Google Plus Pages Hints, Tips and Pluses

The first iteration of the new Google+ Business Pages launched on November 7. The biggest difference between Facebook, Twitter etc.. is that Google offers tools that are fundamental to the online lives of so many people — and as Google+ evolves, Google will have the means to promote its social network — and the branded Pages within it — in ways that Facebook or Twitter cannot.

Getting started with Google+ Business Pages is so easy!

1. Fill out the About page using your main keywords for better ranking of your page and website.
2. Add some relevant photo’s across the top for dynamic on page engagement and to graphically display something about your business, there are some great ways to do this and I am still working on mine, for now I have some of my most important graphics in there…
3. Put all your links into the area where you want to be found – MOST importantly your website
4. Put the Google+ code onto your site so G+ can find you, associate your Business Page with your site and start the very important ranking, collating, crawling and SEO-ing that is to become the huge G+ PLUS!
5. Create your first Circles and then find other great pages to Circle so you have someone to talk to – think about your circles… create circles so you can target updates and information just to them: Employees (no more memo’s or inhouse emails), Customer/client circles, Top Customers/Clients, Customers/Clients in specific regions, Possible collaborations…, Top News Makers in your niche (to share)…
6. Start talking, plusing etc…
7. Share your page – this creates a post about your page on your Google+ Profile.
8. Start a Hangout – live video Google chat with anyone: again think customers/clients, employees, influencers… – and Google chat is one of the clearest and most reliable video chat apps I have ever used

What’s Different About Google+ Pages from your G+ Profile?

Pages are very similar to profiles, but they have some key differences:

• Pages can’t add people to circles until the page the user has first Circled or mentioned the page in a post.
• Pages can be made for a variety of different entities including public figures, businesses, brands, products, charities… whereas profiles can only be made for people.
• The default privacy setting for elements on your page profile is public.
• Pages have the +1 button. The +1 Button is so much more than a Facebook Like Button – the +1 Button is about enhancing your visibility on the largest search engine in the world!
• Pages can’t +1 other pages, nor can they +1 stuff on the Web so using Google ‘as your page’ is just like Facebook relegated to on page activities like Circling (Liking), Commenting, Posting.
• You cannot play games as your Page.
• Pages cannot share to ‘Extended circles’.
• Pages don’t receive notifications via email, text, or in the Google bar… at the moment.
• Pages can’t hangout on a mobile device.
• Local pages have special fields that help people find the business’ physical location via your Google Places account.

Making a GREAT G+ First Impression!

With imagery and video beating text hands down on engagement, your profile picture and scrapbook photos (the 5 that appear across the top of your page) are key to making a good first impression on visitors to your page.

 The possibilities are infinite!

• Consider your scrapbook photos a billboard for your business, an opportunity to express what you and your team are all about in various ways including product placement, arousing curiosity about your business, showcases your business essence, or getting a laugh first up.
• Present your products, locations, or iconic images like +Google+
• Create a panorama, like +Toyota
• Or, introduce your team, like +Fox News
• Aim for colorful and detailed, like +Google for Nonprofits
• Or simple, like our page +Saucy Social Media

These photos do not need to remain static!
Change them every week, every day, every month. Keep them interesting to tell your company’s story best.

Take advantage of the Google+ Creative Kit.
Click the photos tab from your profile, select the image you’d like to edit, and navigate to “Creative Kit.” Quickly and easily spice up your images for holidays, special occasions, or just for fun.

Secret Squirrel Google+ Profile Pic Feature – Did you know you can add photos behind the profile picture.
When users click that picture, it flips over to reveal the one behind. This hidden gem allows you to be quirky (maybe “Boo!” on Halloween) or send a message to your users (for instance, an announcement of a promotion). Just add these to your profile picture album and you’re good to go. (Tips thanks to the Google+ Blog thanks guys!)

From the Official Google Blog: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/google-pages-connect-with-all-things.html

Top 100 Google+ Pages infographic: http://www.millwardbrown.com/libraries/optimor_brandz_files/2011_brandz_top100_chart.sflb.ashx