The document discusses whether a business needs to create a Google+ account, noting that Google+ has over 90 million users and was launched in 2011. It provides tips for businesses on using Google+ such as creating an account, using profiles for SEO, collaborating with circles and notifications, and determining target audiences and how Google+ can solve business needs. The document was created by Just Engage and provides contact information for Kerry Scott Boll, Samantha Collier, and Natalie Alesi.
28. Who is your target audience?
What business need can G+ solve?
Who will administer?
Is the +1 button working for your website & content?
Is it working for your firm/business?
Google has banned unauthorized profiles for nowThey recommend using a “real person willing to represent your organization on G+ as themselvesSelect a spokes person to be the face of the organization on G+Google has made it clear that these pages will operate similar to Facebook Pages but with the benefits of Google’s SEOThey will be indexed, followable and individual posts can be+1’dAll of these will be fed back into search results and rankingsAlmost every google product that we use daily (search, gmail, youtube, picasa, etc) is getting a social integration touch with Google+Over billion users use Google and by just clicking on the +You link they’ll be able to join Google+ instantly (remember google is the #1 in top US web brands category)Blogger or BlogSpot (a google property) is currently holding #2 spot in US social networks and blogs category. Blogger undergone tremendous changes and integration for e.g. connect blogger with Google+, replace blogger profile with Google+ profile, renaming of blogger, etc.YouTube which holds #1 spot among top US online destinations for video has received rich integration with Google+ for e.g. Watch youtube through hangouts, search watch youtube videos in google+, launch hangouts from youtube, recording hangouts, etc.Unique features and frequent updates to the network almost every day (Google is very serious with their social strategy)Listening to user feedback and incorporating changes (key to any project success)From: http://google-plus.com/4008/google-ranks-8th-position-in-top-10-us-social-networks-and-blogs-according-to-nielsens-report/
Source Nielsen Dec 2011
Google controls 80% of search trafficGoogle incorporates their +1 buttons in their search results and also determine search results based on Google + usageYou can set up pages for your business similar to Facebook pagesA great way to get your brand in front of general Google searchersSimilar to personal profiles except you can’t put people in your Google Page circles until they first connect with your business page.
Must be logged into G+ to see this screen
Similar to Facebooks “Like” optionThese buttons appear in search results and can be embedded on other sites as well (blog, website, etc.)The +1 count that is displayed on each button is based on the address of the page where it sits. This is important as it may influence how you design your website. Websites using Google’s +1 button get 3.5x the Google+ visitsTo get the best results you must add sharing buttons to your sites – very important!A powerful feature is you can see that certain results are extremely popular in search and this will influence click-throughsGoogle +1 helps to quantify the process by calculating the number of plus ones a site receives and thus improves the accuracy of its search.The Google +1, just like the Facebook “like” will be posted inside sites and on various advertisements making the task of our daily searching a very socially engaging concept.In order to optimize its searches Google uses its “farmers algorithm update” also called as the “panda algorithm update.” This paired with +1 will yield the best possible searches.From: http://seodesk.org/what-is-google-1/ +1 gets conversations going. Click the +1 button to give something your public stamp of approval. Then, if you want to share right away, add a comment and send it to the right circles on Google+.The next time your friends and contacts search on Google, they could see your +1. You’ll help them find the best stuff on the web – and you might just start up another conversation!
Here’s how to add +1 button to your web site…
Creating your accountI’ve had the question ‘do I need Gmail to get Google+ Plus’ asked quite a bit, and the answer is yes, you do.To be more precise, you need a Google account, which includes Gmail. You do also get a whole host of other applications to use, including Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Photos / Picassa (which is now integrated into your Google+ Plus account), and several other options. The ones listed however, are the ones I use on a daily basis. While unrelated to Google+ Plus, I’m going to do a few how-tos on these features in the coming weeks for any of you just signing up to Gmail because of Google+ PlusFrom: http://googleplusreview.com/2011/07/14/do-you-need-gmail-to-get-google-plus/
Example Business PageTo gain value with Google +, you must build your community with your content. In order to get people to add your Google+ page you must promote it in places where you are already getting traffic. Think cross-promotion!Sharing is caring. When you post a message or photo ask your connections to share your content.
User PageChoose an accessible Gmail account that is available to multiple people (not personal)Create page with desired account by visiting http://plus.google.com/pages/createPick appropriate business categoryAdd tagline, logo (keep it short)Google will prompt you to promote your page but you must optimize your profile first by: regularly sharing fresh content, respond to your fans, etc.PhotosShare lots of photos. Think about your business visually. Which images can you share to ignite conversations? Google+ is built for this.Recommended LinksUnder the About tab of your Google+ Page, you can add recommended links. Add links to articles, blog posts, your new book… All add into SEO
Use Circles to Segment Your MessagesGoogle+ built on idea that different groups of people prefer different content. People can belong to more than one circle.Start your circles early on: lawyers, marketers, clients, leads, etc. Consider starting a topic circle. Post it and ask if others want to join.When you add someone to a circle you can mutually share, chat with them (if they add you too), and they’ll appear on your public profileThey will know you added them but can’t see the name of your circle
Finding people to add to circlesCircles aren’t just for sorting contacts, you can use them as a bookmarking device-For ex: Create a ‘referrals’ circle. When someone from your normal circle posts a related message or link to an article you want to save for later, click ‘share’ and share it to the ‘referrals’ circle
Using Notifications
Similar to Video ConferencesFeatures include: screensharing, Up to 10 participantsWhomever is talking gets showcased in the conference call while the others are shown in a row along the bottom of the screenHow Firms can use Hangouts – Conduct workshops and seminars— Communicate exclusive pro bono w/ to priority clients —Reveal upcoming products or services to industry bloggers & experts— Conduct seminars with clients, associates in remote offices, or interviews with potential candidates
ChatGoogle Chat makes it easy to chat with people you have relationships with. In Google+, you can chat with anyone in your Circles who also has added you to their Circles. And, when you're not using Google Plus, you'll still be able to chat with them using Google products including, Gmail, the Google Talk client, iGoogle, Orkut and 3rd party apps.What's changed with Chat?Previously you could only chat with someone if you knew their email address. Now you just need to have each other in Circles.When you and your contacts have each other in Circles, you'll be able to chat with them across Google properties such as Gmail, Google Plus, iGoogle, Orkut, and the Google Talk Client.Instead of displaying all of your contacts in your Google Plus Chat list, we're displaying contacts from your most recent conversations who are online now. (You'll still be able to use the search box at the top of the Chat list to find contacts that aren't displayed.)
Useless time waste GAMES!
Is Google+ working for your business? You’ll have to check your Analytics for referral sources of traffic.