Are You Making These 5 Google+ Page Mistakes?

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!

About Author

Kim Garst

Kim Garst is a renowned marketing strategist and speaker who is trailblazing the use of artificial intelligence in digital marketing. With over 30 years of experience as an online entrepreneur, Kim helps entrepreneurs grow their business and authority online by using AI technology. She is leading the way with proven AI frameworks that help entrepreneurs build authority in their space.

She is keynote speaker and an international best-selling author of Will The Real You Please Stand Up, Show Up, Be Authentic and Prosper in Social Media.

Named by Forbes as a Top 10 Social Media Power Influencer, Kim is well-known for her skill to simplify complex technology and make the use of AI understandable for business growth. Her relatable, actionable advice helps guide new entrepreneurs to harness the power of AI to succeed in digital marketing. Kim is leading the way in combining human and technological skills to create a new model for AI-powered marketing.

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