Is Google+ Viable Now and In the Future?

Is Google+ Worth the Time and Effort?

Has Google+ turn into an afterthought in your social media marketing plan? Just when was the last time you took a look over there? You may also be questioning if Google+ is or ever can be a viable tool for your business. You’re not alone because many are still divided as to whether to even spend any time or effort on Google+.

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 a result of the proliferation of Gmail and the simplicity of having Google’s entire suite of web services at your fingertips. 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 effect on where Google+ is headed as well. The advantage 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 a tad clunky and a pain to figure out, however if you do, it’s by far the leader of the pack. Just the integration and automation that Hangouts shares with YouTube is worth the price of admission. (Which of course is free!)

So how are businesses using Google+?

There are scads of ways to apply Google+ in your small business. Just a few would include:

• Build networks of like-minded individuals with Google+ Circles
• Use #hashtags to allow posts appear in Google search
• Be sure and Link Google+ to your blog or site, and enjoy the Google Authorship benefit in the search pages
• Use Google Hangouts for webinars, meetings, launches, interviews or you name it!
• Use tags to reach out to people directly

To see a tremendous list of strategies and an incredible infographic for Google+, see this post on Copyblogger. While Google+ may not get you all warm and fuzzy just yet, our bet is that it’s worth the time both now and in the long run!