10 Reasons to be on Google+Unfathomably, Google+ seems to be lagging behind other networks in media exposure. You can’t walk past a TV without hearing a news story about Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, but news about G+ is much more difficult to find. It will probably surprise you to learn that Google+ has more than a half-billion active users (yes, that’s billion with a “b”).

Google+ offers much greater SEO and engagement advantages over the other big networks. Your active presence on this powerhouse platform will position you to reap significant business-boosting benefits. Here’s why you need to be active on G+:

1. Be Discovered. Google is the most used search engine in the world. In 2013, there was an average of 5,922,000,000 searches per day! Google helps people find what they’re seeking. Your active presence on G+ is seen favorably by Google and positions you higher in search engine rankings. The SEO benefit alone is worth the time to create a powerful and consistent presence on this network.

2. Be Seen. Did you know that you could easily create new, engaging content on YouTube simply by hosting a “G+ Hangout”? This is a great way to establish or supplement your YouTube channel with timely, relevant video content (which, by the way, you can then publish on your blog!). YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, averaging three billion searches every month. And since Google owns YouTube, you can be sure that your improved presence on this channel will increase your SEO juice. G+ “Hangouts On Air” (HOA) stream on G+ and YouTube at the same time.

3. Be Connected. G+ makes it easy to build and segment your community into appropriate groups. Also, you can strengthen relationships and stay connected by using G+ to post, “plus one,” instant message and video chat.

4. Be Found. Google Maps is the most popular smart phone app in the world. A verified G+ local business page ensures that you show up on Google Maps, along with photos, reviews and ratings. Showcase your business with a virtual interior and exterior tour and connect your customers to your G+ page and your website.

5. Be Widgeted. Google’s Gmail is the most widely-used email provider. Ever. If you enable the G+ Gmail Widget, your clients/customers can follow you on G+ and engage with your brand/business there as well.

6. Be Strategic. G+ Local Business Pages can connect their Adwords Express accounts to their G+ pages. Your business will be marked with a blue pin on Google Maps and your ad can link to your G+ business page or your website. Adwords Express is optimally designed for local brick and mortars such as restaurants, service providers, hotels and retail outlets.

7. Be Authoritative. Activating Google Authorship confirms that you are the originator of your post content. Authorship grabs your G+ profile photo, includes a portion of your post, and displays how many people have you in their G+ circles (pretty cool!).

8. Be Plussed. Add a Google plus one button to your business website. As those plus ones add up, so does your visibility. Remember, Google favors Google. Having your business website plus-oned can facilitate your inclusion on the coveted Google Local Carousel.

9. Be Charismatic. Use the Hangouts On Air to provide
content for your YouTube channel, all your social media channels, and your website (You get a shareable link). Display your logo, list your website and answer questions from those watching the event live. You can even edit and repurpose the video. Plus, you can advertise your HOA within G+ as an event – and the best part is that events are now searchable.

10. Be There. You aren’t going to know every nuance of G+ overnight. While there is a learning curve, your very presence is going to make a difference in your SEO and overall online visibility. G+ is different from other forms of social media, but once you learn the ropes, you will see it can be a game changer.

So, what are you waiting for? Jump in and build a solid presence on G+ and watch your visibility skyrocket. Want to discuss outsourcing your G+ campaign to the pros? Click here for all the details.