Is Google+ Viable Now and In the Future?

So, have you signed into your Google+ account today, or updated your business page lately? Perhaps not, although this is a rather common scenario playing out over the Web, as Google+ struggles to uncover its audience and ultimate usefulness. Many are still divided, and the jury is still out as to whether Google+ is or ever will be a practical tool for business.

Why we think it’s worthwhile now and in the future!

One astonishing undeniable fact that really doesn’t ring true (yet) is that Google+ is now larger in terms of reach than Twitter. This is most certainly because of the proliferation of Gmail and the simplicity of having Google’s entire suite of web services close at hand. Since Google Plus Local Listings already include such small business services as Zagat, StreetView and Google+ User ratings, it has essentially replaced Yelp.

Also, Google Hangouts has a direct influence on where Google+ is headed as well. The convenience of using a Hangout, instead of perhaps Skype, to do video conferencing is a major plus (no pun intended). Yes, we realize that Hangouts is still somewhat clunky and a pain to figure out, but when you do, it’s far and away the leader of the pack. Just the incorporation and automation that Hangouts shares with YouTube is worth the price of admission. (Which of course is free!)

So what are some ways businesses are using Google+?

There are a number of ways to use Google+ in your small business. Here’s just a few:

  • Build networks of like-minded people with Google+ Circles
  • Using #hashtags to help posts show up in Google search
  • Link Google+ to your blog, and benefit with your photo connected to your search results
  • Use Google Hangouts for webinars, meetings, launches, interviews or you name it!
  • Use tags to reach out to people directly

To check out a wonderfully comprehensive selection of strategies and infographic for Google+, see this post on Copyblogger. Google+ might not feel like it’s worthy of effort just yet, but we feel as though it is both in the present and long run!