Photo credit: Widjaya Ivan (Flickr: ivanpw), http://www.flickr.com/photos/28288673@N07/6171303026/
There are so many social media platforms these days, and it can become exhausting to keep up with all of them. But sometimes it can be absolutely imperative to a small business’ success. Have you really looked at Google+ seriously yet as a site your business should be a part of? Though it was assumed that Google+ would be a product of the Google brand, just one of the many Google services, Google+ has actually become the glue holding Google together. The feature is connected to Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, and, of course, Google search. As Google is about the most popular search engine, and gives priority to Google+-related results, it is simply necessary that small businesses make their presence known on the platform. Here are some marketing strategies to make the most of what Google+ has to offer:
- Take Advantage of Circles
Google+ makes it easy to categorize your audience, and fit them into helpful “circles” so you can better reach them. Forget about Google Circles as just being a social feature, it is actually a great tool for your business marketing strategy. By grouping clients, potential clients, past clients, and connections, you can keep a handle on the different types of people you need to reach and can therefore target them better. You can address a whole group at once while still catering to the type of relationship you have with the people in that group personally.
- Take Advantage of Hangouts
The Hangouts feature of Google+ allows you to reach people in real time through video chat. You can use this to reach some of your circles and connect with them through another facet of social media. Hangouts can be used for your business to host webinars and even meetings with associates and connections.
- Take Advantage of Priority
Google search gives priority to search results from its Google+ feature, and for good reason. The search engine is biased, and you can use this bias to benefit your business. If you are posting content to your Google+ business profile, and are using good keywords, these posts will show up in search results, possibly above the competition if they are not posting on Google+ as well.
- Remember the Basics
Even though establishing your presence on Google+ is reaching out to a new platform for your business, remember that many of those basic marketing strategies still hold value. The facility may be different, but the content should still follow many of those golden rules. Remember, content is key and it is important to post daily, if possible. Content should have strong keywords and should still keep to the 80/20 rule. Eighty-percent of your content should be “infotainment” and the other twenty-percent should link back to your site. This is another place to draw in consumers from and linking back to your company is still infinitely important.
Google+ has a profile devoted to marketing strategies on its site. In addition to checking that out, let us know what else we can do to help you with content and social media on the web.
Special Offer: Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc. loves working with small and emerging companies to raise their brand awareness and name recognition through media relations, in addition to other services. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation and can discuss your specific brand marketing needs. Email info@ThreeGirlsMedia.com to make your appointment today!