Google plus is now offering the ability to set up Google plus for businesses, so how do you go about getting involved? Firstly and similarly to other social media channels you will need to create a personal Google + profile for yourself.
Then you will need to go to Create a Page on Google + and follow the steps to get started.
Picking a category
The first step is to choose a category and there are 5 main categories to choose from:
1) Local business or place – this includes hotels, restaurants, places and stores / shops. If you choose this category you will be asked where your business is located and for the phone number. Google plus with then try to find a match with Google places and will use this information for your Google + profile. If they cannot match your business to Google places you will be able to add your business info and continue to the next step.
2) Product or Brand
Examples given by Google + that fit under this category include apparel, cars, electronics and financial services. Enter the page name and website and choose an applicable category from the selection of industries provided or simply choose brand, other, product or service.
3) Company, Institution or Organization
This category includes companies, institutions, organisations, non – profits and similar entities. Similar to the Product /Brand category, you simply enter your page name and website and choose an applicable category for your organisation.
4) Arts, Entertainment or Sports
This category comprises of pages for movies, TV, books, sports and shows . Again enter the page name, website and category.
5) Other
If you feel your page does not fit under any of the above categories, then choose this option.
For each of the categories mentioned above you will be asked if the content is suitable for any Google User, users 18 or older, users 21 or older or to add a specific note that content will be alcohol related. Then you will need to tick the box for the Google + Additional Terms of services, (which we recommend you read first, as there is information on authority, access, content, data,contests, suspension and termination).
Customise your Page’s Public Profile
Once you have selected a category from the above, you can start customising your page.
1) Add your profile photo and tagline
The tagline is restricted to 10 words that best describe your page. After you have included the profile photo, click continue and you will be asked to spread the word about your new page through your personal Google + profile. At this stage you will not have completed your page, so ignore this and click on finish and you will be brought to your page.
2) Editing your page info
Once you have viewed your page’s welcome screen you will probably want to include additional information. Go to your pages profile by clicking the Profile icon at the top left of the Search Google + box. Then on the about 'About' tab select 'Edit profile'. This is where you can edit everything and add additional links to your other social profiles, such as blog posts etc.
3) Adding a Photostrip
Similar to the five photos displayed on a Facebook page, these photos will appear under your page’s name and tagline. You can use various photos to represent your business or get slightly more creative with this space, it is your decision.
Now your Google + Page is ready, you can start posting to your profile by adding status updates, links, photos and videos. Start writing some content and building up the profile before you use the ‘Spread the word’ option and share the page to your personal profile connections.
For more information on how to create a Facebook Page or a Linked In Company page or any other social media profile, contact Webresults.ie for social media marketing activity that best suits your business.
