Way back when in 2012, we wrote this post Google+ for beginners (that’s us) in which I confessed
I am going to start by being completely honest; I don’t have a Google+ account.
The post was largely resource based and at the end of it I launched my Google+ account and was pleased when readers and clients connected.
Since then, I can’t say I did much more with it. I have being involved in some Hangouts and created some circles, but it didn’t ever become a core part of my Social Media Strategy.
I heard a great analogy about Google+ and adapted it a little to this.
This month marked Google+’s 4th Birthday and also the beginning of some of the stronger parts of Google+ being pulled out as stand alone elements. Important changes include:
- Photos recently got a major overhaul and it’s now its own thing, a separate beast from Google+
- You’re no longer required to have a Google+ identity to use Gmail
- Hangouts are no longer attached to Google+
So what should you as a business owner focus on, when it comes to Google+ (or just Google)
The answer is Google My Business.
Use this platform to:
- Get a map marker for Google Search and Google Maps
- Be found across all devices
- Manage the information shared about your business e.g opening times, contact details
- Stand out on Google+ (for now, until you don’t need to)
What I love about being connected to Google My Business, is that it brings everything together – my AdWords account, analytics and insights, review management, in a portal that completely responds across all devices. From where I sit, that’s a Gym that I can see the value in visiting regularly.
Are you active on Google+? What sort of results do you get?
Mary-Anne