From search engine optimization, to social signals and semantic search, Google Plus is a veritable wonderland of opportunity for savvy business professionals.
However, while you might be aware of Google Plus, adding it to an integrated social media marketing campaign is another story.
New is scary, and so is change.
Learning the ins and outs of yet another social network can be intimidating.
But what if I told you that a few small tweaks and one major leap into Google Plus could transform your online marketing efforts?
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Sebastian Rusk on the “Social Buzz on Air” podcast where we discussed Google Plus and the reasons why I believe it should dominate your social media strategy in 2014.
Below are three quick and easy ways you can dive in and optimize Google Plus for maximum exposure, improved visibility, and a thriving community!
3 Smart Google+ Strategies
1. Optimize Your Profile
Proper profile optimization is something I often see overlooked. Unfortunately, without this step, any other Google Plus tactic you put in place won’t be near as effective.
Take the time to share all of the juicy goodness that is you. Express who you are, what you’re all about, and who are you passionate about serving.
With Google Plus tied directly to Google search, make sure to use your keywords and those terms you are eager to rank for within your profile.
There is a considerable amount of real estate within your Google Plus “About” section. Use this space to include details about your special skill set, training, certifications, and other defining qualities that differentiate you from the competition.
Add links to your website and other pertinent online information. You want anyone that lands on your profile to have the ability to:
- Instantly identify with you are
- What product/service you offer
- How you can solve their problems
- Make an educated and informed decision
Next step? Get your Google Plus cover photo optimized! Stephan Hovnanian put together an excellent how-to with step-by-step instructions.
Tip 1: Use keywords in your cover image’s filename (example: google-plus-cover-template.jpg).
Tip 2: When you upload the cover photo itself, give your cover photo a description/caption, and be sure to include keywords as well as a link to your website.
Tip 3; Share the image as a photo post on Google Plus.
Watch the video here:
2. Get Active
Start posting consistently and begin to cross-promote your proprietary content.
Did you write a post that was well received? Post it to Google Plus with context around your content. Express what it is about the topic that really fires you up and why your audience should care.
Keep in mind, Google Plus is not Facebook. It takes time to find your voice and build momentum. You must be willing to put in the time and effort to build a name, reputation, and community.
It’s also a very unique platform in how the members view both individuals and brands. Influence does not automatically transition from one social network to the next. This is a distinct mentality that I truly appreciate. The community dictates that you prove your value and worth before trust is offered.
The best way to do this?
Show up on a consistent basis and offer a ridiculous amount of value to your followers.
Here’s an example of a post that did exceptionally well on my blog and translated beautifully to Google Plus!
3. Join Communities within Your Industry or Niche
Communities were an excellent launch pad for me. I was able to immerse myself in an environment that was speaking my language.
With Google Plus communities, you can connect with people that have similar interests, goals and desires.
Similar to Facebook groups, Google Plus communities offer your business an opportunity to build, foster, and maintain relationships.
Simple Ways to Get Started with Communities:
- Find communities that are centered on your industry, niche, or hobby. Then begin to share, interact and engage.
- Read and thoroughly understand the guidelines of each community you join.
- Share valuable content, not just your own. If it’s topical, relevant, and something you enjoyed, you can bet your community members will as well.
- Comment on other members content and share across additional social channels.
- Ask questions, interact, and truly get to know community members.
Takeaways
What you get out of Google Plus is in direct proportion to what you put into it.
Add it to your calendar, build it into your marketing plan, and make it a non-negotiable.
Google Plus can be a powerful way to meet, connect, and inspire your target audience. All you have to do is get started.
Listen to the full “Social Buzz on Air” Podcast here:
SocialBuzzONAIR – Rebekah Radice : Facebook vs Google Plus by SocialBuzzONAIR
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39 Comments on "Smart Google+ Strategies to Grow Online Community"
That is very nice information for me.
Nice Google strategy. i fallow it get positive result from this.
This was a great article! I will definitely try to incorporate. I already updated my About section to hopefully better illustrate what my platform is about. 🙂 Here from #SITSSHarefest.
Awesome Diatta!
Excellent advice on google plus. I would expect nothing less. Learning how to join communities on google plus and then contributing on a constant basis has helped me build great relationships that would of otherwise been like finding a needle in a haystack.
That’s great to hear Wayne! They’ve been a huge resource for me as well. They’re a secret not too many people tap into.
Thanks for this excellent post Rebekah Radice, i truly appreciate this, Google+ is an excellent community, i will be trying out this strategies like right now.
Excellent Isaiah – I’m thrilled to hear you’re diving in!
Your all 3 strategies are the basics and the best techniques to perform better on G+. I am doing quite well there but still I am planning to do better. I am yet to perform the 3rd strategy of yours. Thanks for the tips Rebekah.
Always so hard to keep up with all these things… thanks for breaking it down for us!
I am actually struggling with Google+, especially on how to grow my community there. I just started a page last month and I’m not even sure how I can get followers there. I appreciate the tips. I will try and implement them. Thank you!
Thanks for the great tips. Google Plus does indeed show promise. Looking forward to updating profile andjoining google plus.
Thanks for the article! A lot of good tips to implement for sure. Using communities is a great idea that I never thought of.
Great post, Rebekah! The SEO benefits alone have convinced me that Google+ is an absolute requirement for any business looking to drive traffic and interest to their website. These are great strategies to grow your online community. Thanks for sharing.
Rebekah, Good timing as I am starting to use Google+ more and more. It’s a much broader ecosystem than most other SM networks especially when you put YouTube in the mix. Some great tips here and I will be going over to my Google+ account right now to implement some of your ideas 🙂
For people who have been using other social platforms successfully, this information is an excellent springboard for adding Google+ to the arsenal.
You’ve given a great 3-step guide to getting things moving in the right direction, Rebekah. I had just set up a closed Facebook group for some niche masterminding, but think I’ll check out G+ Community as an alternative.
Thanks for the good information to lead the way.
Hi Rebekah,
I like to tell you that I found your blog via one of the Google+ communities. What I like most about Google+ community is that its full with valuable members, and members like to interact with others. Their main focus is on building relationship instead of spamming the community. I have been using Google+ communities from last few months and really I did seen amazing results. No doubt Google+ communities are the best way to build brand, relationship, and generate relevant traffic.
I go through waves (pardon the pun) on using Google as a social media tool. I use Google + for adding posts to for quick crawling but I have not gotten into a regular routine. After reading your post, I think I will give it shot again. Thanks.
I think the more time you spend there Michael, the more you’ll enjoy the community. Give it a try and see!
Hello Rebekah……I haven’t really considered google + much ….I have been using the hangouts part of it because I like it better than Skype….But until now hadn’t put much thought into its usefulness for my business…..I am going to work on this …I have book marked this page for easy returning ….You have convinced me that I am missing out here!….Thanks for opening my eyes!…..Smokey
If you’re already spending your time there Gregory, I think you’ll really like it! Hangouts are a much better alternative to Skype in my opinion. Glad to hear you’re putting them to good use!
Hi Rebekah,
your post has opened my eyes to Google+ and it’s possibilities!
I appreciate the tips you give!
Being able to add a caption to the profile picture is new to me and great to know.
So far I haven’t really ‘played in the Google+ sandbox’ and I will bookmark this post so I can refer to it again.
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!
Cheers,
Yorinda
Like any social network, it does take a while to really get the hang of Google+. I have found it to be extremely rewarding though and am so glad I took the time to really dive in and learn it. Just take baby steps and see you like it.
Google + is great for all business to expand their reach with their content on a relevant social media site. The ideas you stated in this article are simple methods that bring results for all firms. There are also other features like On Air that can be helpful and also the connection with YouTube is useful if you they have a video content strategy put in place.
Nice article Rebekah!! I have to admit that Google + is something that I have been slacking with, it’s not my main marketing strategy. However, after reading this I will implement these strategies to help my Google + profile perform better. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Hi Rebekah!
I did finally get started on optimizing my profile after your last hint and I did get a bit more active than I usually was on G+. However, I know I can do much better than this and I am going to keep my focus there.
Thank you for these awesome tips. You are helping a lot of people with these!
Regards,
Kumar
Rebekah, Google + is definitely one social media platform to hook up to.
One thing I discovered is that people who complain about G+ refuse or do not join communities hence they do not see the conversation they hope to see.
Thanks for emphasizing this smart strategies
Google+ is where it’s at – transcending Facebook as the place to network. Thanks for this great post about how to maximize it.
It definitely is Cathy! I love to hear that you’re finding value in it as well.
Great reading. I like the step 2, as being active is the most significant step to become successful in any field.
Getting active and engaged is a huge part of social media success for sure Ben. Too many businesses don’t spend enough time having conversations.
Thanks for sharing and writing. Some nice easy to do strategies to help tip the toes in a new social media space. Thanks a million.
Thanks for stopping by Clare!
Good piece of advice for newbies. Shall implement right away.
Glad to hear it Bhava!
Rebekah,
Thanks for he G+ tips. While I spent considerable time on my LinkedIn profile, I’ve sadly neglected its Google+ counterpart. Given Google+ SEO benefits, that’s a nearly unforgivable blunder. That ignores the other benefits of an optimized profile, and the power it one brings inside Google+ itself.
Thanks for the kick in the pants!
Steve
It’s a bit of a stumble, but one you can easily recover from Steve. Glad I could be that kick in the pants! 🙂
Hey Rebekah
What a great start to the week – Google+!
I have been working a little harder on there lately, and slowly it is starting to pay off. It does require time for sure, as you need to actively participate in order to get the returns, but I do find that the people on there (in the right communities) are very open and supportive!
I have not seen such community anywhere else (although I heard it used to be like that on Facebook – I was too late to the party).
Great that you are carrying the banner for G+
have a great week
ashley
They really are a supportive group Ashley. I’ve never met so many people committed to growing and building their business and promoting the growth of others while they do it. It’s a phenomenal place to be for so many reasons!