1. Size is Important
When it comes to social media I am always teaching my clients quality engagement is key (which I will get to in this article). A few thousand active followers are much better than a ton of silent ones.
But, Google+ plus goes against the grain. On Google+, the more followers you have the better! This is because Google+ is linked to your Google search ranking. The more followers you have the better your website ranks. Even when followers are not signed into their Google accounts, your ranking improves if they are following you on Google+.
2. POST to Improve your SEO
In addition to a big following, you want to post frequently so that you can naturally share EACH blog post or new page you add to your website. This is because Google+ posts can be found in search results alongside articles.
Likewise, people can now see recommendations from their connections right in their Google search results. If you are posting frequently, this means great things for your business because it provides the social proof that customers are often seeking. Seeing that people like them have purchased your product makes them far more likely to also purchase it.
3. Use Pictures and Videos
First, you want to post pictures and videos on your wall to add variety to your sharing and increase follower interaction.
Second, you want to upload pictures and videos to your profile because, again, it will improve your Google search engine ranking and help prospects followers to find you.
Special Note: When you add videos and pictures to your profile be sure to add important and relevante keyword phrases to the “alt” field to further improve your Google ranking.
4. Get in on the Conversation
Take time each week to engage on Google+ by commenting on other people’s posts. Additionally, look for popular conversations and jump in. When you leave a comment on another popular “thread” or when you +1 the conversation, then you expose yourself to more prospects. This is important to building traffic.
5. Create a page for your business
While you may already have a personal page, did you know that Google+ has added a business page feature? (It is the equivalent to your business fan page on Facebook.)
If you haven’t already created one, now is the time. To get started, you will want to visit Create a Page on Google+.
The neat thing about connecting with fans via your Google+ business page is that you can follow them back and add them to your circles.
6. Add links to your business page
Google+ allows you to add clickable links to your business page profile in a number of places. Be sure to utilize this feature!
Where you can, send prospects to a specific page, not just your home page. This helps you to guide their experience and show them the content that they want immediately, instead of hoping they’ll fish around for it.
Key Point: Be SURE to put a clickable link in your Intro section. You don’t want to ask
7. Utilize Keywords
In your personal profile on Google+, be sure to add important keyword phrases to the “about” section. You also want to do this same thing on your business page.
Here too, it is vital that you have a good sense of the keyword phrases people in your niche use to find you.
One great way to find out is to survey your current clientel. Ask them, “If you were to find a blog I’ve written on (insert your topic here) what would you type into Google search?”
Likewise, you can find keyword phrases that are highly searched by using Google’s free adword search tool.
8. Hover Text
When you add a Business page to your personal profile, you can include “mouse-over” or hover text to further explain your business to prospects. Prospects are going to make a split second decision as to whether or not they will click through. You can increase your click through rate with a clear tagline. A good, clear tagline, like a good joke gets people every time.
Are you utilizing the hover text feature?
9. Consider Authorship
Google is piloting a new system that will show author information in search results. The idea behind it is to help users discover great content. For you, as an entrepreneur, it allows you to lay claim to the articles and blogs and such that you’ve written. If you want your authorship information to appear in search results for your content, then you must have your own Google Profile, and a close up headshot as your profile picture. Next, you will need to verify authorship in one of two ways. First you can, link your content to your Google+ profile using a verified email address. Or, you can set up authorship by linking your content to your Google+ profile. However, be aware that Google doesn’t guarantee to show author information in Google Web Search or Google News results.
For more information, click here.
10. Google Hangouts
Hosting regular Google+ hangouts is important because it furthers the relationship you are building with your prospects and it can create repeat customers.
It is also a great way to generate ideas and to quickly find out what your niche REALLY wants.
If you’ve never attended a hangout before or want to get involved in ones that have already been started check out this site for current hangouts.
Come back and share how it goes!
What tweaks have you made to your Google+ experience?