Let us first answer: Why do I need a Google+ Business Page?
Google has done everything possible to become a social media monster. With many failed attempts, this is the first time with a really strong and optimistic future. You may or may not have noticed a dramatic decrease in your website's traffic this month. There were many changes made to the algorithm that affected a lot of sites, but if you really want to start working on your ranking, create a business page for your company on Google+ and start promoting it - hard!It's a genius way to get more users. If it affects ranking, businesses will start doing it more and Facebook and Twitter less. In order to get more +1's, business will have their best offers and information on Google+. For consumers to get their best deals, they would have to follow them on Google+. And, in order for them to follow them on Google+, they would have to be a Google+ user. Again.... genius.
Ok, so how to set up an account:
Step 1: Create a personal Google+ account. If you already have a google account/gmail account, then it should have automatically made one for you already, and you just need to sign in.
Step 2: Once you've done that, you can create a Google+ Business Page. You should be taken to a page similar to the image on the right.
Step 3: After selecting your category, you may notice that it will first try to 'find' your business to see if it already exits in Google Places, which it can then pull information from that profile and fill out most of the information automatically for you. It was actually a pretty cool recent upgrade. If 'There are No Matches Located", then just proceed by clicking "Add Your Business to Google", and fill out your business information, including your business name (i.e. your company name), your business' website URL, your category (i.e. your industry), and the classification of your page's content (i.e. any Google+ user, 18 years of age or older, etc.). Agree to the terms of service and get to step 4.
Step 4: Now, it's time to customize your page's public profile. Here your going to want to include much of the same information that's on your website. Definitely include a logo! (see image on the right)Step 5: Get the Word Out! Once you're done with Step 4, click continue (blue button on bottom left), and it will take you to a page that says Get the Word Out. If you have been a Google+ user, then sharing is a great idea since you may have people in your circles already that can begin to follow your page. If not, then this step may not be so beneficial for you... but it's definitely recommended you get the word out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and any other social media platforms that you use, letting people know that for the absolute BEST deals that your company offers, follow your Google+ Page. I would recommend including a link to this page so they can find it much easier.
Step 6: Get it on your website! You'll want to contact a reputable web design company that understands marketing, so they can strategically put the Google+1 icon right on your website so it's visible and you can start generating +1's quickly.
Step 7: Keep the page active! Post great content, images videos (whether you do personal videos with your camera or phone or hire a professional video productions company), coupons, etc. This is what creates interaction and ultimately better ranking in search engines.
Good luck and congratulations on taking the first step into Google+ for Business. You will see the value in it! If you need help managing it, feel free to call a top web design firm that specializes in internet marketing - Loud Rumor!
I've also included some affordable, helpful books below if you're a reader!
