Google+ is the second largest social media network, and yet, so many brands aren’t embracing its full potential. Why is that?

Google+ - 01

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first when it came to Google+’s supposed potential. Then again, I was a little skeptical that people would be able to leverage 140 characters in an effective way. (Sorry, Twitter!) The fact that Google automatically gave all Gmail users a new Google+ account was suspicious and even caused some rumor mills to call Google+ a virtual ghost town. 500 million active users later and it’s safe to say the rumors are now debunk.

Hubspot reports that nearly 50% of companies rate Google+ as important to their business. The other 50% might be still questioning whether Google+ can add value to their brand’s current social strategy. If you’re considering Google+ as the next addition to your marketing strategy, here are some FAQs to consider.

Why should I even consider using Google+?

For starters, Google+ provides valuable credibility for content creators through Google Authorship. Google+ uses Author Rank to build the reputation of online content creators. Author Rank combines the quality of creator’s content with the credibility and recognized expertise of inbound links to the content itself to rank the creator’s authorship compared to others. Great content is finally getting its just reward.

Where do I start with Google+?

Customize your profile, cover photo, bio, contact info, just like you would on any other social media network. The temptation might be to stop there. Don’t make that mistake. Create circles. Be intentional with who you follow and how you share what you share and why you’re sharing with each specific circle. It’s part of developing a ruthless content strategy, which is invaluable to building your brand’s reputation.

What’s with the +1 button?

The +1 button is similar to a “Like” on Facebook. Any Google+ user can +1 any content on Google+ as well as any result found through a Google search. Getting +1’s on your content helps drive credibility and improve Authorship.

Someone added me to their circle. What’s a circle?

Google+ Circle - 01Think of Google+ circles like being in a different category or group of friends. You have your co-workers, close friends, clients, and family. Chances are you’re not going to invite your clients over for Thanksgiving dinner or on your family vacation. That’s why they’re in separate social circles. Google+ takes those social circles and puts them into online categories for better sharing purposes.

What’s the difference between a Google+ profile and a Google+ page?

It’s very similar to the difference between a Facebook page and a Facebook personal profile. Your Google+ profile is where you can be more personal than professional. Your Google+ page is your brand’s platform on Google+. Your page is where you share your brand’s content, ideas, and marketing.

How do I use Google+ more effectively?

First, remember that no amount of marketing genius can make up for bad content. Share great content. As you share great content, use some of the same insight from other social media sharing, like using links, hashtags, and rich images and videos to draw attention to your content.

Second, be intentional with what and where you share. This is why you have circles on Google+, to help you separate your interests into intentional groups. If you have content for other networking colleagues, craft your content specifically towards that circle.

Google+ is an incredibly powerful social network driven by the most influential think tank and content archive in the world. The potential to connect and grow your brand with Google’s resources is reason enough to consider using Google+ to strengthen your brand.