With Social Networks like Facebook & Twitter dominating our online world, Search Engine giant, Google decided to throw their hat in the ring by creating their very own Social Network. When Google + launched in June of 2011, there was an initial frenzy to receive a coveted invite but the buzz quickly died down and Google + found itself at the bottom of the Social Networking popularity pole. While the original focus of Google+ was simply to help build relationships with brands, it now appears that wasn’t enough for Google+ to be a true competitor in the social networking world. Upon discovering that people still far preferred Facebook and Twitter, Google + had to up the stakes.
With the launch of Search Plus Your World and the recent revamp of Google+, it is even more important that brands start connecting with Google+ followers. It is time for businesses to optimize their Google+ accounts to get better search results. Google has started integrating People and Pages on Google+ into the Google search engine results.
In order to best optimize your Google+ account it is important to get back to the basics of social media. The goal is to become accepted into the “Circle of Trust” also known as your audiences “+1” arena.
How to become a +1?
1. Optimize your Google+ profile
This means adding a profile picture, creating an enticing photostrip, and linking your “About” section to other social networks and your website.
2. Optimize your Circles
This means creating categories for each target audience such as customers or team members. By creating Circles, Google+ allows brands to target status updates based on a Circle description.
3. Create and share value content
This not only means creating valuable content, but creating content that people will want to +1. When you share content, your brand followers are more likely to see content in Google search results. This also means getting your employees involved in sharing content because they have a higher reach percentage.
All in all, Google has essentially forced the hands of business owners to join Google+ and make it their new social media best friend. This is a game-changing move by Google. Not only are they making it a no brainer to join their Social Network, this also merges SEO and Social Media efforts into a packaged deal.