As you grow on Google+ your home feed will begin to move faster and faster. Thus, it is important that you write posts that stand out. You want them to work for you, gaining you more visibility and interaction.
But how?
Check out the following tips to optimize your Google+ posts for better visibility and interaction!
1. Use Relevant Hashtags –
Just like twitter, you want to utilize relevant, keyword specific hashtags in your Google+ posts.
Don't stuff your post with hashtags. Consider the post content and add a hashtag that is keyword relevant. Only do this when it fits well with the post. For example, if you are sharing a Google+ hangout recording that provides Google+ hangout tips, then you will want to include the hashtag: #hangouttips
Important Note: When creating a hashtag, use the pound symbol [#] and write the keyword phrase as a single word. #nospaces
2. Do Your Research –
It is important to get an idea of when your followers are on Google+ and when they may have the most time to interact with your posts. To do this, you can utilize the following Google+ Timing App – http://timing.minimali.se/
Based off your previous Google+ posting and the interactions they received, the App will calculate the best times for you to post your content and enjoy the luxury of high visibility and engagement. It will also share with you a randomly selected group of other highly followed Google+ users and when their best Google+ posting times are.
Do check it out and then come back to share your best time! I look forward to hearing what you discover in the comments below.
3. Post Publicly for Maximum Visibility
When you share a post as public you allow anyone and everyone to see it. You also increase the likelihood that your post will be seen in Google search results.
This helps you to gain more visibility because it widens your reach and connects you with new people. It also increases the likelihood that your posts will be shared and +1'd.
4. Post Specifically in a Single Circle for Maximum Engagement
I realize that tip #4 may sound like the exact opposite of tip #3, however the truth is that you will want to do both. The majority of your posts should be shared publicly. Yet, you will also want to increase your post interaction by sharing relevant content with a specific circle, only.
Posting for a specific circle prompts those people to respond because you've made them feel special. They are reminded of their unique and intimate connection that you both share and they will be inclined to foster it. Who doesn't like to feel special? By posting to a specific circle you are reminding those people of a special part of themselves and the importance of it.
5. Be Creative & Helpful
When you're posting tips, also share pictures or 'how to' videos. Pictures are more engaging because they literally drawn in the viewer's eye. A quick 'how to' video can also go a long way, especially if it's entertaining and to the point.
There is a lot of information out there, so the more fun you can have and the more creative you are in sharing it, the more visibility and engagement you will gain.
6. Believe in Reciprocity
Share other's posts! The idea behind the Google+ platform was that it could be a place where people could share and 'like' the great content they find on the web. Thus, it is important that you do the same. It is not just a place for you to dump your information.
Take some time to see what others are posting. +1 what you like and share what you've found helpful. This way your followers can also benefit. As the cliché saying goes, "a rising tide lifts all boats".
7. Post about Trending Topics –
Currently, on the right hand side of your Google+ home page you will find a column titled "Trending Topics". There you will find the hashtags of popular topics.
If you click on the hashtag of the trending topic Google+ will take you to a newsfeed that shows only those posts. This allows you to view the discussion and get involved. The more you get involved in trending topics the more you will be seen by new prospects.
It is also a great way to engage and connect with people on a specific topic that you all enjoy.
Which of these tips will you use the next time you are on Google+?
Have you tried tip #2 yet? When is your best posting time?
What are some ways you can interact with your specific circles on Google+ to increase engagement?
Share and comment below…
About Kim
Hi Kim,
I wanted to stop by and check out your post. I admit not really spending a lot of time on Google+. I don't find it as easy to connect with people there are I do on Facebook or Twitter.
I had actually checked out my times for posting several months back and they recommend me posting on Saturday between 6:00 and 7:00 pm. Sorry, I'm usually not online at that time.
I appreciate you sharing this with us though. Good information to know for sure.
Hope you're enjoying your day and have a blessed week.
~Adrienne
Adrienne, more info on Google+ coming tomorrow morning around just this topic.
Thanks for dropping in Adrienne!
Thanks for sharing. These are good tips, but seem to be good for a new user. These same tips could be relevant for any other social network, too. It's all about content, and you make that pretty obvious here. Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts on what will eventually replace Facebook and other social networking sites.
Thanks for dropping in, Ricky!
great info! love your articles… they bring clarity and function for my own social media journey! thank you!
Getting into Google + a lot lately. Great tips. Thanks Kim!
Thanks so much for those tips! I'm always looking for new ways to interact with Google+ and get the most out of it. I will try some of these today!
Great information Kim…google+ has not really seemed appealing but I can see where your tips would make it useful! Thanks!
I didn't know to use hashtags on Google+?! I still haven't gotten the hang of Google+, but I've been bookmarking your posts, so thanks Kim!
Kelly, they are basically just like Twitter.
I can see how I could have a lot of fun on Google + but am not really familiar yet. I have to come back to read this when I get a little more fluent. Still trying to "master" a few others first
I have to admit that I don't spend time on Google +. I keep forgetting about it! I guess I need to get more comfortable using it. Thanks for the encouragement!
I have to be better about posting on Google+ regularly – I'm the first to admit this is a powerful social network and I'm just not over there nearly enough.
I am not there nearly enough either!
Google+ is still my nemesis — thanks for making it should easier than I think.
I love these tips. i am a firm believer that google plus is very important for our SEO but I have not put it to use meeting and talking to new people which is not good! Thanks for the reminder Kim!
Definitely one social media network I underutilize along with linkedin. Need to work on those. Thanks for the tips Kim.
Your tips are helpful as always Kim. Love your tip #4: Post Specifically in a Single Circle for Maximum Engagement. Thanks for sharing.
Lorii, thanks for dropping in!
Great tips Kim! Google+ is still something people are scared of, but I'm getting a lot of engagement on it.
Glad to hear it, Mandy!
Useful tips as always Kim!
Thanks Edmund!
Hi Kim,
Yes I use Google+ but need to up the anty of involvement there. I do post to it and connect with others and have a decent circle of friends etc…. Yes, definitely a must do specially in terms of SEO.
Best,
Joe
I definitely agree
This has been so helpful that I bookmarked it.
Hi Kim some useful tips. Like a lot of people I’m just getting to grips with Google+. I was surprised by how popular it is. I thought it was way behind Twitter and FB but it’s actually surprisingly popular.
How about an article on it’s popularity and take up – and emphasising why people should learn to warm to Google+?
Kind regards, James.
I did a webinar a few weeks back that highlighted just this, James. You are probably right, a good article would be great too.