1. Go behind the scenes.
Your customers love seeing the inner
workings of your business. Make yourself more approachable by sharing
pictures or videos of how you do what you do. Give them a tour of your
office or a sneak peek at some new products coming down the pipeline.
2. Photos are good. Videos are better.
Google+
is an incredible platform for photo sharing and viewing. But photos
are, well, still. Spice up your posts with quick videos you’ve recorded
on the spot, YouTube highlight reels, or favorite memes from around the
web.
3. Short and sweet.
Don’t detract from the images
with lots of text. Often, a short caption will do. If there’s more
background information needed, link to it using a shortened URL.
4. Try a Hangout on Air.
The
promo in your followers’ streams is eye-catching and is guaranteed to
bring attention to your page and your content. Plus, host a live event
while recording a video to edit and share later.
5. Record right on Plus.
Clicking
the video button in the sharebox gives you the option to record a video
there and then. Use your laptop to put a name, a face, and a voice
behind your post. There’s no prep work needed. In fact, we like when
videos are informal, fun, and scrappy. Not everything has to be
polished. In fact, there’s nothing more relatable than a business owner
who talks to customers like friends.
6. Try an album.
Upload
multiple photos at a time to encourage users to engage more deeply.
Include a call to action by asking them to +1 their favorites.
7. Invest in assets.
Sometimes
you have weekly announcements or posts that aren’t natural fits for
photos or videos. However, plain text is not the answer. Play around
with logos, assets, infographics, and other ways to add some color and
zest to even routine posts. This can be resource intensive, but
investing in assets to add to your posts is a critical way to brand your
page, your content, and your Google+ identity.
8. Use Creative Kit.
Google+
has a set of amazing photo editing tools built right in. Open your
photo and select “Creative Kit” in the top left corner. Add effects to
make even the most mundane photos just a little more exciting. Check
Creative Kit regularly since our team is always adding new features and
filters as well as limited edition holiday-related toolkits!
9. A link will suffice.
When
a picture won’t do and you don’t have an asset at hand, at least
provide a link. Based on the URL, a snippet should autofill the bottom
of your post. Try to pick a site or URL that creates a snippet with an
image of its own. That can transform a boring all-text post into one
that entices users to click.
10. Be fun. Have fun.
There’s
something to be said for being a little goofy. Your customers are
people too. They like memes, funny pictures, and unexpected gems as much
as the rest of us. Remember to remain professional, appropriate, and
aware of your audience, but don’t overthink your content, don’t take it
too seriously, and be willing to post fun things, even if they are
outside your core business area.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
10 Tips for Building Your Following on Google+
1. Buttons are your friends.
There are a variety of Google+ badges that can connect your website and presence across Google to everything you’re doing on Google+. Plus, you can tie activity across search results, making your page more discoverable. Read more about the options here: http://goo.gl/gP81F
2. Request verification.
You may have seen the little checkmark and wondered, “how can I get one of those for myself?” Well, if you’re a business or brand and want to make sure that your followers know it’s the real you talking, you can contact us to get a verification checkmark. If you advertise with Google, just talk to your Sales contact over here at the Googleplex. Otherwise, reach out here: http://goo.gl/ps7F1
3. Post like Goldilocks; not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
Users who come to your stream want to see consistent, interesting, and eye-catching posts. So, be sure that you’ve built up a bunch of good content that will be visible on your page’s profile. But, keep in mind that, if you post too much, you risk overwhelming your customers’ streams. Strike the right balance; we aim for 2-3 posts over the course of a day. Play around and see what works for you!
4. Engage influencers.
Know the players in your industry. Know who’s been successful on Google+. Observe them, reach out to them, partner with them, and be inspired. If you’re a small business, look for others who might be doing creative things on Google+. The formula for success is not universally applicable But, there are certainly people who have cracked the code. Let them be your guides.
5. Use ripples. Explore. Search.
You may be thinking, “How can I engage influencers if I have no idea how to find them?” I’d like to introduce you to some new tools. Ripples will allow you to see who’s sharing your content throughout Google+. Check to see when posts go viral, find the source, and start there to build relationships with your most loyal resharers. Use Explore (righthand side) to see which topics and users are getting the most traction in Google+. Or, if you’re looking for more specific examples of Google+ activity, use Search built into Google+ to find posts, people, pages, and more.
6. Cross-promote.
You already send emails and newsletters, place ads, use other social media platforms, and put signage up in your store. Encourage your followers across media to check you out on Google+.
7. Make it worthwhile.
Just telling them to look you up on Google+ may not do the trick. Give your customers a reason to check you out by offering them exclusive access to you, your business, and your world. Read last week’s post about rich media to see how you can do that with pictures and videos. Or, make an exclusive announcement on Google+, like Cadbury did by launching a new candy bar from their page, or give your customers an opportunity to win something great. It’s all about differentiating your brand and its engagement on Google+.
8. Be interactive.
Customers will come to your page if they know it’s the best way to reach you directly. Hold hangouts, written Q&As, or even broadcast an event. Let them know that you’re watching, listening, learning, and responding. Customers want to come face to face with you. Up til now, that’s been tough, especially for businesses based online! Now, with Hangouts, Google+ gives you the tools to make that happen.
9. Collaborate, cooperate, and create.
Hangouts allow you to bridge geographic divides like never before. If you’re a bookstore, try hosting a reading group hangout with other stores around the country. If you’re a restaurant, try swapping recipes On Air with peer institutions hundreds of miles away. With your expertise and the power of Hangouts on Air, you have the opportunity to provide your customers with a new level of insight, intelligent conversation, and enlightenment. Think big!
10. Know your purpose.
Maybe getting your business on Google+ isn’t about gaining followers at all. Maybe it’s simply about learning about the conversations going on across the web. Maybe it’s about connecting with your peers or a network of professional contacts. It’s always important to identify your purpose and set goals accordingly. Pursuing followers doesn’t need to be a priority. But, if it is, this list was for you.
There are a variety of Google+ badges that can connect your website and presence across Google to everything you’re doing on Google+. Plus, you can tie activity across search results, making your page more discoverable. Read more about the options here: http://goo.gl/gP81F
2. Request verification.
You may have seen the little checkmark and wondered, “how can I get one of those for myself?” Well, if you’re a business or brand and want to make sure that your followers know it’s the real you talking, you can contact us to get a verification checkmark. If you advertise with Google, just talk to your Sales contact over here at the Googleplex. Otherwise, reach out here: http://goo.gl/ps7F1
3. Post like Goldilocks; not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
Users who come to your stream want to see consistent, interesting, and eye-catching posts. So, be sure that you’ve built up a bunch of good content that will be visible on your page’s profile. But, keep in mind that, if you post too much, you risk overwhelming your customers’ streams. Strike the right balance; we aim for 2-3 posts over the course of a day. Play around and see what works for you!
4. Engage influencers.
Know the players in your industry. Know who’s been successful on Google+. Observe them, reach out to them, partner with them, and be inspired. If you’re a small business, look for others who might be doing creative things on Google+. The formula for success is not universally applicable But, there are certainly people who have cracked the code. Let them be your guides.
5. Use ripples. Explore. Search.
You may be thinking, “How can I engage influencers if I have no idea how to find them?” I’d like to introduce you to some new tools. Ripples will allow you to see who’s sharing your content throughout Google+. Check to see when posts go viral, find the source, and start there to build relationships with your most loyal resharers. Use Explore (righthand side) to see which topics and users are getting the most traction in Google+. Or, if you’re looking for more specific examples of Google+ activity, use Search built into Google+ to find posts, people, pages, and more.
6. Cross-promote.
You already send emails and newsletters, place ads, use other social media platforms, and put signage up in your store. Encourage your followers across media to check you out on Google+.
7. Make it worthwhile.
Just telling them to look you up on Google+ may not do the trick. Give your customers a reason to check you out by offering them exclusive access to you, your business, and your world. Read last week’s post about rich media to see how you can do that with pictures and videos. Or, make an exclusive announcement on Google+, like Cadbury did by launching a new candy bar from their page, or give your customers an opportunity to win something great. It’s all about differentiating your brand and its engagement on Google+.
8. Be interactive.
Customers will come to your page if they know it’s the best way to reach you directly. Hold hangouts, written Q&As, or even broadcast an event. Let them know that you’re watching, listening, learning, and responding. Customers want to come face to face with you. Up til now, that’s been tough, especially for businesses based online! Now, with Hangouts, Google+ gives you the tools to make that happen.
9. Collaborate, cooperate, and create.
Hangouts allow you to bridge geographic divides like never before. If you’re a bookstore, try hosting a reading group hangout with other stores around the country. If you’re a restaurant, try swapping recipes On Air with peer institutions hundreds of miles away. With your expertise and the power of Hangouts on Air, you have the opportunity to provide your customers with a new level of insight, intelligent conversation, and enlightenment. Think big!
10. Know your purpose.
Maybe getting your business on Google+ isn’t about gaining followers at all. Maybe it’s simply about learning about the conversations going on across the web. Maybe it’s about connecting with your peers or a network of professional contacts. It’s always important to identify your purpose and set goals accordingly. Pursuing followers doesn’t need to be a priority. But, if it is, this list was for you.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Case Study - How to succeed on Google+, Mashable.com
Here is the experience of Mashable.com, news agency about their success by using Google+
- Be active Meghan credits Mashable’s success in part to its strong and persistent presence on Google+. “We’re pretty hands-on. We have someone in there posting and moderating every day... which I think has been really important for us to maintain a presence there.”
- Add Google+ plugins When Mashable added the Google+ badge to their homepage, they increased their Google+ page audience by 38 percent. Mashable also uses the +1 button on articles and across the site to empower sharing to Google+.
- Co-create Another key to keeping Mashable’s fans engaged is its innovative approach to audience interaction and brand co-creation. A contest run via Mashable’s site to design their Google+ page sparked a wave of enthusiasm. As Meghan recalls, “We got really good feedback once we posted [the winning design]. A lot of people thought it was really cool – not only that the design was good-looking – but also that we did a contest like that and let people have the opportunity to participate.”
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Green Means Public, Blue Means Limited!
Have you ever noticed on Google plus post sharing with circle?
When a post is marked "Public," that means anyone can see it, even
people you have never added to any circles. The word "Public" on these
posts appears in bright green so it's easy to spot. (Green means Go Out
to the Whole World!) If you have decided to only share the post with
certain circles, their names will appear underneath the post in blue.
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