If like a lot of other small business owners you see Google Plus as just another social network and a waste of time you could be missing a trick.

As the name suggests, Google Plus is owned by Google, who if you aren’t aware pretty much control your search engine presence. If they release a tool that you can use to market your business make sure you are using it to its full potential.

The infographic below from Web Strategy Plus gives 5 ways you can increase engagement and make the most of Google Plus.

 

Google Plus, also known as Google+, was once a prominent social media platform that aimed to rival Facebook and Twitter. While it may not be as widely used today, it still holds value for businesses and individuals looking to boost their online presence and engagement. In this blog post, we’ll explore five killer secrets to instantly increase engagement on Google Plus. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or simply someone looking to connect with others, these tips will help you make the most of this platform.

Secret 1: Optimize Your Profile

Your Google Plus profile is your digital identity on the platform, and it’s the first thing that people see when they visit your page. To increase engagement, you need to make sure your profile is not only complete but also appealing. Here’s how to do it:

a. Choose an Eye-Catching Profile Picture:

• Use a clear and high-resolution profile picture that represents you or your brand effectively.
• A smiling and friendly photo often works well, as it creates a positive impression.

b. Craft an Engaging Cover Photo:

• Your cover photo is like a billboard for your profile. Use it to showcase your personality or brand.
• Update it periodically to keep your profile fresh and interesting.

c. Write a Compelling Introduction:

• Your introduction should provide a brief but engaging overview of who you are or what your business does.
• Use keywords relevant to your niche to make your profile more discoverable.

d. Share Your Other Social Media Links:

• Connect your other social media profiles to your Google Plus page to cross-promote your online presence.

Secret 2: Create High-Quality Content

Content is king on any social media platform, and Google Plus is no exception. To increase engagement, you need to consistently produce high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Here’s how to do it:

a. Find Your Niche:

• Determine your niche or area of expertise and focus your content on topics related to it.
• This will help you attract an audience interested in what you have to say.

b. Share Varied Content Types:

• Don’t limit yourself to text-based posts. Experiment with images, videos, and even polls to keep your content fresh and engaging.
• Use Google Plus’s formatting options to make your posts visually appealing.

c. Post Consistently:

• Establish a posting schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps you build a loyal following.
• Use scheduling tools to plan your posts in advance if necessary.

d. Encourage Discussion:

• Ask questions in your posts to spark conversations among your followers.
• Respond promptly to comments to foster a sense of community.

Secret 3: Join Communities

Google Plus is known for its vibrant communities where like-minded individuals come together to discuss various topics. Joining and participating in these communities can significantly boost your engagement. Here’s how:

a. Find Relevant Communities:

• Search for communities related to your niche or interests and join those that align with your content.
• Look for active communities with engaged members.

b. Contribute Meaningfully:

• Don’t just join communities to promote your content. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and help others.
• Building a reputation as a valuable contributor will attract more attention to your profile.

c. Start Your Own Community:

• If you can’t find a community that suits your needs, consider creating your own.
• This allows you to establish yourself as an authority in your niche and attract members interested in your content.

Secret 4: Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags can help your posts reach a broader audience on Google Plus. However, it’s essential to use them strategically. Here’s how:

a. Research Popular Hashtags:

• Find hashtags that are relevant to your content and are frequently used by others in your niche.
• Tools like Google Trends can help you identify trending hashtags.

b. Keep Hashtags Relevant:

• Use hashtags that directly relate to the content of your post.
• Don’t overdo it; 2-3 relevant hashtags per post are usually sufficient.

c. Create Your Own Hashtags:

• Consider creating unique hashtags for your brand or campaign. This can help you build a distinct online identity.

Secret 5: Collaborate and Cross-Promote

Collaboration is a powerful tool for increasing engagement on Google Plus. By teaming up with others in your niche, you can tap into their audience and vice versa. Here’s how to make it work:

a. Identify Potential Collaborators:

• Look for individuals or businesses in your niche with a similar or slightly larger following.
• Reach out to them with a collaboration proposal.

b. Offer Value:

• When approaching potential collaborators, make sure your proposal outlines how the collaboration will benefit both parties.
• Offer to create joint content, host giveaways, or promote each other’s profiles.

c. Cross-Promote Each Other:

• Once the collaboration is established, promote each other’s content and profiles to your respective audiences.
• This can result in a significant boost in engagement and followers.

Conclusion

While Google Plus may not be as prominent as it once was, it still offers opportunities to increase engagement and connect with a diverse audience. By optimizing your profile, creating high-quality content, joining communities, using hashtags strategically, and collaborating with others, you can unlock the platform’s potential and build a strong online presence. Remember that success on Google Plus, as with any social media platform, requires patience, consistency, and genuine engagement with your audience. So, start implementing these killer secrets today and watch your engagement on Google Plus soar.