In the last year of working on Google+, I have seen many people assume so many things about this social network that have impacted how they approach the way that they use it. Some of it has been good, like when they assume that Google+ will eventually be a social media powerhouse, while other assumptions have been way off base, like thinking that it is okay to just share links and move on with your day without any interactions.
We want to give you some things NOT to do on Google+ and even some good tips to follow to improve these bad habits and incorrect thoughts.
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You have to realize that Google+ is not like any other social network. No other one is tied into the leading search engine and klout that impacts it impacts your search results. When someone +1’s your Google+ page, this can actually have an impact on how much closer to the top of Google+ search results you rise and so you need to hold value to the number of people who have you in their circles as well as give you +1’s for your page, posts you have on your pages, and anything else.
Because of Google+’s tie in into their search engine, you need to think with your SEO brain while you write posts on your page. In fact, it is better to write a short paragraph or two with each link you share, include keywords into posts that are pertinent to your brand, and opportunities to link to your website. All the tactics you use for your website, you should consider with everything you put on your Google+ accounts and pages.
There has to be separation between a brand and your personal page. Some of the reason is because of the SEO purposes discussed above, but also for the purposes of branding. Your brand’s page may not be the best place to post pictures of food you had for lunch or family photos. This does not mean that you have to leave it unpersonal, but you need to be intentional about why you post what you do and compartmentalize what should be left elsewhere.
If you just worry about the content, then you are going to miss a huge part of Google+, the images to put in your followers’ feeds as well as the cover photo. Do not leave the cover photo on that default image, it shows that you are not putting forth the effort. Use it to show off a product or a possible way that they can interact with you right away. Photos are also great visual ways to reach people beyond just words.
Help your followers out and offer a suggested circles list for them to put you in or to begin to categorize their own circles. This immediately begins to orient their thinking of you or your brand in a very specific way that if done well and followed up with the proper content in some frequent fashion that upholds that label, it will serve you well.
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