3 ways Google’s changes to Google+ will affect your PR plan

Google has changed the SEO and social media game again, so you’ll need to change with it

Google recently announced a major change in how it handles Google+ for businesses. Most of the features a Google+ profile had before, such as phone numbers, reviews, operating insights and page insights, can now be found on the Google Maps profile. This update affects how a company should manage its SEO and prioritize its Google profiles. Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the game:

Search Engine Optimization

Previously, you had to manage your Google+ and/or Google Business accounts in order to boost your SEO ranking. With this change, you’ll need to add your business’s Google Maps profile in the mix in order to get the most out of Google’s services. Having active Google profiles for your business is important for SEO, so update your Google Maps profile as soon as possible.

Change your social media updating priorities

Since Google Maps will contain essential information, like your location and other general facts about your company, it’s vital that your company’s Google Maps profile always has the latest information. Searchers will be using the information from your Google Maps profile when they search for any keywords related to your company, so it is critical that your profile is frequently updated with as much information as possible.

On the other hand, your Google+ page will become far less important than it is now. Google+ is already less popular than other social media networks, meaning there’s less incentive to use it. And it’s saving grace – information about your company for potential customers – is now at Google Maps, so there’s much less of a need to keep Google+ updated.

Leveraging your Google Maps profile

Google’s modifications to Google+ necessitate adding your Google Maps profile to your PR plan. Customers will be seeing your Google Maps profile pop up when they search for you, so you should be sure that it is an integrated and important part of your PR strategy.

To do this, you will want to incorporate your Google business profile into your general SEO and social media plan. A good idea for leveraging your Google Maps profile is to let it serve as a quick summary of your company. Include vital information (such as location and operating hours), a summary of your services, images of your company’s location and, if possible, images of your company working. Your Google Maps profile will be the first impression many people will have of your company, so make sure it has all essential information in it and gives the reader a good idea of what your company does.

Google has really changed the game with how companies interact with Google products. You’ll need to keep your Google Maps profile updated and active in order to better reach customers. Integrating your Google Maps profile into your PR plan will be very beneficial, as it will allow potential customers to quickly obtain information about your company when they search for you on Google. Plus, your Google Maps profile will be mobile-friendly, which translates to more leads and more customers. To learn more about the best ways to reach your target audience through social media, download Axia PR’s e-book The Essential Social Media Management Guide or get in touch with an Axia PR pro today.