Google+ is a new social network by Google that came out late summer. It is similar to Facebook but is also very different. It’s the fastest growing social network and has a lot of potential. Although its new and not everyone has jumped on board quite yet, Google+ is already showing a lot of value, especially for business.
I’m already on Facebook and Twitter, why should I add another social network?
Like I mentioned earlier, there is solid value to creating a presence on G+ for your brand. First, let’s state the obvious, its a Google product. Google loves its own products and has historically placed higher value on their properties in their search results. For example, do a Google search for just about anything and chances are a YouTube video will be somewhere on the first page results. Expect G+ to have a similar effect.
Any opportunity you have to take-up more “real estate” (pun intended) in the search engine results pages is valuable. For example, if someone was looking for your brand on G+, they could simply do a search in Google for +YourBrand. This feature is still new and isn’t quite up to speed for all brands just yet, but it will be.
You have several opportunities to optimize your G+ Page for both your brand and other important keyword phrases. For example, you should optimize your page for your brand name as well as what you do, like “ABC Realty – Charleston Real Estate Professionals.” This would cover both your brand and a popular, local and relevant search.
Also, much like Facebook, there are social networking opportunities on G+ as well. Its yet another tool in your social media arsenal to reach out to prospective buyers and sellers and open-up communication. It can also be used as a broadcasting mechanism for things like open houses and listings. Just remember that social networking is more about being social and making connections and less about broadcasting your marketing messages. Find a healthy balance.
By now hopefully you’re convinced that you need a G+ Page. Let’s jump into how to set one up!
First, like Facebook, you’ll need to create a personal profile. G+ will have multiple admin capability in the coming months, but for now, they don’t. This being said, put some thought to who’s profile the business page will be linked to. You can be sneaky and make a fake one or you can make one for yourself, just keep in mind that for now you’ll only have access to it from that one profile. So whichever account you associate it with, make sure its an account you’ll always have access to it. Employees come and go so don’t create it under an employee’s name just to be safe.
You can create your profile here.
Once you have created your profile, you can begin your page. In your profile, you’ll see the button to create a page in the right column.
Things to include in your G+ Page
You’ll want to completely fill out every part of your page, including the About, Photos and Videos.
About
Add a thoughtful and informative introduction. Explain and summarize what your company does and how its unique. Be sure to include links to your BoomTown website, other websites your company has, your blog and even other social network profiles your company owns.
Don’t forget to add your contact info, you definitely want it to be easy for someone to reach out.
Photos
Add photos of your team, office, awards and anything else that’s relevant. You can also add a handful of images that will display above your posts. We chose our Inc. 500 icon, awards and recognition are a good choice for this area.
Videos
If you have video content for your business, especially from YouTube, be sure to add them in the videos section. This could be video listings/virtual tours of hot listings, branding videos etc.
Posts
No one wants to visit an empty page. Go ahead and add a couple things before you start sharing your page with the world.
G+ Badge
After you set-up your G+ Page, you’ll be presented with the option of adding the code snippet to your websites that will show your G+ Page badge. This is a good way to “verify” your business page and make it easier for people to find it and increase your following. Reach out to your success manager to find out how to have your G+ badge added to your BoomTown website.
Start networking!
Social media is worthless without connections. Begin creating and building your Circles. To start, circle BoomTown!
For additional information on Google+ and how to use it, visit http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/introducing-google-project-real-life.html and http://www.google.com/+/business/get-started.html
Filed under: Search Engine Marketing Tagged: | Google Plus, Google+, Google+ for Real Estate
