A crash course in G+

introducing

Google+ for Businesses

Agenda

• Intro / Background• What is Google+?• Why should you care?• Website integration• Getting started• Circles, Ripples, Sparks, Hangouts

Who is this guy?

• BBA from CapilanoU, diploma in web development, self-taught in Internet Marketing

• CEO of Motive8 Media Inc. (founded 2009)– Web development and

Internet Marketing for SMB

• CEO of Popcorn (founded 2011)– Social Media and PR for

restaurants and hospitality

Social Media is NOT New

• Social media includes web-based and mobile technologies used to turn communications into interactive dialogue. – Source: Wikipedia

In the beginning…

Social Media in 2012

David vs Goliath

What is Google+?

• Google Plus, Google+, G+• Google’s anti-Facebook social

media network & identity service• Adding 625,000 new users a day• Reach 400 million users by end

of 2012

But is anybody REALLY using it??

Google+ FacebookJan 2012 3.3 mins 7.5 hoursDec 2011 4.8 mins 7.0 hoursNov 2011 5.1 mins 6.8 hours

average monthly usage by US users (source: ComScore)

Why You Should Care?

Brand Awareness

Search Engines

Targeted Communications

Brand Awareness

• Maximize your online footprint

• Social media profiles optimize well for search engines

• Control over your search engine results

• Drive more traffic to your website

Social profiles dominate SERP

Search Engines (SEO)

• Traditional based on link building and keywords

• Flawed system, Easily gamed

• G+ integrated search results

• Highlighted over regular search results

• Can include G+ profiles, posts, pictures, and links

Google Search Plus Your World

Can’t turn off social search in Canada (yet)Only way is to log out of your Google account

5 Ways to Promote Yourself:

1. Create your G+ personal and brand page2. Promote your G+ profile on other social media

networks3. Get a G+ badge and a +1 button for your

website4. Promote your websites and social links on your

G+ profile5. Use relevant keywords in your profile and posts

What Can Brands & Individuals Do?

Your WebsiteAdd your G+ badge

Add a +1 button

http://bit.ly/GBadge

Google Circleshttp://youtu.be/ocPeAdpe_A8

• Existing customers• Prospects• Industry professionals• Suppliers • Trade media representatives• Other relevant target audience segments

(Grandmothers living in Richmond?)

• Add Add Add Add Add people.

• Promote your Google+ business page from your personal profile

• Once they add your Google+ Page you can then add the individuals into your circle.

Google Sparks

• Discovery tool• Nothing interesting to

say? Find interesting content to share

• “Spark” up a conversation

How do you stay up to date with PR news?

Analytics?

:(

Google Ripples: How is your post being shared?

Google Hangoutshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN38vHZjWXw

• Video conferencing for up to 10 people

1. Meetings2. Customer Service3. Market Research4. Feedback5. Announcements6. Brainstorming7. Engagement

Ways to use Hangouts

Do a dry test run first.

What to post and where?

• Twitter: Real-time & succinct, with existing and potential customers

• Facebook: Talk to your customers, favours rich media

• LinkedIn: industry- or company-specific news, less convo, more info

• Google+: stimulate discussions

Conclusion

• Own & Dominate search results

• Make it easier for your customers to find you

Brand Awareness

Conclusion

• SEO is becoming increasingly social

• Google is becoming a recommendation engine

Search Engines

Conclusion

• Circles - Segment your contact list and tailor your communications

• G+ Search - Find other professionals

• Sparks - Discover & share content related to your industry

• Hangouts - Video conferencing

Targeted Communications

Conclusion

Google+ is NOT the new Facebook.

Google+ is NOT a ghost town, it’s still being built.

Offers limited benefits today.

Plenty of potentially useful features.

Continue the discussion…

THANKS! Any questions?Download this presentation:http://slidesha.re/cprsgoogle

@DennisPang (Twitter)dennis@gopopcorn.ca