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Google+ is a Plus was our fourth segment in the Social Media Madness Series. We identified and explored what Google+ is and how to maximize it's benefits while incorporating it into our daily routine.
Brands display products, services, how to's and what's coming on Google+ pages
Case Studies
Google Chrome's branding is recognizable and current. They vary the types of content - though all are appealing and informative.
Google for Small Business displays different types of content and posts frequently. Their account also shows their interests - which directs their audience to other Google services.
H & M focuses on inspirational fashion content and is always engaging with their audience. The brand's content varies from outfit ideas, new arrivals and behind the scene footage of fashion shoots.
Hootsuite is fun and appealing to the eye and the brand often posts helpful content.
Hugo Boss are experts in visual design and their Google+ page reflects that with clean and defined lines. Their page reads like a glossy magazine
The brand gives credit to Google+ for its referral traffic. Note that their massive following, appealing content and eye catching branding.
NASA shares stats and facts along with video and quotes. Their branding appears fun - they make heavy content exciting.
New York Times posts a variety of content multiple times a day surrounding industry news, inspirational quotes and innovative concepts.
1 Billion Acts of peace is a community, which features peaceful activities being demonstrated across the globe.
Pepsi has a large following, most likely due to celebrity appearances in their videos.
Virgin Mobile follows the 80/20 rule (only 20% of your content should be about you and what you sell) as well as including a mix of inspirational posts, interviews and debates
Communicate and Collaborate with Google Apps
Terms
- +1 - ‘like’
- Circles - group of people with similar interests
- Hangouts - video chat
- Followers - audience
- Places - locations on map
- Huddle - a group chat (also used a verb)
- Mute - right click on a post to stop seeing it
- Share - enter, send, post, send direct message
- Sparks - topics that you are interested in; content is generated by Google based on the interests you add
- Stream - the posts that you and your contacts add to Google+
- Hashtag- use with/on posts when content is buzz worthy
- Review - encourage reviews from customers on Google+ as reviews increase authority and ranking
- Activity - stay active with influencers, circles, comments and page likes
SEARCH & SEO
Google+ is Google. Posts are indexed and available in search making it easier to find the right content. As your network grows, it places content in front of the right people. Your Google+ page is like dedicated blog that can have a powerful impact for your company search results. If someone follows you or shares your content, that content will show higher in search results than it normally would.
Google+ posts get indexed immediately into search results. Increasing the possibility that a Google+ network member will see your content in their search results. Optimize your Google+ with appropriate keywords and headline ‘tags’ by putting asterisks around post headlines *like this*.
You are able to share posts from your Facebook and Twitter accounts in order to get more traffic to the initial post, residing on your website. When writing content, be sure to use keywords you want to be associated with and remember that images always get attention.
How To Use Google+ For Business
ADVERTISE - Free way to advertise your business and/or services as you only engage with who you want to - the following is quite selective.
CURATE & CONNECT - Google+ is a place one can curate their own collection of the best content while connecting with people in communities who share the same interests that you are passionate about.
ENGAGE - Engage through hangouts and circles (think Facebook groups) to gain exposure. This added exposure will draw people into your circle and increase chances of content being shared.
INTEGRATE - Integrate with other Google products so SEO is optimized (ask people to +1 content). It is suggested to have all Google network's connected (YouTube, Google+, local/business and Google+ author profile in the same Google account to optimize SEO).
SEO - Content posted through on your Google+ page increases your company's online presence and visibility while maximizing SEO rankings and findings.
Posting
Google+ allows for a variety of posts to be made. Like other social networks, you can make posts public and bring awareness to certain people by adding +1 or @ before their name, or you may share content posted with an individual or an entire circle. Google+ also has options where you can control who sees your posts, or also limits the sharing of your content.
Images
Ability to create a slide show for your profile image, options to create photo books as well as edit individual images in Google+ without leaving the page
Shortcuts
Press 'Shift + ?' to get a list of shortcut options
Claiming Your Business
Allows you to be found locally, as Google+ local pages are indexed into Google search results
DO
- Target audience
- Grow audience
- Make posts stand out
- Ask for reviews
DO NOT
- Forget to claim your business
- Neglect profile
- Forget about 'circles’ - segmenting works wonders
- Use like other networks - cute and/or funny posts don't belong here
