Google + Redesign: Three Tips to Optimise your Profile

Google Plus has been around for quite a while now, but this week they announced and introduced a redesign of the social media platform. If you have not yet managed to join Google Plus then now would be a good time to do so. It takes time to get used to changes when they are first put in place, so starting now will stand you in good stead for the future.

The main point to remember is that Google will index pages from Plus profiles as well as posts, which can then be featured within the search engine results pages (SERPs). This is of great value for your business, because with Google Plus, you have a greater chance of having your business seen in the SERPs. This means there are SEO implications too.

Google plus will allow you to market your business; and they have included some new features to act as an incentive to sign up. So what’s new?  Well, firstly the Home page is a lot clearer and includes a navigation strip down the left hand side which has all of the main pages you will need when you first log in. In addition, when you now conduct a search, you will see a ‘People and Pages on Google+’ option. If you click on this you will see the top people and places that relate to your search, where you have the option to find out more information.

If you gain authority through creating a business profile through this social platform, then you can enhance your SEO efforts. So how do you achieve this?

Optimise your business profile

Create a business page and optimise the content you add, such as text and images and include your company logo, tagline and website address. Include fresh content on a regular basis, as well as photos and videos too. Remember that your page name will also appear in Google search, so make sure you are using the same name for all of your profiles.

Add to your circles

Now add people to your circles including customers and other companies within your sector. The circles feature lets you create groups of people and categorise them. So for example, you can create a ‘friends’, ‘partners’ or ‘colleagues’ circle. Make sure you add a number of contacts to your circles as this will allow you to grow your presence on the network and on the search pages too. Include businesses that are relevant in your niche so that you can see what they are doing and share ideas with them. If your content is better, others will be more inclined to add you and then you can reciprocate this by adding them. Your profile will grow in time if you keep adding to your circles.

Now start promoting

Once your business profile is optimised to the best it can be, and you have added a number of people and businesses to your profile, you can start promoting your Google Plus business profile. Make sure you add the Google Plus button wherever possible on your website, starting with the most relevant pages first. You can also add the link or the social button to your email signature so when people contact you there is another avenue available to connect.

For effective SEO you must engage with your contacts and regularly update your content. Stay active and you will create a greater awareness on a growing social platform which will benefit your business.