No doubt you have heard of Google Plus. It is the fastest growing social network in the history of online social networks. At the time of writing this, over 50 million accounts had been created.
I can almost hear you groaning as you read this: “Another platform? Really? I have Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp and a few others that I am already trying to cope with. Do I really need another one?”
As a business owner, the response has to be an emphatic, Yes! Ignoring Google Plus would be a huge mistake for any business seeking to create business relationships with customers and potential customers through social media. I hear you: “But Google Plus doesn’t even have business pages right now, so why should I bother with it?”
Great question. Here are three reasons why you need to get involved now and not wait for business pages.
Gather Useful Info
As with any platform, the best way to experience it is as a user. Joining just as a business without understanding how the existing users are fitting it into their communication process would be a huge mistake.
You need to find out more about your customers and potential customers who are on Google Plus. Circle a few of them to see how they interact with others. This will give you huge clues as to how to communicate with them when business pages do open.
Learn the Ropes
Google Plus has seen several updates already, and it is slated to see many more. Most of those updates will be released before business pages are.
Imagine if you had learned to drive in a Model T Ford and then someone gave you the keys to the Space Shuttle, and expected you to just start it up and fly away! Well, just because you know how to use Twitter or Facebook doesn’t mean you will understand Google Plus from day one. As they add features, you will easily be well behind the learning curve of your competitors if you sit and wait until business pages are available.
Get In Tight with Google
Google owns Internet Search. There is no doubt that Google Plus features strongly in the future of Google’s search plans. Understanding, potentially through trial and error but also by asking questions on the platform, is the best way to see how it will impact search results rankings for your business.
So there you have it, just three of the many reasons why, as a small business owner, you should have a presence on Google Plus now before business pages open. Are you on Google Plus yet?
Image credit: GiorgioMagini