Google+ is important to the search engines - so it's important to your small business. Google+ is sometimes derided as the 'also ran' social network, lagging behind Facebook in members, and it is - for now, but it is a thriving online community with hundreds of millions of members.
And, there are two things about Google+ that make it unlike other online platforms - those are social and search. Search engines put a lot of weight into what's being shared socially as they determine the most relevant search results (and we all want to be the most relevant search result). When it comes to Google+, the connection between search and social is powerful and unique. Actually, no other platform has it.
The punchline of course: Google+ is Google.
Here are a couple Things You Need to Know About Google+ for Your Business:
Your Google+ page connects you with customers, whether they're looking for you on Search, Maps, Google+ or mobile devices. 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. The more information you give your profile the easier it becomes to find you. The easier you are to find, the more customers you attract, the more your business grows!
Your Google+ page helps you build and connect a loyal fan base.
Your customers can share ratings and reviews, use the +1 button much like a Facebook 'Like' button; they endorse your content, and re-share your posts across the web. A "+1" will also tell your circles of other people's articles and posts that you approve of. Your stamp of approval will mean something to them.
Google+ activity directly affects SEO (which stands for Search Engine Optimization). While the latest Google algorithm update did reference the importance of all social network activity as a factor in determining your Google search ranking, Google treats your Google+ content like another web page. Basically, when it comes to SEO and social media, Google+ content trumps content on any other social platform. Google+ recently introduced analytic insights that allow you to see key stats from your Google+ dashboard including how many views your business listing has received, how many times you've been viewed in local search and how many people are engaging with you.
Bottom Line? Google+ is here to stay, it elegantly ties together many elements of your online presence - and it's all free - so spend a little time with your G+ page, you'll likely discover it's fun - you'll definitely discover it's rewarding.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8285095