by Nisha Sharma
Google Plus is a new social network following in the footsteps of established social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. This new networking platform is positioned to address weak areas that Facebook has overlooked or underserved, like B2B organizations. Google Plus‘ fast success is hard to ignore, passing the 90 million user mark since being introduced to the public in September of 2011. For companies hoping to embrace Google Plus and add another important piece to the marketing puzzle, there are certain steps recommended to implement this new tool.
Establish a Profile
Setting up a solid profile with a professional headshot and a relevant, well-written introduction is the first step to get started. Hire a competent copywriter to ensure that the words used in your profile market your services or products well, urging other professionals to add you to their circles. Consider adding pictures that show you in action, giving a speech or engaged in some other activity typical for your business. Keep in mind, that this profile is the first impression that future customers and associates will have of you. By taking the time to create a memorable profile, a professional can make the new Google Plus tool count.
Maximize Search Results
When setting up your Google Plus account, be sure to check the box that says “Help Others Find My Profile,” in the Edit Profile/Search Visibility section. Add keywords to the links at the right of your profile, e.g. white label email, for best results. In the text section, be sure to add the best keywords to connect to the corporate website. As the number one search engine, the power of Google is behind Google Plus and has a stake in your success as they try and win favor for this new offering.
Be sure to add videos to your profile to maximize SEO rankings. There is a reason more and more companies are adding video into the marketing mix. Videos rank higher than other content and attract more traffic.
By adding your business name or industry as “Spark,” search engine results may be improved. This feature should be used like Google alert. Spark also allows you to follow related articles that align with your type of company to stay informed.
Establish a Custom URL
Using a custom URL makes it easy for your customers to find you. Employing every available tool to attract prospective business makes practical sense. Since URLs are taken on a first come, first serve basis, there is no legitimate reason to procrastinate. Time is of the essence.
Open Channels of Communication
One of the biggest differences between Facebook and Google Plus is Google Circles, which allows networking with different groups of people. A user can set up different circles of people based on the relationship, allowing companies the ability to communicate in different ways with different groups. For instance, one circle of people might be prospective customers and another group might be employees. Differentiating each group allows for better targeted communication. By sending out only relevant content to each group, readers do not become annoyed by a barrage of information that is irrelevant for them.
Another innovation that Google Plus offers its users is the ability to share circles of contacts. By clicking on a circle and sharing it, it gets posted to the contacts you choose. This process is as easy as clicking on “Add Circle.”
Conduct Market Research
The novelty of Google Plus equals added enthusiasm. As one of the latest new tools in social media, there is no time like the present to cash in on all the extra attention being afforded this new tool. Hangouts can be set up for informal meetings. Google hangouts offer a forum for video chatting with circles of associates. These chat sessions can be used for research or relationship building. An exciting benefit of hangouts is that thousands of people can view a live hangout at once.
Nisha Sharma writes about technology and business for neteffekt.com, a leading provider of email marketing solutions for leading agencies and enterprises worldwide.



