Is your business ready for Google plus?
Google has recently jumped on the social networking bandwagon with both feet by launching its own platform called Google+. But is there really room on the net for another major social sharing site? That’s uncertain, but with Google at the helm, you can be sure of a massive uptake and no effort spared when it comes to competing with the likes of Twitter and Facebook.
And if you’ve been on the net for any longer than 5 minutes, you’ll know that social networking sites make superb marketing platforms—provided you know how to use them effectively. So it’s natural that as a business owner, you’ll be keen to know what Google+ can do for your bottom line.
Social + Google = SEO
The first assumption that’s being made is that Google+ is going to be essential to your SEO effort. Why? Because as the web becomes dominated by the social phenomenon, the more the search engines are looking at the conversations we’re having to determine what’s relevant, and what’s popular. If your products and services are being regularly shared or discussed on social sites, Google is already taking notes. When its own network is properly up and running, this effect is certain to be amplified.
Use the circles feature to target your messages
The one feature that most obviously sets G+ apart from Facebook is called circles. It’s a simple concept, allowing you to categorise the people in your network into groups—called circles. You can then select which circles should receive any given update, and also filter your feed according to circles, so that you can quickly and easily see what a particular group is talking about. From a business point of view, this could be very useful, allowing you to target people according to interest, age, gender, or anything you like.
This sounds great! When can I start?
Erm, actually not yet. The one major drawback is that Google is not allowing business profiles on their network as yet. The site has only just been opened to the public, and the waters are still being tested. A spokesperson has said that business accounts will launch in Q3 of this year. It also looks like they’re waiting for a critical mass in terms of users before they launch the business account, to ensure that subscribers are getting real value.
Well it better be good when it arrives then!
Sources indicate that it will. So hang in there. Google is promising that their business accounts will come equipped with a high level of analytics that you’d expect from the search market leader, and that the package will be designed to help you build long-term relationships with your customers.
So can’t I just sign up anyway? If I get in early I’ll benefit later, right?
Again, it’s a no. Google has been very strict about the line between business and personal accounts to the point where it’s rounded up and deleted all the business profiles that have so far appeared. Also, they’re insisting that there’ll be no migration facility from existing personal to business accounts when they launch, so as a business you’re wasting your time. Or not completely…
There’s nothing to stop you signing up with a personal account – especially if you’re known personally for the kind of business you’re in. It’s a good way to get familiar with the interface, and even have discussions with your customers on a really human level. Pete Cashmore, the CEO of Mashable is already doing this, with a following that’s already 100,000 users strong.
As with all the other social sites out there, Google+ will be whatever you make it. Short of it going the same way as Google Wave, of course…
About seoblogger:
Our SEO blogger is an expert in Web Marketing, Usability and Interface Design. He has been a vital part of The Blue Cube Communications since 2003. As the West Midlands fastest growing web marketing agency, we always strive to maximise return on investment for our customers.
