How To Set Up A Google Plus Page for Your Business

Google Plus is a major player in social networking. If you have not set up your Google Plus business page yet this article will show you how.

Google Plus is still in its relatively early stages, so it’s not entirely clear to what it extent it will become a major player in the social networking space. But even if it doesn’t reach the same level of broad acceptance and usage as Facebook has, there’s still great potential value for business to gain value by getting themselves on Google Plus.

Google Plus Pages for businesses are a relatively new development; for its initial roll out the site only allowed pages for individuals. Much like Google Plus Pages for individuals, business can now use them to share various types of information relating to the business and its products, including written content, photos, videos, and even hold video chats with up to 10 individuals. Here’s how to get a Google Plus Page up and running for your business.

How Businesses Are Using Google Plus

Sign Up For an Account

If you already have a Gmail or other Google Account for your business, you can use that to log in at http://plus.google.com and begin setting up your Page. If not, then go to http://plus.google.com and set up your new Google Account.

Pick a Category

Google Plus Category

Once you’re logged in, you’ll need to select a category for your Google Plus page. Your choices are “Local Business or Place,” “Product or Brand,” “Company, Institution or Organization,” “Arts, Entertainment or Sports” and “Other.” Choose the one that best describes your type of business.

Add Basic Information

Depending on the category you select, you’ll be asked to enter some basic information about your business. For example, if you selected “Local Business or Place” then you’ll first be asked to provide some location and contact information. If you selected “Company, Institution or Organization” then you’ll be asked to provide a name for your page, provide your existing web address, select further categorization for the type of business you operate, and whether your content should be limited to users above a certain age or is alcohol related.

Agree To The Page Terms

Finally, you’ll be asked to click the box stating that you agree to the Google Plus Additional Terms of Service. Take a few minutes to read through these terms; they’re not particularly lengthy, and it’s important to know exactly what you’re agreeing to – particularly if you plan to focus a lot of your business promotional efforts on your Google Plus Page.

Add Content

Once your Google Plus Page is live, you’ll be able to begin adding content. One of the first pieces of content you should add is a profile photo that is 250x250 pixels. Add Picture

Resist the temptation to try to add everything you have all at once. Take some time and get to know how other businesses are using Google Plus, and see how they interact with their customers.

Add A Badge.

Once you have added some content you want to start advertising your page. The best place to start advertising your Google Plus page is by adding a Google Plus Badge to your business website. To get your badge go to https://developers.google.com/+/plugins/badge/ to get your badge code.