Google+ Postings & Google My Business
As a company that helps clients with website design and marketing, including SEO and social media services, OneClick believes in the importance of Google+. Many of our clients, however, wonder whether or not posting on Google+ is necessary. Although the number of active Google+ users consistently falls behind popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it can still give your business a leg up on the competition.
Here are the advantages of Google+ for online marketing and search engine optimization:
1. Better search engine results
Since Google dominates the search engine market, and Google+ is their social networking site, Alison Zeringue of Marketing Land suggests you “play in their sandbox.” Having a Google+ page for your business means staying ahead—or above—the competition in Google search results.
2. Your business will be “treated better” by Google during user searches
If your business has a Google+ page, especially with reviews, Google can post basic information (such as a picture and your average star-system rating) at the top of the search results in their “carousel.” This means users can see information about your website without having to click on anything. It’s easy to read, and is placed above the organic list of search results for companies that didn’t join the Google+ party, making it convenient for the searcher and more likely to be seen. See example:
Similarly, the Google+ “Publisher” markup feature makes it so that when someone runs a Google search for your business, Google pulls information from your Google+ page to create a “Knowledge Graph.” See example:
3. Google+ is linked with other popular sites and platforms
Google+ is, of course, linked with Google, the most popular search engine. But Google also owns YouTube, the most popular video website and one of the most popular social media platforms, as well as their email service Gmail, which has over 1 billion users.
Connecting Google+ posts with YouTube can mean that your posts—in this case, videos—will be seen by more people. And if any of your target audience uses Gmail, they can see your Google+ posts integrated right into an email. Not only is this feature visually appealing, but it includes easy, clickable links, as well as a ‘follow’ button and recent posts on your business’ Google+ page.
4. Cater to specific audiences
One of the features of Google+ is called “Communities.” This allows users to be a part of groups and get updates on their hobbies and interests (i.e. yoga, cats, etc.). Through your Google+ page, your business can get involved in these online communities (via forums, etc.) and gain recognition from your target demographic. You can also start your own “community.”
5. Google My Business posts
Within Google+, there is a tool called Google My Business. This allows you to see your Google ratings and reviews, statistics, and create posts that are slightly different than regular Google+ postings—they actually show up in searches, right under the “Knowledge Graph”. These posts are usually used to announce or market promotions, specials, new or popular products, and upcoming events. Google My Business posts are also great for taking reservations and attracting signups for memberships and newsletters. Posts include different call-to-action (CTA) buttons to choose from, including “learn more,” “get offer,” “reserve,” “buy,” or “sign up.”
Google created this tool to help small businesses—that aren’t as familiar with SEO practices—show up in local searches. See example:
From “Knowledge Graphs” to Google My Business, Google+ is an integral part of marketing your business online for search engine optimization (SEO). That’s why OneClick recommends creating a Google+ profile for your business and posting to it regularly, just like we do for our clients! Happy posting!
