Google+: Why Should I Create a Brand Page & How do I Get Started?

You’ve already established a social presence and a strong following on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, so why create a Google+ brand page? The answer is simple. Google is an Internet GIANT and most likely, you’re already using at least one Google product – Google Search, Maps, Earth, Voice, Chrome, Gmail, and more. Google has a collection of cool products and the capability of integrating all of its offerings into Google+.

For example, if you have a Google+ account and you log into Gmail, your Google+ notifications will appear at the top right of your navigation bar. Next to your notifications is a “share” button, enabling you to update Google+ directly from your Gmail user interface.

Also, having a Google+ account can influence search engine optimization (SEO), which is an even bigger reason to setup a brand page to digitally marketing your business.

Now it’s time to get started and establish your brand identity on Google+.

1.    You will need to setup a personal Google+ page first.
2.    Scroll down to the bottom of your personal page and click “Create a Page.”
3.    Next you will need to “Pick a Category” from the following list:
       a.    Local Business or Place – This includes hotels, restaurants, places, stores or services.
       b.    Product or Brand – This includes apparel, cars, electronics, or financial services.
       c.    Company, Institution or Organization – This includes non-profits as well.
       d.    Arts, Entertainment or Sports – This includes movies, TV, music, books, sports, or shows.
       e.    Other
4.    Next you will need to add your page information, including page name, website, and category. You will also need to specify your privacy settings.
5.    It is important to customize your brand page. Use the same profile photo or logo you use on your other social networks, add your company tagline, promote your company and products in the “about” section and add photos consistent with your brand to your photostrip.
6.    Congratulations! Your brand page is now complete. Start adding status updates, links, photos and videos, customize and add people to your “circles,” engage and promote your page using the +1 button.

Keep in mind, Google+ brand pages are still a work in progress. There are several features users want from Google+ brand pages, including multiple page administrators, customized URLs, more flexibility with circles, and more integration of Google products. The good news is Google is listening and hosting open forums.

The big downfall of “circles” is that a user must add the brand page before the page can follow back. Be sure to add Noble Studios to your “circles” and we will be able to add you to ours. Stay tuned as we continue to test messaging schedules and keep you updated on the latest Google+ upgrades.

| Posted on Nov 30, 2011