How to Use Google+ to Promote Your Business

Google+ was publicly launched on June 28, 2011 and boasts more than 25 million users, the fastest growing social media platform to date. There has been, as you might expect, comparisons being made between Google+ and the other two social media giants: Facebook and Twitter. Some say it is redundant—“what can I get from this that I don’t already have?” Others say its ease of use and new capabilities make it a contender in this fast changing and highly competitive business.

Google+ has most of the features of their competitors and a few new ones that make the site distinctive, which addresses some of the issues users have with Facebook and Twitter such as privacy concerns (Facebook) and character constraints (Twitter).

Google+ Features

Here is your crash course in learning some of the new features Google+ offers:

• Circles – This feature allows you to put friends into relevant circles. You can communicate with all your friends or a specific friend, and even upload certain photos to certain circles. Circles are seen as a time-saver with regard to privacy settings.
• Hangouts – These are group video chats like Skype that allow you to chat with your friends in real time. Skype charges a fee for multiple users and Google+ allows you to have as many as 10 participants for free.
• Instant Upload – Google+ has an instant upload feature which automatically uploads all your videos and photos to a private Google+ album. You can organize them into categories and decide to whom you want to send them. This is only available for Android Phones.
• Huddle – Currently limited to android users, this feature allows you to chat across different platforms including your mobile device. 
• Plus 1 – While searching or surfing the web you may come across little icons with “+1” in them. You can click on these icons and a snippet of information is displayed in your profile so that your friends can comment on or share with others. 

How Does it Measure Up For Businesses?

From what we’ve seen, there won’t be a mass exodus from Facebook and Twitter any time soon, but Google+ plus should not be underrated. There are many unique ways businesses can use Google+ as an additional social media marketing tool—here are two you can try right away.

Create a Hangout – It’s simple to use and there are many uses for the hangout service. You can talk to current and prospective clients, bring staff together for a meeting where ever they might be, or interact with other business partners and friends. This face-to-face tool can be a boon for small businesses that are not always able to interact with individuals they aren’t always able to connect with in person. 

Create a brand page – Every brand should have a page and so should every individual—as personal branding is becoming almost as important as your company’s positioning. The brand page on Google+ should contain similar information as your other social media sites. Build an “about” page that includes pictures and other attention-getters such as graphics and articles. Don’t forget to mention your accomplishments and interests.

Then, offer avenues of conversations and interchanges. In other words, be “social” invite comments and information. Where ever possible, include exclusive material that will pique the interests of your visitors, such as tips and other inside information. Keep it simple, consistent and constant.

It’s an exciting time in marketing and the ever-changing world of social media continues to offer new and expanded ways to connect with people you never thought possible. Keep Google+ on your radar as another way to interact with customers and raise awareness overall—try it out or contact CMA to learn more about how we can assist you in your social media strategy. 

Kaitlin Friedmann
PR Manager
kfriedmann@cmasolutions.com