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Home » The Famous Blog » 10 Ways to Use Google+ For Promoting Your Blog

10 Ways to Use Google+ For Promoting Your Blog

September 2, 2011 - Last Modified: September 2, 2011 by Ugo 5,033

Google+ For Blog Promotion

Google+ recently reached a staggering 25 million users, a feat that took Facebook and Twitter more than two years to accomplish.

As bloggers, we couldn’t help but think of how we can use it as a channel to promote our blog posts. We’ll discuss how to do just that in this post.

1. Content is King – Google+ Profile Setup

As with anything – unique, high quality content is king. Keep this in mind when setting up your Google+ profile page. Just like with any other social networking site (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) your profile is important so take special care of what you include. Invest the time to fill out your profile and make sure it portrays the image you want it to get across.

creating google plus profile

Pay attention to your introduction; write it so that people are willing to add you to their circles. Google+ also lets you add a picture to your description so use it. If you’ve written an e-book then put up a picture of the cover along with a synopsis and a link. Take a nice picture of yourself because once people add you to their circles, all they will see is that thumbnail of you in their stream. Google+ also lets you add links to other sites so take this opportunity to link to your blog, company website, Facebook, Twitter, and other worthy sites.

2. Profile Setup Part 2 – SEO those Google+ Links

Earlier I mentioned using the links on the right side of your profile to link to your blog and other external sites. Here I want to elaborate on how to properly set it up. Google adores anchor text and there is evidence in that Google+ allows you to “label” the links you place on your profile. Use this to your advantage. For example, if you have a blog that talks about “Coupon Clipping” or “Saving on Groceries” then you would set it up so that your label for your blog link would be either “Coupon Clipping” or “Saving on Groceries.” The reasoning behind here is that you are helping Google index you profile more accurately and your links could potential come up when someone searches “Coupon Clipping” or “Saving on Groceries.” Also do the same thing with your introduction. Link any keywords to your website if possible.

3. Set up Google+ Circles

One of the neat things about Google+ is that it lets you set up “circles” to segment different groups of people. So for example, instead of having two Facebook accounts, one for business and one for personal use, you could opt to have two circles in your Google+ that separates your business acquaintances from the people in your personal life. The beauty of this feature is that it allows you to be very specific; Google+ is letting you create your target audience and then giving you a platform to market to just that audience.

Setting up Google+ circles

Let’s say your blog provides financial advice to those in the financial industry and also to those who just want to increase their financial literacy. The problem here is that if you put up something for people already in the financial industry, then your readers who don’t practice finance might find it too complex to understand. What you can do is create two circles that segment your readers into “industry advice” and “financial literacy.” Now you can share all your industry specific advice with only those who are currently working in the finance field and vice versa with those who aren’t.

4. Google Sparks – Stay On Top Of Your Industry

Google Spark

You can use the Google+ Sparks feature to stay on top of news in your niche area.

google spark industry trends

Let’s say for your next few blog posts you want to keep up with a current event such as the latest Amazon affiliate tax passed in California. What you can do is type “California Amazon Tax” or “California Amazon Affiliates” and then pin them under your Sparks for quick access. So now instead of searching around for topics related to this event, Google+ will layout everything for you in a timely order all in one place. This also makes it very easy to write your articles because it provides you with new happenings consistently as they happen. I suggest you use it like you would a Google alert. Try setting up Sparks for your company name and industry terms.

5. Google Circles + Google Sparks = Content Management

Google Circles + Spark

One thing you can do is create a circle for your favorite topics and post all related content to that circle so you can read it later. So if you enjoy mountain climbing then you would create a circle called “Mountain Climbing.”  You would also set up a Spark for “Mountain Climbing” and then share all relevant post to your “Mountain Climbing” circle only. This also works when you are doing some research on a topic for your blog. Using this “Circle + Sparks” combo allows you to aggregate all of your information in one place and quickly replenish it with real-time information.

6. Branding – Face to Face to Face

Utilizing hangouts for Google+

Another neat feature that Google+ offers is Hangouts. A Hangout is an interesting video conferencing platform which creates rooms for you to hang out with your friends, coworkers, or any of your social circles. Currently you can only have up to ten people at any one hangout. It is a useful feature for building deep connections with your readers and vice versa. Let’s say your blog is about home improvement. You can create a hangout for your readers where you actually get to see the projects they are working on and provide sound advice on things you normally have to see, like what paint mixture would match their kitchen cabinets.

7. Utilize Google’s  +1 feature

The Google +1 button is a way to publicly show what you like, agree with, or recommend on the web. Google has taken the Facebook “like” button and made it almost universal online. You can like things you’re searching, websites you’re visiting, videos you’re watching, products you’re buying and the list goes on and on. The really cool thing is that the people in your social network get to see the things you “+1” when they make similar searches. This will definitely be a way to measure page rankings in the future.

Using Google plus one

This little +1 feature can help you reach a wider viewer range. Let’s say you write an article on your blog about how to automate your banking process so you are never late paying bills again. Jim reads it and thinks the content is amazing so he +1’s the blog post. Now all of Jim’s friends can see the blog post and when someone from Jim’s list, let’s say Sarah also +1s it, the cycle repeats.  Also, whenever one of Jim’s or Sarah’s friends search for something that is related to automating the bill payment process, your article will stand out because it has a nice blue Google +1 button letting them know that your article is worth the read (obviously!).

8. Utilize Suggestions

Utilizing Google+ suggestions

If you look to the right hand side of your Google+ homepage, you will notice a “Suggestions” column. This column is a list of people who Google thinks you might know or might want to add to your circles. I am not sure how Google populates this column but my guess is that they either do it based on mutual friends, similar interests, or a combination of the two. Either way I recommend reaching out to these suggestions. The reason for this is that Google has already done the grunt work and has brought you a slightly targeted audience based on your interests and the interests of your mutual friends. This is a quick and easy way to get new readers for your blog with little effort. Worst case scenario, if Google is completely wrong with their suggestion then you simply remove that person from your circle.

9. Leverage Videos

Google owns YouTube; because of this I am assuming that Google likes videos. Videos build a stronger relationship over written content even if they are providing the same amount of value. Also, from an SEO standpoint, the chances of your video being indexed are higher.

google plus videos

With that being said, I recommend shooting a couple of videos and sharing them with your relevant circles. Videos can be uploaded to your Google+ account the same way you would a picture. Substitute a blog post in favor of video or do both and see which one gets indexed first. Bonus: Unlike Facebook, Google+ also recognizes GIF images!

10. Make Friends with Google

In WordPress you are given the option to block your blog from search engines. Google+ gives you the same option. Here is why you DON’T want to block yourself: because it’s Google and the #1 search engine. If you are going to play the game than make sure you are playing it with the top player, right? If you’ve set up your profile correctly then you’ve just dramatically increased your chances of showing up when somebody types in your niche in the Google+ Sparks feature, but if you can’t be seen by search engines then it’s your loss.

google plus search visibility

To fix this you hit the blue “edit profile” button and scroll to the very bottom of the page.  There you will see the very last item which reads “Search Visibility.” Click it. Make sure you have the box that says “Help others find my profile in Search Results” checked. Once you’re done, click the blue “save” button.

If you just started your account or are looking for a beginner tutorial, check out this in-depth Google+ guide for newbies.

How are you utilizing Google+ for YOUR blog?

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Filed Under: Google Plus, Marketing, Website Traffic

About Ugo

Follow @123LinkIt

SEO manager for 123Linkit.com. 123LinkIt.com is the #1 downloaded WordPress affiliate plugin. We assist bloggers in monetizing their blogs by converting product and brand keywords (such as iPhone or Best Buy) into unobtrusive, in-text affiliate links.

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{ 38 Responses }

  1. tanesha sharpe says:
    Hi Ugo, Im new to blogging your words were very insightful and it gave me some steps on what I need to do to actually get my blog out there. Thank you for your words they helped out a lot.
  2. Abhi Balani says:
    Very informative article. I already have a G+ page, but not using it that much. I can understand, G+, +1's plays an important role in SEO, working on them.
  3. Sonal says:
    Thanks Ugo, for this neat introduction to Google+. I've recently started a blog and was looking for ways to promote it on Google+. Your article has explained it so clearly! :)
  4. shan ali says:
    Hi Ugo, Nice post... really love your writing style.... your article provided a lot of help to me.... this is why i m posting so late... because first i tested it .....
  5. Nick says:
    These are very useful tips for those who have a google+ account .I have a traffic problem to my site as it is new and i believe that if I follow these tips i will generate traffic from google+.Thanks for sharing and nice to meet you.
  6. Benoy says:
    Thanks a lot for the effort and time spent in researching and making lives easier for us. All new things are confusing and so was Google+ at the beginning. This post has helped me a lot in fiddling around with my Google+ profile. Great post.
  7. Sam Smassh says:
    2 month ago,I got the Google+ account...my friend invite me there...but,after a week I socialize at there..I think facebook is better...after that,my friend said if I share my blog on Google+,it will help my blog to index by Google! I try the tips,then, I got my blog in the Google! When i read this post...I know Google+ has many function...thanks Ugo...
  8. fran the Online Writer says:
    Ugo Thanks for putting everything together to use Google plus. Enjoyed reading it. This motivated me to use it more. I will have to add some sparks soon. Fran A
  9. Satrap says:
    Ugo, this is truly an aye opening post for me. I specially like the tip you gave about writing a good profile. I never even thought that a good quality/unique written profile could be that helpful. I mean, t makes sense, specially considering that Google+ was made with SEO in mind. Thanks.
  10. rakesh kumar says:
    I have seen a lots of people now share their post in google plus. I am not able to fix this simple problem. I want to post all by wordpress blogpost into google plus. Kindly Guide me.
  11. Paul Salmon says:
    I still haven't really got into Google+, even though I signed up with it a few weeks ago. I'll have to read through these tips again so I can have a better understanding of how I can best leverage Google+ for my blog.
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Paul, Take your time, there is so much information out there. I always find it best to get your hands dirty and use hand sanitize as you learn more. Thanks for your comment and good luck with everything. Feel free to let me know how your G+ account develops. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  12. Arslan says:
    some of the things came to me myself, others you have helped with.... awesome article! Thanks!
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Arslan, Not a problem. Glad I could be of service. Thank you for reading. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  13. Gagan Arora says:
    mostly people still not know about benefits of google +1 excellent share .....:)
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Gagan, This is true. I myself still have much to learn! Thank you for reading and leaving a comment. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  14. muneer jinnen says:
    google plus has page rank of 8. since google plus allow search engine follow your link your blog will get page rank boost.
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Muneer, I personally was unaware of this. I am learning something new everyday! Thank you for reading and providing your input. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  15. Ming Jong Tey says:
    Google Spark is new to me and I usually just use Google Alert. Thanks for the 10 tips to use Google +. I haven't really delved into G+ as I am still sticking to FB at the moment. I think is time to explore more on on that :) Cheers, Ming
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Ming, I find myself in the middle of both Facebook and G+. I'm so use to Facebook but there are so many new feature that G+ has. Have funny exploring G+ and hopefully my article helped. If you find something new that I have not mentioned then feel free to share. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  16. Ryan Biddulph says:
    Hi Ugo, Super Plus tips here! I started using Google Plus last week. You hit on all the key pointers; by adding value you become valuable. I also +1 and Share any content I deem to be valuable. This helps me establish my presence on Plus which means I'm added to more Circles. Focus on what you bring to the table. Learn the in's and out's of the network but more importantly, always add value with each update. You become as valuable as the amount of value you add to any social network. Thanks for sharing your insight! RB
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Ryan, Thanks. I am glad my article could be of service. I couldn't agree with you more, " You become as valuable as the amount of value you add to any social network." Wise words to live by. I am excited to see what value you add to your G+ account. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  17. Ileane says:
    I do so much blog promotion on Twitter and Blog Engage that I don't even promote my blog on Google +. Of course I have it linked in my profile which sends a nice PR8 backlink to my blog, but I never share my blog posts on Google +. It's a great platform to promote my friends posts and other interesting content.
    • Ugo says:
      Hey lleane, Thanks for the comment. There are so many ways to promote a blog and I'm happy you found one that works and you are consistent with it. Use G+ as you see fit. the platform still has some tune ups to make. Regards, -Ugo
  18. Rick Meigs says:
    10 Ways to Use Google+ For Promoting Your Blog? Please don't. If you want to share some interesting information or insight, great. But I get sick of those who use G+ and other social media just to plug their blog, conference, event or latest book. Those who do are quick deleted from my Circle.
  19. Mark says:
    Making your profile visible to search engines is a really good idea. However, I did all of that with Facebook. Didn't really help much. In my opinion, SEO is the way to go. But this is Google. I am sure they have something up their sleeves. Mark
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Mark, I agree. It can only help to play ball in Google's court. I am eager to see how G+ progresses and to see how much further we can leverage it as a marketing platform. Best of luck with your SEO endeavors. Regards, -Ugo
  20. Michael says:
    I've been contemplating on how to use Google Circles since it was launched. I'm glad I came over to this blog, you've just cleared my doubts and I'm good to go. It does sound to me as if you're the Google Plus Expert. Barely new but you're riding on top. Great job from you man!
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Michael, Happy this article helped clear things up. I am flattered that you see me as a Google+ expert but I still have a long ways to go. I am learning something new everyday just like you are. I look forward to reading one of your articles and learning something from you. Regards, -Ugo
  21. Steve says:
    Ugo, Great write on Google +. I only joined a week or so back and am still getting into the swing of it. Your writeup was a great help in setting it up! Thanks man! Have a wonderful weekend.
    • Ugo says:
      Hey Steve, Not a problem, I am happy my article could be of service. Thank you for taking the time to read it and I appreciate the comment. Best of luck with your G+ account. Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  22. Extreme John says:
    Awesome tips Ugo. Tip number 5 is killer with reading it later, nice little tip there.
    • Ugo says:
      Hey John, Glad you liked tip 5. Its one of my ten personal favorite tips. How are things with your G+ account, did you get the name thing fixed? Regards, -Ugochukwu O.
  23. Dave Lucas says:
    Great info here, Ugo! This is "keeper" material. (Casual Readers: that means BOOKMARK this because you'll wish you had sometime later on!) I signed up early with twitter and facebook: so much so that by the time the two were "catching on" I had forgotten I owned accounts on each service! I'm making the same approach with G+. I'm on it, using it just a little... wishing I could merge it with the existing twitter and facebook accounts. But maybe it's better to build a network from scratch!
  24. Harleena Singh says:
    Those are great points to promote your blog using Google+. I have yet to try out the videos and hangouts, though people on Google+ do say it helps a great deal. Thanks for sharing :)
  25. Suresh Khanal says:
    Awesome work Ugo! Its really a most useful thesis on Google+. I'm going to my profile and try to make it more appealing. You are right this is the first step to enter into the network. Thanks for the information on Spark. You've cleared my confusions.
  26. James says:
    awesome post. I have been using Google Plus to engage with other bloggers more,but it can also be a huge time drain to sit there all day. like anything, use it in moderation!
  27. Justin Germino says:
    Excellent write up and I am going to setup spark "interests" this weekend now as a result of that little bit of informatin.

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