Many people shy away from change and things that are new. Google + is that new platform (compared to other social media) that can be intimidating for a lot people. Most people are still loyal to Facebook and Twitter when it comes to promoting their blog. But, people with foresight see Google + as being just as popular and someday taking over as the new Facebook–very soon. Google + reportedly reached 25 million users back in 2011, in a shorter time span than Facebook.
It remains to be seen what impact Google + will have as it relates to promoting your blog. Still, bloggers will find that Google + is a useful tool that can help in the efforts to get your blog name out there. Like Twitter and Facebook, it is a tool that can be used to keep you in front of your audience and here are several ways to use it to your benefit.
Set Up Your Profile
As with any social media profile, your Google + profile should be professional. Take the time to do this right the first time. It is a direct reflection on you. Select an image that best represents you or your blog as this shows up in your circles as well as in search engine results if you have this linked.
Spend extra time writing an introduction for your profile page. People may make a decision to add you or not to their circles based on what you say in your introduction.
Google + allows links so it would be smart to include a link to your blog, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn sites.
Search Engine Rankings
You’ve just learned that Google+ allows links. This is true for text links also. That means that you should think carefully about the text or keywords that best describes your blog and link to that text in your introduction. For example, if your blog is about losing weight, you would make “losing weight” a text link back to a page on your blog or website. Google uses these keyword links to index your page in the search engines.
Circles
Google + circles are organized groups. It allows you to organize people into groups so that you can target those groups with specific conversation. Unlike Facebook, it isn’t a requirement to have two separate accounts, one for business and one for personal use. You would just make a circle that pertains to business and one that pertains to personal/family.
Cross Promotion
Cross promotion is letting your followers know about a new product or post on each social platform. Google plus is another great way to do that. In fact, several blogging gurus use cross promotion because they understand that you cannot assume one notification on one social platform will be enough.
Content Curation
It is not always about your content that will engage a reader. Use your platform to post other content from other bloggers that you feel will be beneficial to your audience or that you find interesting. Doing so will make your readers feel that you have their best interest in mind and let them see some of your other interests. Curation is an added bonus experience and another way to give to your readers to encourage them to come back for more.
Behind the Scene Sneak Peak
People enjoying seeing what goes on behind closed doors. Your readers want to see what you do in your spare time or how you prepare for your next post. Google + is a great platform for giving your audience a sneak peek into your world.
Be sure to post links to all of your social media sites to make it easier for your blog readers to follow you.
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