How to set up a Google Plus account for a business or organisation

A step by step guide on how to create a Google+ page for a business of organisation.

Since November 2011 Google plus expanded its services to offer the facility for businesses to interact online via Google.

It is about time businesses actually took advantage of this option and used it to their best strength.

Here’s how to get started:

Firstly you need to make sure you have a personal account on Google plus. If you do not then click on this link and set up an account:

https://accounts.google.com/SignUp?service=mail&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2F&ltmpl=default&hl=en

Once you have logged onto your personal Google plus account, type into google ‘Google plus for Business’ and click on the blue link ‘Create your Google page’.

Now choose the option ‘Company, Institution or Organisation’ out of the five choices on the left hand menu.

For smaller businesses you may wish to choose the Local business option as it provides the location option enabling customers to see how close you are to them.

Type in the name of your page and then provide a link to your website. It says optional however this is strongly advised as it provides customers and clients with a direct link to your website.

Selecting a category is critical as it refines the search therefore if you are in the wrong category it impedes the accuracy of the SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Next it will ask you to provide up to 10 taglines for your page.

Make sure these include certain search terms you think your customers or clients will use when searching for your page. This again enhances your SEO.

This starts by uploading a profile picture. For example the company logo.

After you’ve added your taglines now is the time to customize your page to make it look personal to your company

You can either drag a photo into the frame they provide or choose to upload a file from your computer.

Then you need to crop the image to fit the dimensions appropriate for the profile picture

The next step is to inform people about your business page. Google have provided a simple tool enabling you to send the link to all your contacts. You can choose to do this at a later date if you wish.

Finally, another feature which personalises your page is the cover photo. This allows you to put a background or an image which represents your business to visually give people an idea of what you are about.

Your Google Plus page is now set up for your business or organisation.

The next blog will advise you on why you would use Google plus in business and how to achieve better results by using it.