Since its launch in 2011, Google Plus has been gradually moving towards being one of the most active social networks with hundreds of millions of people having active accounts. But what is Google+? And is it any different to any other social network?
WHAT IS GOOGLE+
Google+ (Google Plus) is an interest-based social networking site owned by Google Inc. This platform brings together people with similar interest. These individuals can create a community and communicate their opinions through images and posts.
Google+ is distinctive in that it promotes greater openness in terms of what is shared and with whom. When a user registers into a Google account, the Google+ navigation bar appears on other Google services.
IMPORTANCE OF GOOGLE+ IN BUSINESSES
- The fact that Google is the most popular search engine in the world and that Google+ is its offspring social networking platform makes Google+ very important in terms of search rankings. With the most recent Google modifications to the Hummingbird algorithm, G+ makes your company’s visibility in Google search better than before.
- With more than 540 million users, Google+ has grown to become the second-largest social media network in the world. More than 65% of these subscribers regularly use the site.
- Many businesses have seen a decline in views as a result of a recent algorithm adjustment with Facebook’s organic reach. Having a second platform with active users, like Google+, improves your brand’s social signals and networking chances.
- Google+ uses content in a unique way compared to Facebook and Twitter. G+ supports extensive content posts, hence it can also be used as a microblogging site.
- Google+ originally played a significant role in blogs and Google Authorship, however authorship has since vanished. Google’s Matt Cutts is adamant that Google Authorship will return, and as we have seen, Google+ was a major factor in this.
BEST PRACTICES FOR GOOGLE+ BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
1. Link Your Business Page To Your Website
Link your website to your business page using the “rel=publisher” code. You should already have this configured because Google might show authorship information in search results. This will increase the search impact of your content. Make sure to include authorship and the +1 button on your website. This enables users to follow your page and promote your stuff.
2. Create Great Content
People seek for information that is timely, smart, and compelling enough to keep them coming back for more. Google will promote your authorship and material more depending on how relevant and shareable it is. Ensure that your Google+ title tags are optimized in addition to having quality content. As we’ve previously stated, Google+ is similar to a microblog, so make sure to include keywords and have a headline that contains many of them.
3. Be Sure That Your Profile Is Optimized For SEO
By having unique images made for your profile and banner images, you can establish a recognizable brand for your company. Utilizing unique photos improves image search rankings. Make sure to use searchable file names when creating custom pictures. You should also provide the address of your website and a detailed description of your company.
4. Connect With People
Never divulge information to unknown people. In the hopes that they will follow you back, find new companies and acquaintances to add to your circles. Do not take it for granted that someone will follow you back just because you did. When they discover interesting pages with helpful content, they follow those pages back. The next point is so brought up.
5. Keep It Visual
People connect with pictures much more than plain posts, as demonstrated by prior social media statistics. To increase engagement with your material and the likelihood that it will be shared, make sure to develop original images, videos, and infographics.