Google+ was released to all businesses last week and already a flurry of businesses are popping up. If you’ve read our previous post on Google+ vs. Facebook, you know a few reasons why this is so appealing.
So inevitably the next question for many that are ready to launch their Google+ page is ‘how’. Follow these easy, quick steps to set up your page and you’ll be ready to start connecting with people on Google+.
Step #1 – Get Started
Go to http://www.google.com/+/business/ and select ‘Create your Google+ Page’ to start the process. If you aren’t logged in already, you’ll need to first do that.
Step #2 – Select Your Category
There are five categories for a business page:
- Local Business or Place
- Product or Brand
- Company, Institution or Organization
- Arts, Entertainment or Sports
- Other
Select your category as Local Business or Place and then find your location in Google using your country and your primary phone number. If you do not have a Google Place….shame on you! 🙂 But easily rectified by adding your business to Google Places so you can link your Place with your Google+ page.
If you are already on Places, all you’ll need to do to move to the next step is to confirm your details and create your page.
Step #3 – Add Your Profile Image and Tagline
The Google+ options for customizing your profile are extremely limited so take advantage of what you have! Upload a picture and add a tagline about what you do. Perhaps rethink your tagline if it is ambiguous or doesn’t explain your services and products accurately enough in 10 words!
Step #4 – Promote Your New Page
Finally, get your personal circle of friends to add your business to their circles so you can follow them back. Make sure to also start the conversation on your new Google+ page so it doesn’t look too empty.
Please note: if you are not 100% dedicated to networking and setting up Google+ on your website, it is not worth the time investment at this point. If this will dilute your already stretched time budget, skip this for now until further versions and iterations are released. Let the others do the testing for you!
Author Bio: Valorie Reavis
Social Marketer, foodie, closet geekA marketing professional who has focused primarily on the hair and beauty business for of the past decade, Valorie now runs linkup marketing, a digital marketing agency for the hair and beauty professional. Valorie works to engage clients in the marketing process and help them successfully engage with their clients and community. Energetic and passionate about the industry, Valorie focuses on blending traditional and digital media in order to bring salons closer to their clients.
