An Article Exclusively for my Linked In Group,
Online Marketing for Special Needs Services
OK, here’s the first installment of my Google + personal case study. I say first installment because I still have a few questions on how best to use my personal profile vs my business page.
The one thing I am absolutely clear on however, is that if you are interested in improving your visibility in Google, then you need to be using Google+.
I reviewed over 75 articles on Google+ and these are the ones I found to be the most helpful:
Why – You Should Be There
1. Get Over Yourself and Get on Google+
Good intro on why Google+ is important.
2. Why Google+ is an Inevitable Part of Your Content Marketing Strategy
“But it does feel somewhat like a take-it-or-leave it deal. We already knew that participating in Google+ would have some positive impact on our search results, but now it seems as if you have no Google+ presence and your competition does, you might lose existing search traffic going forward.”
3. Google+ Marketing: Why Marketers Should Not Overlook Google+
This is a podcast with Jesse Stay on Social Media Examiner. Key takeaway: G+, unlike FB, is not just a destination. It’s a layer on top of all Google products. The glue that connects everything together.
4. Why Google+ Is the Best Social Platform for Content Marketers
“Of course, we all need a new social media platform to manage like we need a hole in our head. But here’s the deal … if you value your reputation and your work … if you want to establish online authority and build an audience … if you want to drive more traffic to your website and boost sales and opportunities …Then get over yourself and get on Google+”
How – To Set Up Your Profile
5. 6 Steps to Getting Started with Google+
Great walk through if you don’t already have a profile – or to fill in the gaps. (By the way – Wordle is cool!) Do Bonus Tip #2 under #3!
6. How to Set Up a Google+ Page for Your Business
Just the basics on business page setup.
What – To Do Once You Are Set Up
7. What Google’s authorship markup means for SEO
Excellent article regarding the importance of Google Authorship and some links to good “how to” resources.
8. 64 Google+ Content Strategies [Infographic]
“Google+ isn’t only a social network. It’s the very backbone (and future) of Google itself.” This is an excellent blueprint to get you started once your profile is set up.
9. 4 Ways to Improve Your Google+ Engagement
Good basics – But #4 is the most important.
10. 5 Tips for Using Google+ to Boost Your Marketing
Steps #1 & #4 are crucial
11. How to Build a Dominant Google+ Presence
“…almost with unanimous consent that preferring Google+ for the hours you dedicate to social media offers the greatest ranking benefit.” The key word here is “ranking”. If you are looking to boost your rankings in Google, then you need to be using Google+. And this is especially true for local businesses.
12. How to Use Google+ To Get New Customers
This is an excellent article if you are looking to bring customers to a local business – Google gives priority in local searches to local pages.
13. 6 Google+ Tips for Businesses
“If Google is sending you the majority of your traffic, doesn’t it make sense to figure out how to help them send you more? Google+ is the answer.”
14. Seven Ways Writers Can Build Online Authority with Google+
Read this. Do this.
A Few “extra credit” articles…
15. Influencing How Google Displays Your Page Description
Not about Google+ specifically but extremely important information regarding how you appear in Google search results.
16.New Google+ Sign-In System Makes Sharing More Interactive and Precise
“It’s so much more intuitive than anything else that’s out there. It tells me that the folks at Google are invested in reinventing the way we connect and how we use technology to make life easier and more fun.”
17. The Future Of Google Plus, And Its Path To Social-Media Domination
And if you still need a push to Google+ read this.
Please share your thoughts, experiences and questions in the comments!



















