
Add an
interesting photo
or series of
photos as your
cover photo.
45"

46. Tactics for Optimizing Your Google+ Profile
Provide an informative
description of your business
within the “Introduction” Field
using keywords that are
relevant to your business.
Add the hours of operation for
your business if applicable.
It is important to add a link to
your website so that Google
can establish a link between
your site and your Google+
Page.
Post links to other spaces you are active
on such as Facebook and Twitter. Be sure
to also post links to other interesting
pages of your website such as a blog or
product page. 46"

47. Engage Your Audience
Smart Tactics for Posting
• Be Engaging – Post engaging content for your audience. Photos & Videos
drive the most engagement on Google+ so share these often!
• Be Relevant – Post content relevant to your business and goals. Your
follower will get more out of it and Google will associate your page with
the information you post about.
• Post Regularly – It is recommended to post at least once every 24 hours.
• Host Hangouts – Think of ways to engage your audience in a hangout
whether you host a Q&A or simply have a discussion. What better way to
achieve real interaction with your audience?!
• Share Posts From Your Circles – Share interesting posts from those within
your circles to encourage them to also share your posts.
47"

48. Google+ Hangouts
Plus: Hangouts on Air
While Google+ Hangouts allow you to connect with up to nine people,
the Hangouts on Air feature lets you live broadcast to an unlimited
audience. Once the on-air hangout is completed, it automatically
becomes a draft recorded video in your YouTube account where you can
edit it and then publish on your YouTube channel, and then of course
share it from there. 48"

49. What Businesses Are Using Hangouts?
The best way to see who’s using it is to go to the Google+ page
Google Shared Calendar Events and scan through the posted daily list.

50. Good Resource: Mashable Hangout Page
• http://mashable.com/follow/topics/google-hangouts/

51. Cadbury Hangout Announced

52. Tactics for Growing Your Circles
The Larger Your Circles the Larger Your Audience
• Add a Google+ Badge to your website
• Post a link to your Google+ Page everywhere you are active online
• Follow other local Google+ Pages that are relevant to your location and
interact with them. Their customers are likely potential new costumers for
your business.
• Post engaging, relevant content and encourage your followers to share it.
“The Ripple Effect”
Recent studies show that circle size (or
number of followers) is the #1 social
influence on organic Google search rank
52"

53. Google+ Ripples “The Ripple Effect”
Google+ Ripples tracks
any public post or URL on
Google+ to demonstrate
how it has rippled
through the network as
users share information.
Google+ Ripples helps you
find your influencers:
those people who share a
lot of your content and
drive interaction. Shown
in the larger bubbles.
https://plus.google.com/ripples/details
53"

54. Key Take Aways
• Local Search is Becoming Social Search
• Your Google+ Local Listing will No Longer be Static
• Ignore Google+ at Your Own Risk
• Develop a Social Strategy Now to Prepare for Tomorrow

55. 1601 Sherman Ave, 3rd Floor"
Evanston, IL 60201"
Phone: (800)-260-3380"
"
To Download Our Google+ Local eBook:
www.simpartners.com/our-work/resource-center/
Tara Thomas
Director of Strategy
tthomas@simpartners.com
www.simpartners.com
Google+ Direct: +Simpartners www.simpartners.com/velocity

56. References
• Google “Google+ Local: Review your favorite places” YouTube. 30 May, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgDdwl67qNY&feature=youtu.be
• Miller, Miranda “Google+ Local to Replace Places as Google Makes a Play for More Mobile Ad Dollars.” Search Engine
Watch. 30 May 2012
• http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2181089/Google-Local-to-Replace-Places-as-Google-Makes-a-Play-for-More-
Mobile-Ad-Dollars
• “Google+ Local: See Review from your friends” clip
• http://www.google.com/mobile/places/
• “Google+ Local: Review your favorite places” clip
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgDdwl67qNY&feature=youtu.be
• King, Steve “So Long Google+ & Google Places, Hello Local Google+ Pages.” SIM Partners. 30 May 2012
• http://www.simpartners.com/so-long-google-google-places-hello-local-google-plus-pages/#more-2335
• https://plus.google.com/ripples/details
• Lurie, Ian “Google Plus Box Ranking Factors Report.” Portent.
• http://www.portent.com/blog/internet-marketing/google-plus-box-ranking-factors-report.htm
• Kessler, Sarah. “Google+ Ads Are Up to 10% More Effective, Says Google” 6 March 2012
• http://mashable.com/2012/03/06/google-plus-ads/
• Mitchel, Jon. “Google+ Ads in Search Might Actually Be A Great Idea” 9 March 2012
• http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_in_search_might_actually_be_a_great_idea.php
56"

57. Apple vs. Google
Apple recently pulled Google's YouTube app from iOS 6
Google will go it alone with one from the App Store
57"

58. Apple vs. Google

59. Apple’s Plan
• Apple dropped Google Maps with iOS 6
• Siri maps speculated to launch this fall
• 3D mapping functionality
• Apple is not only disconnecting its native iOS 6 Maps app from Google's
servers, but will also redirect all third party app requests to its own
mapping servers, immediately taking the majority of mobile maps traffic
away from Google as it forges new strategic partnerships for mapping
• Apple's iOS doesn't support Google's Maps Navigation features, nor does it
incorporate support for Google's Loopt-like Latitude or its Yelp-like Places
features that are all integrated into Android's version of Google Maps
• The introduction of Apple's own new Maps app in iOS 6 will instantly
replace Google on every new mobile device running iOS and for every user
who upgrades
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/08/02/apple_wants_to_wipe_google_off_the_map_with_ios_6.html
59"

60. 60"

61. Apple’s Plan
• Apple partners more closely with Yelp
At the same time, Apple's new iOS 6 Maps is partnering with some of
Google's maps-related competitors, including Yelp, the review service
that today's Siri already relies upon for local information and user reviews
• In iOS 6 Maps, users will be able to access Yelp for reviews, user
submitted photos (or submit their own pictures), write "tips" and check in
at local businesses.
• Siri will also expand its feature set to provide more extensive support for
looking up locations and providing directions to them.
Enter Apple Search and Siri…
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/08/02/
apple_wants_to_wipe_google_off_the_map_with_ios_6.html 61"