Technology-Enabled Business Solutions

Once thought to be the social network that would destroy Facebook, many feel that Google+ has failed to make significant strides. Google+, however still offers a number of features not available on Twitter and Facebook.

Thinking about using Google+ for business? Here are five creative ways to use Google+ as part of your digital marketing strategy:

1. Live Q&A
   Google+ hangouts provide the unique opportunity to answer questions live in front of your customers. Google+ hangouts even allow you to retrieve questions before you go live.
2. Interactive Video Demonstrations
   Demonstrations are a great way to showcase your knowledge as an expert or help show that your products and services actually work. Google+ hangouts allow you to provide real-time video demonstrations.
3. Add Simplicity to Events
   Whether your event is in-person, on air, or virtual, promoting an event on Google+ provides a number of unique promotional features including the ability for the recipient to read and respond to comments, and RSVP right from inside inboxes. The unique features extend outside invitations. For examples, Party Mode allows guest to snap and share photos from the event in real time.
4. Connect with Influencers
   As SEOmoz explains, Google+ provides 17 different notifications that, if used correctly, can help you connect with influencers in your industry. Some of these actions cannot be utilized by brand pages, however others can help get your brand get on a influencers radar.
5. Monitor Keywords
   Google+ Sparks are an often-overlooked feature of the Google+ interface. Sparks provide an easy way to monitor keywords, such as your organization’s name, right from your Google+ dashboard. Here’s how:
   - Type your keyword into the search bar
   - Select “Sparks” from the drop-down menu
   
   - Click “Save this Search” on the right-hand side of the screen

Your Google+ Sparks will then appear as categories along-side your circles.

SOUND OFF: Does your organization have a presence on Google+? What strategies and tactics have you found to be most effective?