Several reviews have recognized that Google Plus offers many of the social media benefits all rolled into one package.

Additionally, Google Plus has the added benefit of being able to integrate many of the Google services that we are already dependent on with added personalization and flexibility.

You can set your Google Plus profile as public or private, you can post blogs, share links, videos and photos with the contacts you have on your list as well with those in your circle.  You can now have a profile just for your business.

Google Plus also allows you to censor the materials that you share if you don’t wish your coworkers to see you in photos from the party you were at on Saturday night.

In answer to the question What is Google+ and what are the benefits for businesses? Google is the number one used search engine in the world, if you have a well designed Google Plus profile your business will benefit in page rankings, making it possibly the best social outlet for brand promotion.

Similar to Facebook, Google Plus has a like button called +1 which you can integrate onto your business website allowing consumers to share your business on their profile pages.

Google also has the added benefit of being able to link pages with places, through the use of Google Maps. Users can freely interact by providing reviews about your business.

There are a number of business circles that you can create enabling you to target and tailor the information that is sent out to your connections.

For example you can have a circle for present clients, as well as a circle for past clients. You can target new product and service information that may be of benefit to them. You can have as many circles as you wish, allowing you to target specific information to specific people.

It is essential for businesses no matter what size to implement a strategy for social media. The strategy that you choose to implement should include Google Plus.

The way businesses market and communicate with their clients is continuously changing, in order for your business to gain a competitive advantage, it is vital that it stays up to date in the world of social media. Need help setting up your business in Google+?  Let me know.  It’s one of the services I provide for small businesses.

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The majority of business owners now use social media to grow and promote their enterprises. It is essential that you know how to effectively use social media to prevent you from wasting your time updating your Facebook page, and sending out tweets when no one really has any interest in reading them.

Here are the Top 5 social media tips to get you started.

NUMBERS ARE NOT EVERYTHING

Having thousands of fans or followers does not necessarily translate into sales. Even if you are not promoting a business and you have thousands of friends, it does not mean that you are going to have more social interactions, especially if you do not have anything in common.

Spending copious amounts of time looking for followers, when they have no interest in you or your products is a waste of time.

STICK WITH THE FREE AND SIMPLE SERVICES

You can achieve just as much in terms of promotion with a service that is free than with one you have to pay for.

If you are new to the world of social media you should start with a simple site such as twitter and Facebook which both have millions of users worldwide.

LIMIT YOUR EFFORTS

You don’t need to have a profile on every single social networking site. Stick to a handful of the best sites and link them all together. For example, you can have your twitter page link to your blog and Facebook page.

BE MORE SOCIABLE

Instead of directly selling your products or services, engage your followers in conversation. Ask questions and respond with answers.  Make sure your customers know there is a person behind the brand.

Social media takes a different approach than other web based techniques such as email marketing. You have to sell yourself as well as your business.

BE HONEST

Refrain from writing fake positive reviews to gain popularity, savvy social media users will see through this and it could harm your reputation. however, there is no harm in asking your loyal customers to provide reviews.  It’s a great way to get your customers commenting and sending out information on your brand.

Follow these Top 5 social media tips if you want your business to be a success online.  Need help with building your social media sites?  Check out this post and contact me.  This is what I love doing!

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