Social Media DIY Workshop » Google Tools

First Look At Google+ (Plus)

Charlene Kingston — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:00:05 +0000

Google has launched Google+ (Plus), a new social networking site that directly competes with Facebook. While it’s new and just getting started, it has the potential to change the social media landscape. Here’s a first look at what Google+ is like and why is may become important for your business in the future.

Before You Start: You use social media for your business, or you are considering using social media.
Learning level: 1 | Social Media Basics
Article Last Updated: Friday, July 15, 2011

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Google+ (Plus)

On June 28, 2011, Google launched its new social networking site, Google+. It’s getting a lot of attention from geeks and people who like to be on the leading (bleeding) edge of technology. But what is Google+? And what impact will it really have on social media for small businesses?

Let’s dig into that.

Facebook + Twitter = Google+

Google+ is the first new major social networking site in a few years. It’s a lot like Facebook where you connect with people and share updates, photos, and links. It’s a little bit like Twitter where you post and read quick updates from people you follow and you don’t need their permission to follow them.

One of the valuable features is that Google+ allows you to integrate with other Google services.

If you connect your Picassa web album to Google+, you get free unlimited photo storage, which could threaten Yahoo’s Flickr service.
It integrates with Google Docs making it easier to share and collaborate writing and reviewing information.
There is no private message service. Instead, Google links you to other users through email (Gmail) and lets you send emails to people in your network without revealing the recipients email address.

It has a great live video chat feature, Hangout, that allow many people in the same chat room that could really hurt Skype.

As I’m writing this (July 4, 2011), there’s a app for Android phones, but an iPhone app is expected soon.

Connections and Privacy

One of the most interesting features of Google+ is its circles. Youconnect with people you know by assigning them to circles. You start off with a circle for family, friends, acquaintances, and people you follow. It’s easy to add a new circle (co-workers, peers, clients, bowling team, etc.).

You assign people to a circle by dragging a image of their face with their name into the circle. It’s actually easier and more fun than making a list (Twitter) or individually marking people in a group (Facebook). People can be in more than one circle.

The best part about circles is that they control your privacy. Want to share a picture of your family with family and close friends? Only update to those circles.

It’s also easy to add your location to an update. That’s great for when you want to share geography. It’s equally easy to remove your location. If you are using a mobile device and turn on your location, Google+ automatically creates a nearby users circle based on your current location.

Google+ For Business

There are rumors that Google plans to add business pages to the service later this summer. This would give businesses yet another major social media site to build and maintain.

While Google+ doesn’t have the membership of Facebook, if it takes off, being on Google+ could be as valuable as being on Facebook in the future.

Why Google+ Is Important

Google is the leader in web search. For more than a decade, their analysis of what’s important and relevant has driven the way websites are created and given birth to an industry of people who are experts are getting your site placed high in search results (SEO).

Things have change in the last few years. The website or blog page isn’t the only way we share information. Thanks to Twitter and Facebook, we now share smaller, bite-sized bits of information. Status updates are just as important as blog posts but they are not fully integrated into search results.

Now that Google+ is collecting status updates and other bite-sized bits of information, it’s not hard to imagine that the smart folks at Google will figure out how to integrate your status updates with your blog posts and website pages into search results. That will be groundbreaking. My friend, Jay Baer, explains this very well in his blog.

It’s not surprising that Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, is actively checking out Google+.

What To Do Now

Time will tell how important Google+ will become in social media, and how it will co-exist with other major tools. It’s not possible to create a business presence on Google+ today.

Invitations to Google+ were hard to get in the first few days, but have been easier lately. If you get a chance, snag one. It’s worth checking out.

Here are my recommendations:

Start using Google+ personally. That’s the best way for you understand its features and how it integrates with other services. Then, when business pages become available, you’ll be better prepared to decide if your business wants to include Google+ in your social media presence.
Add the Google +1 button to your website and blog now. This feature is similar to the Facebook like button. It’s a way for people to say that they like your business and your content. There’s a whole section in each Google+ profile to list the things you +1 online.

However, the +1 button is more important than just for Google+. Google is now incorporating the +1 button to search results, and some people expect that Google will soon incorporate +1 into its search results ranking. In other words, having people +1 (like) you blog and site could impact your search results in the near future.

My site runs on WordPress, and there are several +1 plugins available. I’m currently using ”WordPress Google +1 Button” if you trying to decide. So far, I like it.

Stay tuned for more information as Google+adds new features and starts reaching a larger audience.

Your turn: Have you tried Google+? What do you think? How do you see this tool helping with your business online presence? Share your insights and experience here.

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Using The Updated Google Results Sidebar

Charlene Kingston — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:51 +0000

Understanding how to get the results you want from Google is an important skill. Google recently changed the options available for search results. Take a few minutes to practice using these new features.

Before You Start: You use social media for your business. You understand the importance of Google search for your business.
Learning Level: 3 | Building Skills
Article Last Updated: Sunday, December 4, 2011

Google Search Results Sidebar

Google recently updated it’s search page (including an updated logo) and moved it’s commands on the search results page. The result is a cleaner look and (hopefully) a more efficient search experience.

Here are a couple tips to help you get the most from your Google search results. Before you start, use Google to get search results from a search like this.

What are you looking for? Google searches through everything by default. Click More to see the individual search types. Click on a single search type (video, images, maps, news, blogs, etc.) to narrow your search. Click Fewer to remove the search type options.
Limit the age of the results. Click More search tools to display the full list of search options. Select the appropriate time frame (latest, past 24 hours, past week, etc.) to filter out results from a different time frame.
Categorize the search results. Click Wonder wheel to see the search results broken into categories. Google displays the wheel with categories. Click the name of the category you want to see. Google updates the wonder wheel and display the results from the selected category on the right. Click Reset tools to turn off the wonder wheel.
See what other people searched for. Click Related searches to see a list of search terms other people have used. Then click on the search term to see the results from that search.

Learning how to get the information you want from search engines is one of the most important skills you can develop. Practice using these search options until you understand how they work and how to find the information you want.

Your turn: How have you used Google search to find information for your business? Share your tips and experience here.

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Google Maps And QR Codes

Charlene Kingston — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:00:57 +0000

Thanks to Google, more then 100,000 businesses now have a sticker with a QR code (2D bar code) at their door. This code links a person with a smart phone to the business’ Place Page on Google Maps.

Before You Start: You have some experience using Google Maps or a similar online mapping service. You understand QR codes.
Learning Level: 1 | Social Media Basics
Article Last Updated: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 (no longer updated)

Update: On March 30, 2011, Google officially stopped supporting QR codes in Google Places. They have moved to near field communications (NFC) which involves using a chip embedded into an object. This article remains as written for historical purposes.

Google Place Pages

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpende/ / CC BY 2.0

In 2009, Google launched its Place Page program to give every place on the planet it’s own web page. When you add your business to Google Maps, or claim it, you update your business Place Page. A Place Page for a business includes information about your hours, services, products, and other relevant information for your customers. You can also include photographs and videos to give even more information about your business to potential customers. It also includes a place for customer reviews, so people can see how much your customers love your business.

Google Maps And Favorite Places

Recently, the smart folks at Google Maps sent out a door sticker to 100,000 businesses identified as the most popular on Google Maps. The sticker identifies the business as part of the Favorite Places program. The door sticker include the Google logo and a QR code that hardlinks the business to it’s mobile Place Page on Google Maps.

So it’s too late for your business to make the first 100,000 in the Favorite Place program, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from the Google Place Page program and QR codes. You can add your business (or claim it) on Google Maps and build out your Place Page with all of the details your customers might want to know. Next, use one of the online sources to create a QR code with the address of your Google Place Page and add it to your business front door. While you are at it, why not add it to your business card and other marketing materials.

QR codes are just starting to show up in the United States, but are common in Europe and Japan. Check out this Flickr photo group of real life examples of QR codes in the wild to get a glimpse of the future in the US.

Your turn: Have you seen a QR code on a business? Or did your business get one of the Favorite Places stickers? Share your experience.

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Finding And Using Creative Commons Content

Charlene Kingston — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:37 +0000

It’s easy to find images online with Creative Commons licenses. You can use advanced search options on many media websites to find items with a Creative Commons license. You can also use the Creative Commons search to find images on sites like Flickr and Google with a specific Creative Commons license.

Before You Start: You have a basic understanding of image copyrights and the Creative Commons licenses.
Learning Level: 3 | Building Skills
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Creative Commons Licensed Media

Many types of media get the Creative Commons licensing including ebooks, articles, photographs, illustrations, music, and video clips. There are several places where you can find media online that have the appropriate Creative Commons license for your project. Each of these advanced search forms include options for Creative Commons licenses to help narrow your search.

Google (web) – usage rights option
Google (image) – usage rights option
Yahoo! (image) – Creative Commons license option
Flickr (image) – Creative Commons option
Blip.tv (video) – License drop-down option
Jamendo (music)
SpinXpress (various)
WikiMedia (various)

Finding Images For Your Blog

Most bloggers want to find free images to use in their blog posts. This is one way you can use images with the Creative Commons licenses in your online presence. If you want an image that you will use as-is (with no modifications), you are looking for the Creative Commons licenses:

Attribution
Attribution Share Alike
Attribution No Derivatives

Each image creator defines how they want you to handle the attribution. You can’t decide how you want to attribute, you must follow the instructions given by the person who created the image and assigned the license.

Creative Commons Image Search

It’s easy to find content with the specific Creative Commons license you need for your project using the Creative Commons search.

Display the Creative Commons search page.
Type selected keywords that describe the image you want to find in the search query box.
Choose the appropriate license options (commercial and modify/adapt/build upon) checkboxes.
Click GO.
The images that match your requirements in Google Images search display. You can navigate through the pages of search results, and click to display a specific image details.
To change the search to another online source, click the appropriate tab. The search results from that source appear. You can navigate through the search results and click on an item to display specific media details.

Your turn: Do you use Creative Commons images in your blog? Share your experience. Are you a photographer who assigns Creative Commons licenses? We’d love any insights you can share here.

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Getting On Google Maps

Charlene Kingston — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:41 +0000

Many people use Google Maps to find businesses and get directions online. It’s a great place to list your storefront business. If your business is not on Google Maps, you can add it quickly and easily. If your business already appears on Google Maps, you can take charge of the listing and update it to include additional information for your customers. You can put your business on the map with Google Maps.

Before You Start: You have a storefront business.
Learning Level: 2 | Getting Started
Article Last Updated: Monday, August 22, 2011

Google Maps Business Listings

Online maps have been a popular feature for many years, with MapQuest in the lead position. However, in 2009, Google Maps beat Mapquest as the most popular online mapping service. Google Maps offers many services, including:

View a map, street view (video), or satellite image of a destination.
Search for places and businesses on the map.
Save locations you visit frequently.
View a list of businesses located near a destination.
Mobile access to mapping information.

Google Maps business listings include a wide range of information. Some of these may not be appropriate for your business. Take a few minutes to line up these resources before you start adding your business to Google Maps.

Daily hours listing.
Payment options.
Up to 10 business photos.
Up to 5 videos listed on YouTube.
Additional information, such as parking, services, and email address.

You can add this information when you create your business listing, or you can add them later.

Add Your Business To Google Maps

Is your business on Google Maps? Do a quick search. If your business is not already listed, here’s how to add it.

Go to Google Places (Local Business Center).
Click List Your Business.
Select your country, type your business phone number, and click Find Business Information. Google searches for business based on your phone number.
Fill out the business information form.
Click Submit.
Google asks for your preferred validation method. You must verify your business listing either by phone or mail. Select your validation method.
Click Finish.

Claiming Your Business Listing

If your business already appears on Google Maps but you did not add it, Google gives you the option to claim the listing. This allows you to edit and enhance your business listing. You can update your listing with hours, payment information, photos, videos, and any additional information appropriate for your business.

Locate your business on Google Maps and click More Info (in the pop-up or the description).
Google displays a full page business description.
In the blue bar at the top, click Business Owner?
Google takes you to the Google Places page for claiming your business listing.
Choose Edit My Business Inforamtion and click Continue.
Google displays the business information form with the existing data. You can edit or add to this information.
Click Submit.
Google asks for your preferred validation method. You must validate your business listing either by phone or mail. Select your validation method.
Click Finish.

After the validation, you can update your Google Map listing at any time.

Your turn: Is your business listed on Google Maps? Did you list it yourself, or did you claim the existing listing? Share what you have learned here.

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Reputation Management with Google Alerts

Charlene Kingston — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:01 +0000

If you run a business, most likely people are talking about your business on social media, even if you are not yet using social media. Google Alerts are a free tool that you can start using today to listen for these hidden conversations.

Before You Start: You understand reputation management and can use Google.
Learning level: 2 | Getting Started
Article last updated: Thursday, September 22, 2011

Google Alerts

When you do a Google search, it provides you with all of the results it can find at that moment. A Google Alert is a stored search that continues to find results as Google finds new matches. You can receive these new results through email.

When you create a Google Alert for your company, your brand, or your product/service name, Google constantly monitors the internet for new mentions of these names and emails you the results.

Google doesn’t charge for this service. However, you must have a free Google account to use the full range of alert services and set up the maximum number of alerts.

Creating Your Search

A Google Alert is a stored search. The more specific your search, the better results you will get. Here’s a general strategy to define your search.

Create a simple search for your company or brand on Google.
Review the search results and identify ways you can refine your search (add more key words or exclude specific words).
Switch over to the advanced search page. Use the form options to add your search refinements and run your search again.
Review the search results, refine your search string, and repeat as necessary.
When you have the search string you want to use for your Google Alert, copy it to the clipboard (higlight and CTRL+C).

If you don’t know how to use advanced search techniques such as Boolean operators, take a little time to experiment with these search features. You can use the Google advanced search page to create a customized search criteria and Google will create the search string for you.

Google Alert Options

Google indexes nearly everything it finds on the web and includes it in the search results. However, it sorts the results into general categories based on where it finds things:

News
Blogs
Web (general websites)
Video
Groups (results found in any Google group)

You can request a separate alert for each location. Google also offers a comprehensive option that includes news, blogs, and web results.

There are more options for creating and managing your alerts. Check the Google Alerts FAQ for more information.

Creating A Google Alert

After you have a search string defined, you are ready to create your Google Alert.

Display the Google Alerts page.
Type or paste (CTR+V) in your search string.
Select the search type, the alert frequency, and the email results length.
Type your email address.
Click Create Alert.

You can use the Google Alert feature without having a Google account. However, you are limited to having a few alerts and you can’t manage them until you have a free Google account. If you don’t yet have a Google account, this would be a great time to start one. There are many free Google services that you can use with an account.

Now, sit back and wait for Google to let you know when it finds your search item mentioned online.

Your turn: Do you use Google Alerts to help you with reputation management? What tips or tricks can you share with the community?

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