Why Businesses Need G+ Listings

Following the growth of early social media sites like Facebook, there was surge of new social media platforms. Never one to be left out of a new venture, Google launched Google+ in 2011, it’s own social media site similar to Facebook. Although not initially popular, G+ is now the second largest social networking site in the world. Unlike other social networking sites that exist in one website, Google has created many integrations of G+ into it’s map, search functions, and other products. For these reasons, it’s in a business owner’s best interest to have a Google+ profile and G+ Local Listing.

Start with a G+ Personal Profile

Think of G+ profiles as Facebook personal profiles – you need a personal profile before you can make a business page. G+ personal profiles allow you to review businesses on Google, add photos, and connect with friends and brands.

G+ Local Listings

Google has not made it easy to understand G+, especially when it comes to its business listings. Over the years, Google has migrated listings, merged platforms, and made countless changes to how businesses are represented on search results. At the moment, Google’s business listings program is named G+ Local listings.

It is important for business owners to have a G+ Local page to increase exposure on Google. Think of G+ Local listings like a business page on Facebook. Businesses can provide their own posts, images, and information. However, Google has taken the function of G+ Local pages further with a few elements that are unique to Google.

Useful Elements of a G+ Local page:

G+ Local example

G+ Local example

G+ Local is a Necessity

Search results are full of G+ connections

Search results are full of G+ connections

In many ways, G+ Local listings are more valuable than other social networks. At this time, Facebook and Twitter don’t have options for business reviews, or interior tours. As seen in the image above, Google fills search results with G+ links for reviews and the G+ local listing. It encourages users to review the business and follow them on G+. Because Google is so popular as a search engine, potential customers have more contact with information on the G+ Local listing at the top of search results than with any other social network. Businesses should harness this visibility and control their brand by verifying their G+ Local listing, adding relevant content and photos, and encouraging reviews. For questions about G+ Local listings, feel free to contact us today.

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