Google+ Business Pages Have Finally Arrived

Tue, 11/08/2011

 

Google just announced the release of Google+ Pages for business. We have all been waiting with anticipation of the business page feature since the release of Google+ earlier this year.  Many people jumped on the Google+ bandwagon and started setting up business pages using personal profiles. This was a big no-no and Google shut down any of these pages that it came across. Many businesses were aggravated by this, but Google assured us that the wait would be worth it. 

Well, the wait is over. Google+ Pages have officially arrived and you can start setting yours up now. Keep in mind that Google is rolling this new option out over the next two days, so if the "Create Page" doesn't present itself today, check back tomorrow and it should be there. These new pages will allow you to connect with your current customers, help with your branding, and also help build rapport with potential customers. The interface is very similar to Facebook's business pages, so if you already have experience with Facebook, then setting up and using Google+ business pages should present no problems. Prior to the public release of Google+ Pages, Google allowed a number of organizations and businesses to set up their pages. These are big brands, but exploring their pages allows you to see what features are available and how other companies have their pages set up. Here are some of the ones who were allowed early access:

Setting Up Your Google+ Page

Now, it's time to get your own Google+ page set up. To get started, just follow a few simple steps. It's important to remember that these pages are new to all of us and Google is still rolling out features. These steps are just the basic steps to get your business page set up. There will be more tips coming soon on how to further utilize Google+ Pages for your business and branding.

1. Login to your Google+ account. Important note about this step. Right now, there is not an option for multiple admins on a Google+ Page. That means the person who sets up the page is the one who the page is tied to. It cannot be transferred to anyone else, at least for now. Google promises multiple administrator support in the near future. But, until then, make sure you think through who the page should be tied to. It typically should be your marketing coordinator or marketing manager.

2. Create your page using the Create a Page tool.

3. Follow the directions. Follow Google's prompts to set up your new page. Google has made the setup very easy and intuitive, so this part should be a cakewalk. I personally found that setting up Page 1 Solutions' Google+ Page was easier than setting up our Facebook business page!

4. Fill in the important info. Once the initial page is set up, you will need to fill in the pertinent info in the About section of the page,  including: Introduction (tell people about your business), Hours of Operation, Website URL, Contact Info. Another fun area of this About section is the Recommended Links. Use this section to link to any speciality or niche sites that you have, your blogs, your social media, associations or charities you support, etc.

5. Upload pictures and video. Google+ Business Pages are no different than other social media profiles for businesses. People like to see pictures of your company and your people. They like to see what fun things your company does (holidays, birthdays, etc.). They like to see you giving back to the community. Post pictures and video from these types of events and it will help build rapport with both your current customers and your potential customers.

6. Share your page (see 6a.). Share it on Google+ so the people in your circles can see it. Also, share it on Facebook and Twitter. Post a blog about it. 

6a. Get a badge. This is still in it's early stages, but to encourage people to follow your brand, Google will be launching a Google+ icon that you can use on your website, your blogs, etc. There is a badge maker page up right now that allows you to get a head start on this.

7. Post regularly. Like Facebook and Twitter, you will need to manage and monitor this page. This is another extension of you brand, so it's important not to let it fall by the wayside. Post similar things to what you would post on your Facebook business page. Remember to keep it fun and entertaining (yet professional), educational, and not salesy. Post links to recent blog posts, press releases, certain pages on your website, new photos of your staff, current events in your office, etc. 

That's it. Now you're up and running. You can start playing with your new page and explore the new features. Stay tuned for more tips on utilizing Google+ Pages for your practice.

You can find Page 1 Solutions on Google+ below:

Page 1 Solutions

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~JessicaE