Google+ Gets Down to Business
There was much hoopla on Monday when Google+ started unrolling its Business pages…finally!
That feature, along with a general API release (still forthcoming), was the most anticipated move since Google+ appeared on the scene on June 28th.
What does this mean for businesses who have invested a lot of resources nurturing their Facebook Pages?
Not much, for the time being, anyway.
Like their initial rollout of G+, Google Plus Business Pages isn’t so much a launch as a well…a roll out that will gain mass and momentum as it moves forward.
At this point, Google+ BP’s is pretty basic. It has a lot of the same elements as its Facebook counterpart.
It’s very easy to create a page. Some might say too easy as there is no verification system in place so you could theoretically open a business page under any name.
Another thing to be aware of is that if you are signed into your own Gmail account when you create a page, that page will be aligned to your personal profile – Like mine is.
I have a Ray Hiltz Google+ account and now a +NewRayCom account.
I am able to toggle between the two names when I’m on the site. I can do the same on Facebook. But unlike Facebook, I can only have one administrator.
So, if you’re a company and don’t want your page attached at the hip of an employee that you’re not certain will be there for the long run, it’s best to open a separate Google account and then create a page.
Google+ Big Advantage: Direct Connect
(from Wired.com)
“Google integrates Plus into its web-dominating search engine. With Google+ Direct Connect, searchers can insert a “+” before their query and jump directly to a business’s Google+ page. Type “+YouTube” into a Google search box, for instance, and Google will take you straight to YouTube’s Plus page.
This is where Google will have an advantage over Facebook.
With a broad array of services like search and Gmail and Chrome and Android, Google offers tools that are fundamental to the online lives of so many people — and these can be tied to Google+.
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.”
Here are some Google+ Pages tips from the horse’s mouth:
5 Cool Tips You Should Know About Google+ Pages
1. You Can +1 a Page to Show Support or Add Them to Your Circles
We know you love some brands and businesses. Others you may want to show a quick note of support, but not see all their updates. So just drop a little +1 and keep going, or add a page to any circle you want. You’re in control.
2. No Google+ Page Can Follow You Until You Follow Them
We want Google+ to be a place you love to share. Pages cannot circle you until you follow them first. Of course, if you are in their circles, they can share great deals, exclusive coupons, product tips and hangouts, but the relationship is yours to start.
3. In Fact, Google+ Pages Can’t Even Mention You Unless You’re Connected
That’s right. The +Google+ page can’t even say your name unless you’re following. No +mention spam.
4. Google+ Pages Automatically Unfollow You If You Unfollow Them
If you remove a Google+ Page from your circles, you are automatically removed from their circles. You always are in charge.
5. You Can Find Google+ Pages In Google Search
With a new feature we call Direct Connect, just type + followed by the brand name in Google Search, and you can see pages automatically display. Type +Pepsi to see Pepsi, and +Dell for Dell. It’s that easy.
Are you ready to get down to Google Business?
About Ray Hiltz
Ray Hiltz is a Social Media Strategist with management roots in restaurant, hotel and performing arts. A strong proponent for the power of collaborative communication and "humanized" digital networking, Ray writes about social media, social business and Google Plus. His clients include hotels, restaurants, consulting firms, entrepreneurs, writers and individuals just trying to make sense of "social". Ray is a popular speaker on Social Media, Social Business and Google+.
