Google+ is a wonderful networking and promotion tool for small business owners. If you’re not yet using it to promote your business, you should be! And, if you are already using it, you will want to make sure that you’re going about it the right way. That’s right – there’s definitely a right way to use Google+ if you want to make it work for your business.
Google Plus and Small Business SEO
When you use Google+, or any social networking site for that matter (Google is indexing your tweets again), do not forget about SEO. You definitely want to integrate the keywords users would search to find your products or services in your social media updates.
SEO really matters on Google+, especially since this network is directly owned by the world’s largest search engine. In addition to including carefully chosen keywords and optimized content on the pages or your website, businesses are advised to connect their Google Local Business Page to their website for to increase their search engine rank.
Optimizing the Google Plus About Page
Once you have created a Google+ business page you need to complete the “About” page in full detail. This is the page that Google will use to index your business and your page in general so make it good.
Features To Include To Boost Search Engine Ranking
- Targeted keywords
- Links to your website
- A comprehensive list of offered products and/or services
- Location data – Name, Address and Phone Number (NAP)
- Contact information
Though Google+ offers a wide range of advantages for business users, it’s not as popular as sites like Facebook. You still need to post consistently on this platform, as Google indexes the content posted on Google+ and displays it in search results.
Using Images on Google Plus
Adding images might seem like an option, but if you want your page to stand out and get noticed, it is not an option but a necessity. Choosing high quality, optimized photos to add to your Google+ page will benefit your business by increasing traffic and trustworthiness. When people can see your actual physical business and location in photos, you immediately become more reliable and worthy of doing business with in the eyes of your target audience.
A few basic tips for using images in Google Plus
- Include images of your actual, physical location
- Get locally verified before adding pictures (this can be time consuming so there are services that will do this for you if you prefer)
- Once locally verified, ensure that your photos show up in search results
- Consider adding a stamp or watermark to photos so they will display your mark if someone reuses them or shares them
- Make sure photos are of good, professional quality; remember they represent your business and brand
- Be sure to include a professional profile image and cover art
Communicating with Customers on Google Plus
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to communicate! One of the main reasons you use Google+ is to connect with your current as well as your potential new customers and to stay at the top of their minds. To achieve this, you must be sure that you engage with them when they engage with you. If a client asks a question or posts a comment, positive or negative, you should always respond to it. Doing so will show that your business is one that truly cares about their customers and will build a relationship between you and your customers. Remember, people buy from people they know and building a relationship with them on Google+ makes them feel like they know you.
What are some other useful tips you have discovered when using Google+? Share below!
