A GUIDE TO… SOCIAL MEDIA

Google+

WHAT IT IS:

Similar in many ways to Facebook and Twitter in terms of the sharing updates and interaction. In addition, it acts as a sort of “glue” connecting all of the other Google products such as Gmail chat, Googlemap, Youtube etc. Above anything, Google+ is an “SEO (search engine optimisation) juggernaut”, meaning having a Google+ profile will rate incredibly highly in search results.

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Use the “+1” function to like other people’s comments and posts. “+1” is the equivalent of Facebook “like” and will link back to your own profile to show others what you’ve been looking at.

2. Google+ circles allow you to place your contacts into different categories, which offers lots of possibilities for targeted marketing. For example, you could share a specific offer with your main customers.

3. The Hangout is a feature which makes Google+ stand out from other social media networks. It is a group video chat which makes it possible for several people to meet and converse at the same time. This feature can be used by businesses to offer more personalized customer service, hold staff meetings and hosting Q&A sessions.

4. “The idea of authorship is central to the Google+ account”, explains Vicky.“If you’re posting blogs or articles it gives you the opportunity to author those blogs and link content together, so people interested in your area of expertise will easily be able to access your content.”

DO: Be as active as possible with all Google products as this will all go towards building up your Google+ presence.

DON’T: Be unprofessional. While Facebook can be used as a very casual platform, Google+ has a slightly more serious feel.