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Step-by-Step Guide for Setting up your Google+ Business Page

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Read our Entrepreneur’s Guide to Social Media Content Management to learn how to create content for your Google+ Business Page. 

Google+ is an essential tool for any business. A Google+ Business Page helps improve your Google ranking and is a platform you can use to engage with your target market by sharing content and getting customer reviews.

But before you can start using your Google+ Account, you have to create it. Lately, many of our clients have been asking for help setting up their account, so this post will walk you through how to create a Google+ account so you can leverage the platform for your business. (If you want to create a Google My Business account first, read this post). 

1. Choose a Gmail Accountgoogle7

Before you can create your Google+ Business Page, you need a Gmail account (if you don’t have one, create a Google Account here). As the owner or creator of the page, you can add your team as managers of your Google Page later. You can also switch between your personal and business identities.

2. Select your Business Type 

To get started, follow this link, which will take you to the page below:

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  • Choose the option that best describes your business.
  • If you pick storefront or service area, you’ll create a local business page. You’ll be taken to a map where you can enter your address to ‘find your business’. If Google can ‘find your business’ on the map, choose your business. If not, click “Add your business.” You may be required to verify your local business on Google.
  • If you don’t have a physical location, choose the brand category, which focuses on engaging with your customers and followers. Then, you’ll be taken to this link to start building your Google Business Page

3. Create your Google+ Page 

Make sure you enter your business name and website (not your social media) and select ‘Create page’.

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4. Explore the Home Page 

Once you create your page, you’ll be taken to your home page. Follow the tour to learn about the different features, including how to see who’s viewing your page.

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5. Edit your Info 

Click the red ‘Edit’ button in the top right corner to update your photos and make any necessary changes or additions.

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  • Hover over the blue circle on the left to change your profile picture. This is where you should upload your logo. Then, press the ‘Change cover’ button on the right to update your cover photo. Your cover photo should show customers what you’re all about. Use a photo that displays your products and services or a picture of your storefront or restaurant.

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  • If you chose storefront or service area, you can include your hours of operation and more.
  • Next, scroll down the page where you’ll see these five boxes:

googlePeople – Here’s where you’ll see all the people you’ve connected with (Click here to add 411 to your Google+ circle). Once you click on a box, you can easily move to the other boxes by clicking on the icons at the top.

google-peopleCommunities – Join communities that are relevant to your business. For example, we join communities related to small business and digital marketing.

google-communitiesStory – Add your company’s tagline and an introduction to your business. Here, you can hyperlink relevant pages.

google-storyContact Information – Click the drop down menu to add your contact information. If you have a physical address, this is a key opportunity to build a NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) citation. Read this post to learn why NAP citations are important for local business.

google-contactLinks – You can add custom links to your social media pages and any other links your customers will need.

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Once you update this info, your page will be set up and you’ll be ready to start posting content, growing your audience, and engaging with them.

Read our Entrepreneur’s Guide to Social Media Content Management to learn how to create content for your Google+ Business Page. 

Laura has a B.A. in Honours Communications Studies from McMaster University and is currently enrolled in Humber’s Public Relations Postgraduate program. She is passionate about writing and local business, so this blog is the perfect combination of the two.