In the past few weeks and months, there has been much rush to stake out a presence on Google+. Some people are somewhat dismissive – they see it as one of a string of services that pop up – and maybe survive.
Other people are downright ecstatic – seeing the evolution to Google+ as The. Next. Big. Thing. to hit social media, possibly on par with the creation of social media itself. (I'm more in this camp than the former, if you hadn't figured it out).
But in either case, it's time to take a look at not just "if" you have set up a business page on Google+, but also the quality of your presence on this growing network.
Because while you need to be there – you also need to be there wisely. Your efforts should boost your business rather than shooting yourself in the foot as a result of what you do (or don't do) while there. Just sayin'.
If you're making these mistakes, I sure hope you'll consider fixing these few things.
1. You haven't verified your webpage with Google+.
This is a security issue you'll want to clear up right away. If you haven't verified your webpage with Google+, someone could easily make a "copycat" page that features your brand name, and people could easily be confused as to which page is the real one. The damage that could be done to your brand by an unauthorized page appearing real is tremendous. If you verify your page with Google+, it helps to link your website to your Google+ profile so that Google can confirm you're the real owner of your business website. Click here to get instructions on how to get your site verified with Google.
2. You're not using Circles to tailor your message to your audiences
It's easy to think you only have one audience, but there may be people who are interested in your business in very different ways. Do you offer business services and business coaching? These represent entirely different people, and you should tailor your posting accordingly by segmenting your connections into Circles, then selecting the appropriate Circle(s) every time you post.
3. You haven't included any of your links – website or otherwise
Like many social media platforms, Google+ has a specific place for you to include your URL. Hint hint – this is an ideal place to put your business webpage. Seriously, you wouldn't imagine how many businesses overlook this key piece of real estate!
But there's an additional goodie that Google provides as well. The "pages you like" or "recommended links" section. You can put links to multiple pages here – maybe a Google+ specific landing page on your website, or a product landing page or something else. Be creative – this is prime real estate!
4. You aren't posting consistently
Nothing does you more damage in the eyes of your followers than not posting consistently. It's the equivalent of going into a store and finding a coating of dust all over It suggests you aren't up to date and that you aren't serious about your business. Honestly – it is a terrible representation of your brand on any platform! If you aren't up to posting regularly but you're serious about using social media in your business, please consider searching for a company to manage and implement your social media strategy.
5. Not posting photos with your content (and not using your profile photos wisely)
Google+ is a very photo-friendly format. If you're not using photos in your profile and your postings, you're definitely missing some of the benefit of this platform (especially for the people who view it on mobile devices). Include fun, encouraging, and inspirational pictures, in addition to pictures that directly showcase some aspect of your brand.
Have you seen any other mistakes out there with Google+? Post them here so everyone can learn together! Leave a comment below!
Thanks, I have a page which I post to regularly, but wasn't doing as well as twitter or fb. Hopefully some of these tips will help.
Thanks for the help…again. I so appreciate your articles.
Jesse, so glad they are helpful!
Hi Kim, am on the Google+ train, and so glad you are getting the word out on the potential of this social platform. Have seen some major snafus with Google Hangouts on Air, though, where the presenters didn't realize their were on air before their presentation. They were trying to figure out how to set-up their course as experts of the platform, but certainly didn't come across that way!
That is never a good snafu to have right?
Hi Kim,
I am doing all these things on Google +, but I wanted to say congratulations for your selection as a top 10 Social Media blog 2013 by Social Media Examiner. I also loved your interview at the IBM event, great job explaining some advantages of Pinterest.
Ohh Google pages are so important and I'll have to take a look to make sure that I've got it all in line..;) I'll have to agree with you on not posting a picture with your post on Google plus. A must do! What about # hash tags..
They work here just like on Twitter but this is GOOGLE <~~~ Hint Hint LOL
Thanks Liz
If there's one thing that a person needs to do to be successful on social media sites like Google Plus, it's be consistent! This was probably your best point. Keeping your profile out there for connections and interactions is pretty important in the blogging world.
I always love your articles, the point is strongly explained, making more with google plus is important and i think following these tips will help
My biggest question is…do people hangout in Google + as much as they hangout in Facebook?
‘Different’ people than Facebook but yes.
Thank you @kimgarst !
I am so glad I didn't do any of those mistake!
Me too
I'm going to double check that I'm verified. Thanks Kim!
Hope it works out, Sara!
I have got to make the time to get on this…I think I have more than one google+ account and am very confused as to what I should have!! I know I am so behind on this, thanks for keep putting it out there to remind me!!
Kim, thank you for the in depth article on google page mistakes…I am making a few of these and now I know how to fix them! You have my gratitude for pointing them out! : D
Thanks for the tips. I haven't fully got started yet so will keep them in mind.
Great tips for Google+ pages. I will be implementing them soon!
Glad they were helpful, Anita!
Nice post…I did not see Structured Data mentioned? Great tool to use the Google+ profile image to appear in SERPS's…
Thanks Keith…may have to add that one!
Hello Kim.
Very, very interesting.
Firstly, could you invite me on LINKED IN, please ?
Secondly, I would like to receive your lewsletter.
Have a very great W.E.
See you soon on E.A.
Best regards.
:0)
Philippe
Phillippe, I do accept all LinkedIn requests so please feel to issue an invite. You can get my newsletter by signing up for the free offer on the website.
Great post. Need to make time to focus on this. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful, Vicky!
Great reminders Kim. Considering Google+ as the next big thing is exciting, so I need to keep the quality of my online presence on this platform.