Profile, Imagery and Introduction:

We briefly discussed setting up your profile in last week’s blog post, “Google+, “Part 2 - The Setup.” This week, we will focus on fine-tuning your profile in order to maximize its appeal. Similar to a Facebook profile, your Google+ profile is the critical first view for attracting friends to your circles.

MatterMax Media recommends that you take some time to compare some of the pictures (profiles) on Google+ with choices you think that stand out. Remember, your profile information only shows up as a thumbnail in people’s streams. Therefore, it is imperative to choose imagery that stands out by crafting a well thought out introduction. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Create an image statement that will excite people and make them want to add you to their circles. Google+ also offers some creative options as it allows the inclusion of live links within the introduction itself. Be imaginative and take advantage of the live links functionality. Once you are satisfied with the artistic aspects of your profile, add links to your website, blog, LinkedIn profile, etc., as well as within Google+ Circles.

Brand Image:

What does your brand look like? Innovative images are part of what we call “Brand Visual.” Think of brand images (Brand Visual) on the web as those images that are freely indexed by search engines. Google+ will more than likely index the pictures you share (unless you have restricted them with a privacy setting). In short, use a branding paradigm as you design and upload the images you want potential visitors to find in search engines.

Further, brand imagery is more important today than ever. The scientific precept known as “Occam’s Razor” (the first response to a question or action is generally the correct one) applies to not only verbal responses and actions, but it also applies to the initial reactions of visual stimuli.

If you are unsure how to tackle “Brand Visual,” you may want to hire a “brand centric” organization to create the strategic imagery that best describes your business.

Help Google+ Help You:

Within Google+, you own the key that opens doors for people to browse your business circles. Google owns the search world thereby making it very likely that your profiles (once edited) are instantly available for indexing. Find the, “Search Visibility,” menu drop down box, the very last item on your profile edit area, and make sure that the “Help others find my profile in Search Results” box is checked.

Search Engine Optimization:

We continue to emphasize the value of SEO and Google+ has included a Search Engine Optimization feature. You can add links, accompanying text and associated keywords on the right hand side of your profile. It is our assessment that Google+ will place a high value on these links, if nothing more than to encourage others to use Google+. Your choice of keywords is critical for folks to connect to your website. Before you decide on your keyword choices, it is a good idea to perform a Google search using business keywords that apply to your industry. The top search results will show how these keywords are being used.

Increasing SEO’s Abilities with Video:

It is important to remember that Google is in the online video distribution business and currently offers online video distribution for free. It is possible that your videos will yield higher index search results than those results generated by images, text, and blog posts. Therefore; be sure to add and share videos to your profiles. In the event that you are still missing the online video boat, there are a number of online video production sites that are affordable.

Circle Communication:

Most professional graphics programs build multilayered images. Similarly, in real life, people organize people via layers – professional, personal, family, acquaintances, etc.. One of Google+’s greatest features is the “Circles” concept.

You can use “Circles” to communicate with various layers of people, such as clients, prospects, media, etc.. Google Circles allow you to have precise control over your people layers. For example, you can create a circle for prospective clients. You can then communicate with that prospective client circle with specific information such as industry news, case studies, trends, etc.. (Tip: Remember, while Google will inform a person that they have been added to a circle, it will not disclose to which circle that person has been added.)

+1 is the new Like:

Facebook uses the “Like” button to boost relationships. Conversely, for identical purposes, Google + uses the “+1” button. MatterMax Media recommends that you also take advantage of the +1, Comments, and Share buttons to enhance and grow your relationships. Relationship power serves as the heart of all marketing initiatives. Showing support for the ideas of others is a great way to grow relationships. Lastly, remember to share within your own streams.

Get Sparked:

Google+’s new “Spark” feature (still under development) works like a Google alert. Within Spark, you can setup your name, company name, industry terms and even follow industry news articles based on your setup choices. As with other Google+ applications, Sparks will most likely have an impact on search results.

The Hangouts:

Like any new playground, Google+ is a hot, new and exciting platform for conducting market research and data mining. Folks are actively engaged in the Google+ Market research playground, reminiscent of Twitter’s early days. Google Hangouts are where you can ask questions, start a video chat within circles, or invite the sales staff to a quick morning meeting. Now that’s cool! Ready to “Hangout?”

Custom URLs:

The rush for businesses to join Google+ and fill their circles, will abate soon enough. The next challenge will emerge after the rush, and after millions of circles have been formed. This new challenge will be focused on how people will be able to find you. You can solve this challenge by obtaining a custom URL to share your Google Plus profile.

Make it easy for people to follow you with a simple URL. Your success may depend on having a simple URL address. You can get one at http://www.gplus.to.

Now it is time to get busy! Brand your profile, circle your targets, communicate your messages, spark your business, hangout and chat, +1 some friends and get them all to visit your custom Google+ URL!

See you next week at Today’s Marketing Blog, when we will present the first installment of the three part “Dream Marketing” series, “Part 1 – Love What You Do.”

MatterMax Media is a full service integrated marketing agency located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  MatterMax Media provides strategy, technology, marketing and training for individuals, businesses and government.  Today’s Marketing Blog focuses on Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Web Matters.  When you require assistance with your website creation, branding/marketing strategy, feel free to contact us.