With a reported 359 million active users, Google+ is quickly becoming one of the most important social networks for businesses to take full advantage of. While most businesses are spending the majority of their time on Twitter and Facebook for advertising purposes, Google+ can be just as, if not more, effective in terms of gaining exposure to content.

User Facts

• 63% of Google+ Users are male
• Most Google+ Users See Themselves As Tech Savvy
• The Majority of Google+ Users are Located In The USA

Like all relatively new social networks, it can be difficult to visualize just how your business can effectively utilize the various features within them for marketing and brand growth.

Google Authorship

Google+ have a direct influence on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). With Google’s authorship feature that creates a visual tie between a writer and the content they publish, posts visually stand out when ranking in search. Google has hinted that they include an author’s influence into search rankings.

By utilizing the authorship feature, visibility of content is enhanced, while each post is specifically indexed by Google. Authorship creates more authority for a writer, as you now have your face and name attached to a link, therefore establishing yourself as an authority when consistently providing valuable insight into a topic.

Communities and Hangouts

Getting involved with the Google+ communities and hangouts can be an excellent way to gain influence in your niche industry. With thousands of communities on Google+, you can be sure that you’ll find a few related to your business. Be active and engage with individuals in those communities. By answering questions, posting content and engaging with others, you have a platform to showcase your knowledge and become an authoritative figure in the industry.

Google+ also has a “hangout” feature, which allows you to conduct video chats with up to 10 other people. These video sessions will be streamed and archived through YouTube. Savvy individuals will utilize these to promote products, hold webinars and answer questions of followers.

Circles

Once you’ve engaged and interacted with individuals in your industry, connect with them through segmented “Circles.” Google+’s circles are a way to categorize those that you connect with. Initially, Google+ gives you four groupings for your circles: friends, family, acquaintances and following.

Google+ is unique in that you are capable of choosing who can view your content and when. With Twitter, somebody can follow another individual without them following back, in order to view status updates. With Facebook, individuals must be connected with each other in order to see content. With Google+, the circles allow you to target specific audiences for specific content.

Overall, Google+ offers a wide variety of features that can allow you to market your business effectively while reaching a specific target audience. Not only will Google+ assist in establishing your brand as an industry authority, but it will simultaneously help with your content’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO). By fully optimizing the features that Google+ offers, your business’ content should see a significant hike in viewership.

A Little Extra