Has Google+; become an afterthought in your social media marketing plan? When was the last time you took a look over there? You may also be asking yourself if Google+; is or ever will 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 think it’s worthwhile now and in the future!
It’s being shared that Google+; is now outpacing Twitter. Even though this in no way “feels” true, it quite possibly really is. Just the proliferation of Gmail and the convenience of having Google’s entire suite of web services available at the same time has probably sealed the deal. Not just that, but since Google Plus Local Listings already incorporates such small business services as Zagat, StreetView and Google+; User ratings, it has effectively replaced Yelp.
Also, Google Hangouts has a direct effect on where Google+; is headed as well. The advantage of using a Hangout, instead of perhaps Skype, to do video conferencing is a major plus (no pun intended). Yes, we know that Hangouts is still somewhat clunky and a pain to figure out, but when you do, it’s far and away the leader of the pack. Just the incorporation and automation that Hangouts shares with YouTube is worth the price of admission. (Which of course is free!)
So what are some ways businesses are using Google+;?
There are a number of uses of Google+; in your small business. Here’s just a few:
- Build networks of like-minded individuals with Google+; Circles
- Using #hashtags to help posts appear in Google search
- Be sure and Link Google+; to your blog or site, and reap the Google Authorship benefit in the search pages
- Do live video chat with Google Hangouts
- Use tags in Google+; to reach out to people directly
To see a tremendous list of strategies and an incredible infographic for Google+;, see this post on Copyblogger. While Google+; might not enable you to get all warm and fuzzy just yet, our bet is that it’s worth the time both now and down the road!
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