Google takes social engagement as a signal for ranking sites and with that, it’s important for businesses to establish a presence on big social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google+.
In this guide, we will be mainly talking about Google+ and how you can use it to your advantage to propel your small business.
Why Google+?
Because it is a platform owned by Google and there’s no better way to start building a good social impression with the big search engine than using one of their own. Google+ is being revamped but you can still use it to bring in customers and provide users and search engines with relevant information about your business such as location, direction, contact numbers, reviews, and more.
You can also keep your page fresh by posting updates, deals, articles, and news relevant to your niche. To start, we will discuss the steps that you can take to begin utilizing Google+:
- Combine your Google+ Local Page with your Google+ Business page.
This helps boost your site’s ranking for local searches. If your business has a brick and mortar location and you’re just about to create your own page for the first time, select Local Business or Place as the business type.
- Take photos of your business location
Add these photos onto your Google+ page. It’ll show up on search engine results if you are locally verified and it’ll be easier to gain user trust when they are able to see what your headquarters look like.
- Share content on your personal profile
You want to use your personal profile for re-sharing content that’s already posted on your business page. People like personal connection and they are more likely to click on a link if it comes from someone they personally know. Don’t just share the link, put a comment on it.
- Implement the rel=publisher markup on your website
Search engine optimisation companies in Sydney such as Quantum recommend doing this. Linking your website to your Google+ is a great way to earn traffic. When someone searches for you on Google, information from your Google+ page will show up including the link to your site.
- Use hashtags
When posting content, don’t forget to use hashtags. This makes it easier for your post to be found by people who have similar interests.
- Grow your network and audience
You can’t grow your followers unless you post quality content and follow people who are in the same niche or interest as you. Follow people in the industry as well as potential customers. This will grow your number of followers which will show up in search results on Google. More followers boosts your authority in search engines.
- Give what your audience wants
As mentioned above, posting quality content is one of the sure-fire ways to gain followers. Not just any quality content but what that piques the interest of your readers. Get to know your audience and build content based around the data that you have gathered.
- Put the +1 button on your site
Make the +1 button visible on your website. It creates an impact on search rankings bigger than that of other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Getting a +1 from someone means improving your visibility across their extended network including Gmail contacts and other social media platforms.
- Get reviews from past clients
Reach out to your past clients on Google+ and solicit for a review. It’s as simple as leaving them the Google+ link to your review page. The more reviews you have, the more credible you are to your potential customers.
Any business owner, tech or non-tech savvy, will be able to implement these steps with ease. All it takes is a few minutes during the day to do it but when performed consistently, will bring more SEO success for your small business than any other social media platform will do.
