Until now, it was necessary to have a Google+ profile to take advantage of all Google services. With the new changes, you now only need a Google account. The only reason you would need Google+ is to use the platform to share with other Google+ users.
Google’s original intention had been to streamline things and give Google+ users the opportunity to have one identity for all its services. Many users balked at this mandatory integration, so Google’s launch into social didn’t seem to catch on as planned.
YouTube and Google+
Separating things at Google will start with YouTube. When Google set it up so YouTube users had to have a Google+ account, many users protested—in particular because it removed the ability to be anonymous when commenting on videos and sharing content. The new changes should make it easier to share videos with your customers and to encourage them to also share them.
Other Notable Google+ Changes
Google+ users tend to gather and engage around specific shared interests. For this reason, Google will continue to develop the new Google+ Collections, which allows you to share posts organized by topics. The site’s photo sharing capability has been moved onto the Google Photos app.
Benefits of Google+ Changes
Although there may be a lot of rejoicing going on about the detachment of Google+ from YouTube, it doesn’t mean the network is being “dismantled,” as has been indicated, believes Bonnie Harris of Wax Marketing, Inc
An upcoming change that may be useful for small-business owners is the addition of location services to Google Hangouts. Hangouts are communication platforms developed by Google that include video chat, VoIP, SMS and instant messaging. The hangouts tend to be focused on various areas of interest and include live streams and live conversations. “This change to Google Hangouts could be really, really helpful for hyper local marketing,” Harris says.
Using Google+ Effectively
To make the most of Google+ for your business marketing efforts, in addition to checking out the new changes, keep the following in mind:
- Pay attention to your profile and cover photo. Make sure your Google+ profile page reflects your company accurately. Include eye-catching and recognizable photos for your profile and cover photos, such as your company logo.
- Write an engaging “About” section. This is your chance to shine and show the world what your business is all about and why people would want to check out your offerings.
- Create circles. Consider the main goal of having your company Google+ profile, such as enticing new customers, and then build your circles based on your goal. You should build relationships with people who are regularly engaging with you, as they’ll be the ones to share with others about your company. Take advantage of the fact that you can add anyone to your circles.
- Share. Click share to public when posting, which will maximize your exposure and fuel engagement. When you share a post from your blog or website, comment on the post and why you’re sharing it. Avoid always sharing your own products. When possible, do some cross promoting.
- Comment. Click on the “Explore” tab and see what everyone is talking about and also add your own comments. This shows you’re engaged and may entice people to go to your profile page.
- Try hangouts. Put your personality behind your brand by hosting hangouts for events like product demonstrations and to answer customer questions.
- Join communities. Find other hangouts to join and then participate and comment regularly. Share your expertise when possible, which can increase your exposure.
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