by | Feb 4, 2014

As we have mentioned in previous posts, Google+ is an important social media platform for maximizing your online marketing success.

Google+ is the social layer that unites all of Google’s services – search, YouTube, maps, etc. Signals from Google+ can impact the search ranking of your website and the findability of your business. Based on the trends we are seeing, active engagement on Google+ is a must within your online marketing activities.

Setting up your Google+ presence properly is essential to reaping the benefits. Since Google integrates all of its services with Google+, there are many interconnected elements to consider.

9 Steps for Setting Up Google+

  1. Create a Personal Google+ Profile: Yes, you personally need to be on Google+. You need to be the face of your company. You will also need this profile for some later steps that are absolutely crucial to helping your content be found online.
  2. Create a Local Business Page: While logged into your personal profile, create a new profile for your business with Google Local. This is particularly important for businesses that work within a defined region and want to be found by potential clients in that location.
  3. Verify the Local Business Page: To prove to Google that your company exists and to ‘put yourself on the map’ (literally, as you will be findable on Google Maps after completing this step), you must undergo Google’s verification process. Google will mail a postcard to your location. Once you receive the postcard, simply follow the instructions and enter the provided code.
  4. Connect Your Local Business Page to Your Website: Add your website in the appropriate place on your Google+ profile. Google will send you information to verify that you own that website through Google Webmaster tools. Follow their instructions. You will know it worked when your website has a little checkmark next to it on your Google+ page.
  5. Update Your Company Information: Ensure the company information on your Google profile is correct and up-to-date. Describe your organization and what you do.
  6.  Upload Photos: Particularly if you are a product-focused organization, create albums on Google+ with high quality photos of your products. Include a description for each picture, and appropriate tags.
  7. Link to Your YouTube Channel: If your business has a YouTube channel, link your Google+ page to your YouTube account.
  8. Interact: Regularly post your own content, as well as sharing content from others. Follow influencers and business associates in your industry (both from your business profile and your personal profile). Join a Community of interest (learn more about Google+ Communities here).
  9. Link Your Personal Profile to Your Website’s Blog: If you’re blogging from your company website (and you should be), you can link your personal Google+ profile to that blog. Your image will show up next to your articles on search results, and increase clicks. Just ensure that you are active on your personal account, and that you have an appropriate bio and image. Follow these instructions to set up Google Authorship.

Although there are many more ways you can take advantage of Google+, these initial “must-do’s” will put you miles ahead of your competition who may not even be aware of the importance of Google+. Take the time to make these Google+ fundamentals solid – the effort will be well worth it.

>> Finding Google+ confusing? We can help! Contact us to discuss your current online marketing strategy or attend our free online marketing seminar.

Like this? You might also like:
5 Big Changes in Online Marketing in 2013
What is Google Up To?
Why Google+ Is Important For Your Business

Ben Molfetta
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