0 Comments

While the “big day” has arrived, the product seems to be as bare bones as it gets . . .for now, but at least you can finally sign up for a Google + business page. There is a place for a profile picture, an “About” section but overall it doesn’t appear much different than the Google + personal profile. Missing are typical tools of engagement used by other social media suites like Facebook and Twitter such as Contests, Polls, a “Poking” feature, etc…, although they do have their unique social feature “Hangout.”

One of the advantages of Google +, perhaps the main advantage, is the ability to create “Circles” where you can group people under whatever label you want and isolate them from the rest of your connections in their own “Circle.” You can then communicate with them or any number of other circles as you like, while keeping your post from the Circles you wish not to share with. This feature can be especially handy for businesses like ours where you want separate interactions with vendors, patients and staff. Another distinct advantage is it’s “Direct Connect” shortcut. By typing a “+” in front of a company name like Zappos in the Google search bar (ex: “+ Zappos) you are taken directly to Zappos Google+ business page.

While Google works out the kinks and adds features, it’s real punch will likely be the benefit it provides your business through search. Google is the leading search engine. By some estimates more than 80% of people who seek healthcare search for it with a Google search. Through its unique position as the leading search engine Google is likely to give preference to Google business pages over competitor’s business pages like Facebook. Google stands to dominate through the power of open Web search. If the two products turn out to be similar, enhancing (optimizing) the Google business page will be more important for your business in terms of being found on the general internet. Facebook is a formidable network with over 700 million users and, while it continues to be important to be “found” in the Facebook world, it can’t touch the size of the Google world. With Google + business pages Google is set to have a competitive advantage over other social media suites.

So what’s next? Watch for Google + pages to be built into Google Maps and other location based services such as Foursquare so people can find what they are looking for easier.

Do you plan on setting up a Google+ page for your business? Share why or why not in the comments section below and let’s get a discussion going!

- Alan N. Glazier, OD, FAAO
Author: Searchial Marketing: How Social Media Drives Search Optimization in Web 3.0
Founder/CEO
Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care
Rockville, MD

Twitter Handle: @EyeInfo
Blog: http://www.youreyesite.net
Website: YourEyeSite.com

Check out “Schedgehog.com”