Optimizing Your Google+ Business Page to Get More Followers

While anyone can set up a Google+ Business Page, in order for it to be useful in search engines rankings, a Google+ Business page needs to be optimized just like any other page of your website. However there are a few different steps you need to take than what you ordinarily would do to optimize a normal web page. Links within Google+ Business pages are “do follow,” which means that they could pass along link juice to help you with the search engines rankings in the long run. This in turn can aid in increasing your page rank, which is a measurement of importance to your relevancy on the web. It is important to consider a few Search Engine Optimization techniques when setting up your Google+ Business page.

Adding keywords related to your topic is critical when setting up your Google+ Business page. Once you optimize your Google+ page for the search engines, you will want to begin taking actions necessary to gain followers so that all your efforts are put to good use.

Optimizing the Google+ Page

1. Tag lineYour tag line is located under the main title of your page. You can view an example of our tag line on the ChooseWhat.com Google+ Profile page. The purpose of a tag line (which is limited to only 10 words) is to provide a compelling and informative description of your business that also incorporates important keywords. Having a tag line that clearly explains who and what you are, or what you represent, will help your visitors better understand why they are there. This can also lessen any confusion that might deter them from following you, which is your end goal.
2. Introduction SectionIn the about section found under the profile icon (which looks like this:  ) you can fill out your Introduction section and further describe your business in more detail. You can add things such as what you do, what products or services you offer or describe how you are trying to make a difference with your particular business. One important aspect of the introduction section is to optimize for your primary keywords. This needs to be done naturally and not appear as if you are just trying to stuff your paragraph full of keywords that don't make sense. Such techniques will confuse visitors and deter people from following you. You also have the ability to link to your website in the Introduction section. Refer to ChooseWhat.com's Google+ profile for an example.
3. Uploading PhotosPhotos are a great way to add additional content and give a personal feel to your Google+ page, making it more appealing and easier to connect with visitors. Don't be afraid to get creative with this section. The first picture you want to add will of course be your logo. The additional five pictures can be anything you think best represents the style and feel you are trying to portray to the world. Here is a link to some popular Google+ Brand Pages and how they have uploaded their photos to create a branded image for their Google+ page.
4. Recommended LinksIf you look to the right of the Introduction section, you will see the branded links section. The purpose of this section is to provide visitors with additional links to other sites such as your additional social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), a company blog, and any other sites that you may own. At this time, you can have as many recommended links as you like. You can view ChooseWhat.com's Google+ profile for an example.

Using the Google+ Page

Now that we have discussed the basics of optimizing your Google+ Business page, lets go over five tasks you can implement to add more followers to your Google+ Circles. This may seem like a daunting, time consuming task at first - but fear not! With a little effort, dedication, and creativity, you will surely gain more followers.

1. Make use of your Social Media accounts.Don't be afraid to take advantage of your other social media outlets such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or personal Google+ page accounts. Promote, promote, and promote your new Google+ Business page through these other media outlets. Start with people you know who will be willing to add your business page to their circles. In the beginning, who better than your friends, family and employees? After that, look to others who you may only be acquainted with. People who have already built a relationship with you through other social media outlets will be more willing and open to following you on  your new Google+ Business page. Simply starting a conversation on your other social media accounts by asking "Have you added us to your Google+ circle?" can help.
2. Add the Google+ badge to your website and any other content that you want to promote.The Google+ badge is different than the +1 button, so you should use both within your content and website. The Google+ badge shows Google your relevancy and popularity as well as helps people navigate easily from your website to your Google+ profile page. When users click the +1 button it publicly displays to others that you like a particular website or piece of content.
3. Expand your Circles by adding businesses related to your niche.Unfortunately, you can't add people to your circles to gain more followers. However, you can reach out to other businesses and follow them and interact with their posts. It is up to you to build the relationship. Once other businesses find your content relevant and useful, they will want to follow you. It is a win win situation!
4. Search out engaging topics that are relevant and important to your business.You have the ability within Google+ to search out topics relevant to your business and add insightful and meaningful comments to the posts that you find. This helps build your credibility and shows people that you are making an effort in relationship building - a direction in which Internet search is increasingly moving.
5. Share, Share, Share!Don't get so caught up in trying to promote your own Google+ page that you forget to share other people's great content. This not only shows that you are a contributor to the larger social sphere by helping to promote others, but it also helps improve visibility to you and your brand.

If you like what you read and want more STARTicles like this, follow us on Google+ and we will try to return the favor!