What the Real Deal About Google+?

What the Real Deal About Google+?

Has Google+ turned into an afterthought in your social media marketing plan? Just when was the last time you took a look over there? You may also be wondering if Google+ is or ever can be a viable tool for your business. You’re not alone because many are still divided as to whether to even spend any time or effort on Google+.

Why we feel it’s worthwhile now and in the future!

One astonishing undeniable fact that really doesn’t ring true (yet) is that Google+ has become larger in terms of reach than Twitter. This is undoubtedly due to the proliferation of Gmail and the simplicity of having Google’s entire suite of web services at your fingertips. Since Google Plus Local Listings already include such small business services as Zagat, StreetView and Google+ User ratings, it has effectively replaced Yelp.

Also, Google Hangouts has a direct influence on where Google+ is headed as well. The convenience of using a Hangout, as an alternative to perhaps Skype, to do video conferencing is a major plus (no pun intended). Yes, we know that Hangouts is still a bit clunky and a hassle to figure out, however if you do, it’s by far the leader of the pack. Just the integration and automation that Hangouts shares with YouTube will be worth the price of admission. (Which of course is free!)

So how are businesses using Google+?

There are tons of ways to utilize Google+ in your small business. A few would include:

  • Build networks of like-minded individuals with Google+ Circles
  • Using #hashtags to help posts show up in Google search
  • Link Google+ to your blog, and benefit having your photo attached to your search results
  • Do live video chat with Google Hangouts
  • Use tags in Google+ to reach out to people directly

To see a tremendous list of strategies plus an incredible infographic for Google+, see this post on Copyblogger. While Google+ might not get you all warm and fuzzy just yet, our bet is that it’s worth the time both now and in the future!