Why Google+ Pages Should Not Be Ignored

On November 7th 2011 Google released Google+ pages for Businesses, Brands, Places & more. Since then there has been some serious debate over the importance of maintaining a business presence on Google+. It seems that businesses have spent countless hours with their Facebook page, twitter account, blog, website, ect. and they simply do not want to take the time to learn a new technology. However, I think that these businesses may be ignoring a serious opportunity.

Here’s why: Google is incorporating  Google+ information into search results.

The image above shows a sample search that I ran when I was logged into Google+. Notice how the search results include information that is entirely unique to my personal Google+ profile, specifically including what the people and pages in my circles have shared. While it is possible for people to share your website even if you do not have a Google+ you need to consider the following:

1. If Google+ users add you or your business to their circles you will be able to influence what they see when they do a Google search.
2. Shared pages on Google+ will likely have a greater chance of being clicked in the Google results pages.
3. Google search results may help you expand your online influence, presence, and followers – Danny Sullivan’s result has an “add to circles” button.
4. Google+ Direct Connect will give your brand even more exposure in Google’s search results.
5. Google is sure to incorporate further integrations with Google+ Pages in the near future.

With over 65% market share Google is the most popular search engine in the world. Google now gets over 165 million unique visitors a month making it the popular website on the internet. With the amount of influence that Google has on the internet shouldn’t you be taking Google+ more seriously?

Scott Bartell

Scott Bartell is currently a student at the State University of New York at Buffalo pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with a Marketing Concentration. Scott has over 7 years of digital marketing experience at V.M. Marketing Group based out of Buffalo, NY. He has extensive knowledge in: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, Pay-Per-Click Advertising, Web Development, and other related fields.